#The fun of freeform interaction haha

[sysig]

An ask! Idk what to talk abt though. How are you? What you want more asks abt? Characters? Life? Some other obscure interest?

(In reference to this I think hehe)

I'm doing well, thank you! I hope the same for you!

As for asks I'd like, I'm up for pretty much anything! If there's something that piques your interest - a take I put out but didn't elaborate on, "Defend that argument!" Lol ♪ I've also had people ask how I do certain things which is always fun to explain :D

Emoji gifts/silly back-and-forths are always fun to doodle to as well! ♫

Or if there's a fandom I haven't posted in a while and you miss it - I have no idea how many fandom transitions people here have hung with! Even if it's been a while, I still love my blorbos hehe ♥

Becoming a psuedo-ask blog with my characters answering directly is still totallly on the table btw :) Something remind you of me/them? Interest!

And while it's not quite Requestober-time-of-year again, next month is the start of when you should be thinking up what you might want 👀

I'd just like to chat! :) Asks are such a casual way of interacting, I like them :D

[girlfox]

what draws you to writing canon characters?

⸜( ´ ꒳ ` )⸝ i'm going to smush all of your asks into one answer if that's okay!

what draws you to writing canon characters?

honestly— i strongly prefer writing canon characters that have almost no lore or very open lore, because i enjoy writing someone who's known and pre-established but whom i can mold into my own interpretation very freely? i'm basically drawn to canon characters that i can treat like original characters hehe. but i just like having something to work with, and then going wild with it!

how do you feel about canon divergences, crossovers, and alternate universes?

i'm all for them! the league community isn't exactly thriving or anything like that, so i end up writing out of universe for ahri whether i'd like to or not ( although i definitely like to ). besides, i have a lot of love for writing ahri into different universes and crossovers; she's such a versatile character, and i truly enjoy seeing how she'd snugly fit into someone else's world and how she'd behave inside of it. exploring all facets of ahri is just so fun. as for divergences, gimme! i want to know how other people view their character and interpret them differently from canon, and i'd be hypocritical not to appreciate that.

are there any lesser played canon characters you’d like to see in your community? would you consider writing them?

... all of them HAHA. the league community like i said isn't exactly well and alive, especially compared to more popular fandoms these days. which i'm honestly a lil' surprised by considering how massive league still is, and how it still puts out excellent lore and world building and characters that i'd figure people might be drawn to. there are multiple characters in league i would write, and have written, such as lux, avarosa, sona, katarina, soraka, and more!

do you prefer plotting a thread or improvising? does it depend?

i like both! there's not really any preference, but it is nice having an open line of communication either way so we can preplan or ramble about it along the way. this really only applies to long threads though, i'm all about freeform banter and small interactions.

[insurrection-if]

ooo you're developing a new IF, author?

Aha, not quite! (；´∀｀)

Hunters is a part of the interconnected Universe of fiction concepts I have, so its nothing new in the catalogue. Other ideas in that Universe—Bird Caught in Wires (cyberpunk), In Blind Reverence (crime thriller?), and Faith & Beauty (fantasy intrigue with romance focus)—are much more developed in characters, plot, and concepts while dating back to my high school years.

Though, fun fact, when I decided to try my hand at IF, Hunters was a main contender for adaptation alongside Faith & Beauty and Insurrection. Insurrection being the oldest and most developed with its characters, concept, and plot trajectory won out since I thought that would translate to less pre-development revising for interactive storytelling . . . Until the HAWKS replaced the CONDORS as the core protagonists, thus setting so much pre-development on fire until I had to rebuilt from the ashes, haha! （；^ω^）

All the ideas in this Universe, except for Insurrection, are no priority or actualized IF. They’re more so pallet cleansers to just change things up in my daydreams so it’s not Insurrection overload in my brain, and that leads to ideas I figure I might as well jot down.

Hunters rests more on the undeveloped side—set pieces / realms, concepts, cultures, etc.—as it is all more so vague on its elements. The first defined characters other than vague outlines or silhouettes in my head are the brainstormed RO cast— and that allows me to get the ball rolling on an extended cast and plot around them . . . though in a rather passive manner as Insurrection takes the lead.

Hunters is particularly fun for me since it's so freeform. Mm, on the scale from ordered to chaos, it would rest second-to-last on chaotic (since it's so freedom in its elements) while the absolute chaotic end of the scale is occupied by the entire appeal of This World Was Never Ours which (to me) is the pure mashup and lawlessness of the setting and characters. Different planets, deities, societies, species, customs, worship, so on . . . it's all quite entertaining to me as it allows for so much switch-up and exploration!

I'll indulge myself a bit and share the (half-)mortal RO concepts below the cut. Aside from them, the romanceable Divines I have in mind would be founded upon Desire, Death, Justice, and Creation. Again though, Insurrection is the sole active IF on my plate, haha! (ｏ'ｖ｀ｂ)ｂ

Creed / Verina

Deemed a Paragon, etched into eternal myth, the Knight exhibits pride and grace with the subtle elegance worthy of a natural-born Divine. Sired by the Abyss and a Star, the Knight has been condemned to an immortal existence— lonely eons given meaning through their service to Order in the face of Chaos. Severe in their presence, righteous in their actions, none would dare to defy their curt and cold command. Their initiation into the Hunters is near ancient, though not soon enough to stand as a core founder. Recent centuries have inspired their bitter distaste towards most others that bear the society's mark, yet still they remain faithful to the 'brotherhood' their fellow Hunters demand.

Their half-Celestial nature is unhidden to the eye. Broad and muscular, the nightly darkness of their surface entraps shifting hues of violet and blinking stars contained within their humanoid form. Their hair, composed of a brilliant white flame kept short and neat when in a male form or flowing to their mid-back in a female form, flickers with life in accordance to their movement and emotions - always seeming to retain a soft brush as though caught within an eternal breeze. The hollowed space where human eyes would rest instead contains miniature blue suns. Typically mouthless, their face may adapt to inhabit more humanoid features such as a nose or mouth to better convey their emotions. Most notable about their shape is it’s tendency to melt into the shadows, capable of consuming an audience or room in its darkness or extending into tendrils at will. Their form is ultimately a shell, malleable yet fixed.

Their presence remains limited to the Courts of Divines or the battlefield, a life reflected in their penchant for black and blue-tinted ceremonial armor and attachment to their blade gifted by Justice.

Doran / Iris

Raised in the Court of Love, and former military in the realm of Curiosity, Doran / Iris is easily mistakable for yet another member of lowly humankind. Cunning and sly, playful with danger and desire, they are driven by their sense of curiosity and generous self-interest. They are a closet academic (an expert in histories, divinities, and customs) and bear a neutral stance on the killing of gods (caring more so for the reward that follows the deed). Flirtatious with rare intent to follow through, their true love seems to be the thought of adventure knocking at their door. Truly, their rank as a Hunter originated more from a desire to uncover the mysteries surrounding the exclusive and secretive organization from within than anything else. If anything, they might have been more suited to the life of a rogue or thief, yet the notoriety prestige of a Hunter keeps their lifestyle entertaining enough to not complain. Perhaps the most closely guarded secret about their person is their nature as a shapeshifter . . . a trait that proves to be most useful when unknown to others.

Their default human-esque appearance is fitted with pale skin, choppy golden hair, upturned green eyes, and a beauty mark rested upon their upper right cheek. Their lithe frame is fitted with black dress pants. pristine leather shoes, leather gloves, a half-open bell sleeved (corset) top, and half-cloak - though their attire is quite adaptable based on their immediate environment.

They are often found in forbidden vaults, courts, sanctuaries, palaces, or wherever else trouble and excitement can be stolen (or simply found).

Oliver / Olive

Partnered with the MC upon their initiation, Olive(r) seems to be a far cry from the iconic battle-hardened image of a Hunter. Born in the realm of Tranquility, their calm and amiable nature has made them quite the mediator in foreign lands. Impossibly tall with lean musculature, their demure stance greatly veils the true danger they possess as an elite archer trained in the Border Guard. Their home clan, abundant and lively, stirs homesickness through the decades spent apart, yet the former hunter and guard is loyal to the duty they've sworn. Olive(r) seeks out corrupt and cruel deities to deliver a swift and justified end, though they greatly fear the fate of the worshippers left behind.

Adorned in tight and sparse embroidered leather - rarely agreeing to more than low-waisted leather bottoms, boots, belt, and half-jacket (+ bra if female) - Olive(r) is more used to the free-spirited standard of appearance that is not always acceptable abroad. Their straight and silky dark turquoise locks, loose if male and braided if female, extends to their waist while bearing the occasional flower (or crown of them if possible). Their complexion ranges across their entire frame from teal to a forest green, sporadic and vague spots or gradients altering based on emotion, yet their entire body becomes luminescent in darkness as their colors shift from a royal purple to lavender shades. Their ears are elongated and sharp, commonly jutting out horizontally with considerable rotation and motor control. Their teeth are blunt, their pupils are rectangular, and (if male) white horns of a stag protrude from his forehead or (if female) an amethyst gem rests in the center of her forehead. And what cannot be overlooked is the flexible tail that grazes along the floor as a commonly inconvenient feature in certain realms.

Always close to the MC’s side, they often prefer to wander among the locals and immerse themselves in the common lives of the people to better assess the injustices or graces of the ruling Divine in that domain.

Itzal / Ihintza

Vindictive and harsh, the child to Grief has drowned themself in an endless pool of blood and vendettas. Their tongue is sharp fittingly sharp for their biting words. There is a fire in their eyes, a relentless passion in the methodical hunt they lead. They tend to become possessive over those under their protection, and bear a general melancholic air beneath the aggressive nature they try to exude. A wanderer by heart, they demonstrate few moral boundaries when it comes to their sense of justice and survival. They bear little to no reservations on which Divines to slaughter, making them a favored companion / courtier to the otherwise soft-spoken Death. Actions often precede words in their company, and bloodthirst tends to arise when their self-discipline slips from their grasp. A loner and outcast, they long to possess some sense of salvation or hope in their dreaded immortal existence.

Black paint smears itself across the upper portion of their face. Crimson outlines their eyes before trailing down their cheeks in fading lines. Ashen skin, blackened up to the elbows with jagged ends to the ichor shade, has become horribly scarred through the onslaught of pain and punishment received over a lifetime. Their sharp eyes, partially obscured by their (if male) short and curly or (if female) hip-length and curly dark hair, contain nothing but a vibrant red that glows in darkness. Long black claws extend from their rough hands, curved black horns protrude from their head, leathery wings extend from their back, and elven ears mark their mortal parentage. Dual fangs along their upper and bottom row of teeth further heighten their threatening appearance, though their mouth is often veiled behind a thick black scarf paired with a dark hood. Light armor outlines their (if male) husky or (if female) curvaceous figure and pairs with high boots and heavy jewelry along their ears. Painted markings in crimson or black across their physique often tell the tale of their most recent kills, washed through magical ritual only when room is needed for a tale more glorious or meaningful.

Their presence roams across broken lands left in ruin, near inaccessible to the common mortal. If not lurking near their next mark, they keep to the fringes of life.

Shahbaz/ Kamaria

More akin to an assassin than Hunter, they toe the line of disgrace as they have turned their sights more to mortal corruption while seemingly blind to the whims of the Divine. Quiet and reserved, their presence often remains undetected as death follows in their wake. Born in godless lands, their survival to this point has been hard-earned and riddled with poisonous guilt. Humble and cautious, they tend to observe from the shadows and work independently from those that may turn their blades upon them in the blink of an eye. They are diligent, dependable, but somewhat dreamy as they become absorbed in their ponderous musings that bring much needed ease and reflection to their soul. As a Hunter, they are notoriously brutal and selective, feared by mortals as much as they are feared by Divines despite never once causing an ounce of harm to the (undeserving) former. Truly, in their heart of hearts, there is a kind mercy for the helpless and downtrodden beneath the terrifying visage their reputation has branded upon them.

For such a subdued personality, their athletic presence provides a sharp contrast with its striking harshness and allure. Their hardened skin is composed of volcanic rock, magma encased with an eternal burning flow beneath their rough surface. Its glow emits from their opened mouth (even slightly through pressed lips), their empty gaze, and the unhealed cracks when broken by assailants. Enchantment allows their skin to soften into a more fleshy substance, still heated beneath one’s touch and radiant with a orangish-red tint, though the activation of this magic is signified by azure markings that hum with a dim light across the entirety of their flesh. The outer layers of their hair are a deep red, brightened by the orange lumination in the under layers. Shahbaz tries to style the thick waves back from his face whereas Kamaria lets her locks bounce at a chin-length. Their ears are small and pointed, and their tongue is elongated in a snake-like fashion. They often dress in heavy red traveling robes with golden accents, but generally adopt local attire that offers the most masking to their visage. They bear a fondness for jewelry, yet forgo the acquirement of it due to fears of marking themself as a target for thieves and criminals. Instead, their twin blades must suffice.

Their time is spent in quiet sanctuaries in the heart of busy abundance, seeking out isolation while keeping the assurance of life close by.

[riteflyzing]

faraway with ask meme questions (anon because side-blogs can't ask questions) 5. Favorite UMA you own? 6. Have you changed your custom progen at all? How? And a freeform question, if you don't mind answering, since that ask meme has no art related questions: favorite dragon art you have drawn (can be either your dragon or somebody else's dragon you have drawn.)

Fave UMA: Crimson Lantern Lights, as seen on Bishop here https://flightrising.com/main.php?p=lair&id=35041&tab=dragon&did=6957661

I love the tiger lillies so much. Bishop just wouldn’t be Bishop without them

I’m one of those weirdos who exalted both their progens many years ago haha - I used scatterscrolls on my custom progen a couple times and then gave up. I regret that now, because at the time I was buying into people’s complaints about the color Spring, but there’s tons of genes that make Spring look great now. Oh well!

As for favorite art, I’m torn between three images I’ve done, which are my favorites for different incompatible reasons

This https://riteflyzing.tumblr.com/image/186186621328 is my favorite because it’s one of the more ambitious fanart images I’ve done, an actual scene and everything with complex lighting and staging.

Also one of the rare images I’ve done depicting a dragon interacting with their familiar (Escalante and her Mischievous Magnifier) and with their apparel (Bryce holding his telescope from the Cosmologist Fieldtools), which is something I’d like to do more often as it makes them feel more like actual characters

This https://riteflyzing.tumblr.com/image/173033828998 is my favorite because it was a very effective use of textural brushes and flat colors. I’m pleased still with the strong silhouette and I feel like I really made the case for why Intuition is a knockout with his red face against double azure secondary and tertiary.

And this https://riteflyzing.tumblr.com/image/174632233008 is my favorite because it was a lil quicky animation but it perfectly shows Ash’s personality, better than any other art I’ve ever drawn of him. It’s always a fun challenge with Ash to make a dragon with as dire an appearance as him look like a goofball.

[comicteaparty]

July 20th-July 26th, 2020 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from July 20th, 2020 to July 26th, 2020.  The chat focused on Ring Spell by Artem Ficta.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Ring Spell by Artem Ficta~! (http://ring-spell.com/)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace until July 26th, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Discussions are freeform, but we do offer discussion prompts in the pins for those who’d like to have them. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic! Whether you finish the comic or can only read a few pages, everyone is welcome to join and chat with us!

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 1

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic?

2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)?

3. Who is your favorite character?

4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?

5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it!

6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores?

7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content?

8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

Feather J. Fern

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic? I like how it seems lighthearted at first, but knowing Artem it's going to drop the ball on us really soon haha.(edited)

Also I always love how the backgrounds are, they look great.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Hahah, it's a shame I didn't get one more update up XD Thank you so much, Feather~!

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

well, the CTP is gonna run for the rest of the week...

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

I can't finish the next 8 pages by then XD

My guess is they'll be up the week after next

RebelVampire

For the beginning, I'm with Feather and I like how quickly the comic transitions from just lalala happy school to oh wait there's weird shit going on. I really like stories where the status quo is quickly ripped out from under your feet. My favorite moment in the comic so far is probably the most recent scene when we get to see Lyall's apartment and ya know, Claire starts dropping all these bombshells on us. The scene is the epitome of "Well that escalated quickly" and its just loaded with so much info to unpack. My favorite character right now is Claire. One because she seems the most sensible and mysterious, and two because I love Claire's hair so much and I'm so jealous and want such floof beautiful hair. ;3; As for characters I like see interacting the most, probably Claire and Lyall and they have some really good banter and a relationship, insofar, that's just kind of hilarious in its brutal honesty. A close second for me is Claire and Tasha as it quickly switches from happy smiles to probably most likely to have a catfight in the hallway.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Catfight in the hallway, lolol. Makes me want to draw them dressed like cat girls XD

RebelVampire

No not that sort of catfight

probably

O_O

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

comic turns into a catgirl fetish comic

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

1. I like how the first word is Zenchav which was the title of the comic this is a hard reboot of XD 2. My favorite moment was Lyall sticking his hands up Damon's shirt XD I really like how it was drawn and it's the most Lyall thing ever to do. 3. My favorite character overall is Damon, although it's probably Lyall at this point in the story. But I like them all of course XD 4. Damon and anybody, lol. I like when I get to draw him XD 5. I've been trying out a new shading style with this since I almost exclusively just hard shaded before, so it's nice to be branching out a bit and trying some new things. The Intro page is probably my favorite atm.

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

Theory: Lyall sticking his cold hands up Damon's shirt is how he drains Damon's energy, because secretly he's the witch.

mariah (rainy day dreams)

Oh no! XD that would be a twist!

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Oh snap!

mathtans

Hmmm, so we ship Claire and Tasha then?

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

I don't not ship Tasha and Claire >v>

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Drew that picture of them

RebelVampire

We should indeed all suspect Lyall. I mean no parents, lives alone, yet somehow affords everything? That's witchery.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

How does he afford all that stuff

does he sell drugs on the side or something XD it is suspicious

mathtans

1. I'll mostly echo everyone else here in terms of the start seems pretty straightforward and makes one wonder how the teaser page fits into it all. I'll add a remark on the subtle details of world building, like you've got your digital alarm... and dude straight up has a TAIL, and it's like, no comment, that's normal too.

2. Favourite moment was probably recruiting Claire into the cosplay skit. It's like, hello new person, oh you want to associate with us? Then you need the proper accessories, and Claire's all 'Um, I'm not sure... prop weapons? Uh, okay then...' Cosplay is a force to be reckoned with. (nods)

3. Fave character... yeah, may have to echo Rebel here and go with Claire. Possibly because she's the first chapter name, and like the reader is coming into this new situation, so can get behind her trying to figure it out... but also because I'm big on the time/space bureau stuff and that sounds like a cool job to get.

Damon has a cool cane and has the mysterious ailment afflicting his cosplay though, so he's my fave guy at the moment. (Werewolf blood? Moon thing? Dunno.)

4. I honestly do like the Tasha/Claire interactions the most, because each of them seems to have something to hide, and so you're kind of wondering if and when one of them might slip up. The other girl interrupting with the paint was classic, and I felt it helped break tension. The ship picture (which I imagine won't show in the log) is kind of representative of that with the chessboard too, like they're making moves against the other (though I'm not yet convinced that one is a witch, could be a setup).

Of course, I'm very biased towards the yuri, so grain of salt for my opinions and all. And while the ship was a humour comment at first, I think I'm more into it after seeing a "catfight" could play out.

All that said, the Lyall/Damon interactions are equally good. Lyall's perversion sometimes saying the quiet part out loud.

5. I recognize the art style, have read some of the work before (under different name). Always find the hair impressive, like here you get the impression of each individual strand except that's not actually what's drawn... you can still see the neat ears, Claire having some strands that fall in front of her too. The shading is really good too, like definitely shades of grey, not just black and white.

Kind of echoing the author there, but I can see it.

I'm so bad with themes and need to charge computer, will be back later. o.o

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

I love all this input Math, thank you ;3;/

RebelVampire

@mathtans You have no idea how happy I am that someone noticed the tail that nobody seemed to comment on.

RebelVampire

What I like about the art is how clean and crisp everything is cause mmmm that sexy lineart you can just paint bucket when needed. <3 I like that the comic explores the idea of having someone you've known your entire life possibly be evil. Cause it opens up a lot of questions. Like should you doubt? Should you trust? And at which point have you hit the point of betrayal? So I'm glad we'll get to see a bit of this tackled as Lyall and Claire look for evidence. As for the overall story, I like that there's just lots of questions going on. It's a theorists dream. But I find the more mysteries a comic has, the more engaging it is. Because even when you know the answer, it's interesting everytime to see the characters reach that answer. As for the comic's strengths, see the above and the art. It's super pretty and clean to look at, has some fantastic emotive faces during the more comedic moments, and there's just lots to theorize and look forward too. ;3;

Now I will proceed to weep as someone who beta read the script and actually can't theorize cause I just know .

mathtans

Others may have noticed but not been sure what to say? (Does the tail turn into the cane?)

6. Ok, themes... could be a theme of belonging in there. Like Claire being accepted into the group, like Lyall wondering if she's only talking to him to get to Damon, that sort of thing? Then there's the idea Rebel raised of thinking you know someone but not necessarily knowing them.

Of course, there's also credibility, like maybe Claire is simply an escaped mental patient with really good hacking skills to get herself in the school and apartment. Because that's quite the tale she spins. (Though Lyall had heard of the organization? Or he's pranking her, bit hard to know for sure.)

7/8. The story's been setting up a number of things in the background, I feel. Which can be a strength, as we're learning more character items first. Though Claire's latest revelation I'm really jazzed about, because the idea of time travel (times when demons weren't supposed to be) and personification (Earth as a female entity) are right up my alley. So that's cool.

Also Lyall apparently has a strange aura to go with Tasha's strange energy? Maybe the witch is jumping bodies. Maybe we should ship Lyall/Tasha.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Oh my gosh, loving these ideas!

I don't want to give spoilers but I think I'll answer the tail thing cause I never really meant for it to be a mystery It's just tucked into his pants when he's in public is all. That's why he's wearing the track suit for the school and not the standard school uniform, cause the pants are looser.

although it turning into the cane could have been hella cool(edited)

now I'm a little bummed I never thought of that

But the cane has other purposes

mathtans

I didn't really think it was a big mystery, and that explanation makes sense. (So I suppose it could be not normal, only normal for Damon's friends... demon prejudice otherwise?) Ok, so the cane is where he hides his stimulants to keep awake until the full moon.

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 2

9. What are your theories about Damon’s past? Why is he concerned about when the full moon is? Additionally, what do you think was meant about Damon and Xerfonos being the same age but not being twins?

10. Do you think Claire is right that Tasha is the witch Cadence? If so, how will she prove it? If not, who else could it be? Also, what might this all have to do with Tasha’s concern about Claire being the mysterious Draco’s student?

11. What do you think Cadence ultimately wants from Damon? Why would this compel the Earth, and by extension Apus, to protect him? Also, even if the characters find Cadence, can she actually be stopped?

12. Why do you think Lyall reacted so strangely to Claire mentioning Apus, and why do you think he’s so sure Apus wouldn’t care about protecting Damon? Do you think Lyall can trust Claire even for the long term?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

mathtans

9. I mean, Damon seems to be a demon, but he's cool with being in our world, so... maybe he was born of a human/demon pairing? Or he was adopted by humans when he was a baby and simply given the same birthday as Xerfonos. I'm guessing the full moon has more significance than merely to werewolves (unless Damon needs to bite a werewolf to regain strength idk) and so it would help him.

I will say that initially the "same age" thing didn't phase me because there's more than 9 months in a year, plenty of time for having a second kid born in the same year. But now that I'm debating the adoption angle, maybe there's more to it.

They're not twins... they're TRIPLETS! Dun dun dun. Anyway.

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

they could also just not be twins due to a date technicality like one was born right before midnight and one was born right after

but yeah the adoption angle would explain a lot

mathtans

10. I don't think she's right about Tasha, or if she's right, not in the way she thinks. Because we've seen some from Tasha's perspective and she didn't seem to be the person in charge of whatever. In terms of proof, I guess she could see if Tasha would cosplay as a witch? And if the shoe fits? But yeah, maybe the witch is jumping between people like I mentioned earlier, or is not actually there yet, like APUS got the date wrong or something. Maybe Tasha's also trying to protect Damon from the witch (hence trying to give him that new name) but it's a rival organization?

I mean, technically still twins in that case, just not having the same birthday. (If Feb 29th enters into it, it gets even weirder.)

Actually, why wouldn't Claire use Damon's given name? Maybe her organization doesn't know everything it thinks it does?

Anyway, just had time for some random thoughts. Back later tonight.

mathtans

11. Cadence may just want him to keep living so that she can keep siphoning off energy. (Thus perhaps APUS wants him dead, it's not about protection?!) Or maybe Cadence wants a sweet cosplay. (Probably not.) Of course, it might be that if she's a free floating witch, she wants his body. Maybe she can't be stopped, but could be redirected?

The Earth aspect is one I haven't really been able to figure out yet. (Are pavonis a type of pasta?) But maybe there's a destiny or something that Damon needs to fulfil first.

12. Lyall could have been pranking, but maybe he knows a different organization like that... or maybe that's the name of some mystery file on his computer that he hasn't been able to open because the Cadence inside him hasn't revealed the password, oooh. I think Lyall can trust Claire (assuming she's not a raving lunatic) and she might even need him to provide better cover (she didn't seem to even know what apartment she was in)... but that's short term. Long term is another question, if she starts getting Apus directives saying to do things he wouldn't agree with.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

This is all so interesting ;3;

Pavonis as a type of pasta, lolol

mathtans

I'm glad it's more interesting than rambly.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Nah, I love it XD I'm afraid I'd give spoilers if I said anymore lmao

RebelVampire

My theories about Damon's past are that he's a werewolf. And that something about being a werewolf has changed how he ages compared to Xerfonos - thus why they're the same age but not twins. Granted I guess they could also just be half brothers who have a shared father who said, "Man I should knock two girls up at once." But werewolf sounds more interesting. No I think we've established Lyall is clearly the witch. He is too suspicious. Tasha probably is a super secret agent or something, hence the suspicion. Maybe Apus is into some shady shit that Tasha knows about, especially Draco, so she doesn't want them jumping in on everything. As for how proof, she won't. Cadence will reveal she's Lyall when the most damage can be caused and Claire will weep her career as a detective is through. Cadence might just think Damon is hot. Although I think Damon has a grand destiny ahead of him, and Cadence wants to interfere with that destiny while also bulking up on some of that tasty werewolf energy. Also, can Cadence be stopped? Probably. But definitely not by these chumps right now. XD Lyall reacted strangely cause that was the Cadence in him going oh shit and kind of taking over. And sure, Lyall can trust Claire to never figure out its him. Sorry Claire, you hot, but clearly aren't noticing some stuff.

mathtans

I hadn't considered the "same father different mothers" angle. O.o Maybe it was a sperm donation sort of thing though?

As to Claire, maybe Tasha will be nice enough to buy Claire ice cream and give her snuggles once she realizes the error of her ways.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Tasha and Claire will get to snuggling at some point I'm sure XD

The same father with different mothers sounds most probable

of what's been mentioned at least

mathtans

I mean, time travel could also be involved. What with Apus.

Maybe Claire is Damon's daughter and she's trying to protect her own existence.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Maybe Claire is Xerfonos' mother

Wait, I don't think that'd work out lmao

Daughter would be way more probable

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 3

13. What are you most looking forward to seeing in regards to the comic?

14. Any final words of encouragement for the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

I look forward to getting a bit further into the story XD it's still pretty early on atm and there's a lot of really good scenes later. I don't feel like we've really gotten to know Damon yet either

RebelVampire

I am looking forward to seeing people's theories as the story continues and pieces fall into place. It will be interesting to see the routes people take with the ideas of what the answers are going to be. My final words are just read the comic. O_O

mariah (rainy day dreams)

I didn't end up having any brain power to write responses over the week, but I really enjoyed Ring Spell. Damon and his brother are cuties, Claire seems very capable, and I can't wait to find out what Tasha's motives are. I'm real excited to see how the themes of magical marital vows come to the forefront :3

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Thank you~!

mathtans

Busy weekend was busy. Looking forward to seeing how the Apus thing fits in, like is Claire even from their time period? Will Lyall spill all the secrets? Will the ships happen? I'm so behind in all my reading but I've flagged it to check back when I can.

There was also the bit at the start implying knowing people from other lives, but the time travel possibilities make that weird. And I guess there's also the question of whether a Ring will have a Spell on it. Like, maybe the witch doesn't know she's the witch while she's wearing a ring? Or they have to get her to wear a ring? Here I am guessing again. ^^

14. To conclude, all the best with it, looks like a good setup. I do enjoy the art style too.

Also I guess congrats on being the finale CTP? Nice that you got it in there. Good initiative.

Artem Ficta (Ring Spell)

Thank you so much Math~!

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Ring Spell this week! Please also give a special thank you to Artem Ficta for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Ring Spell, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: http://ring-spell.com/

Artem Ficta’s Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/artemficta

Artem Ficta’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArtemFicta

[annatakestechanim]

Apr. 14th

Today, we discussed deformables. We opened with the “Monster Mash” paper, which introduced a new sketch-based framework designed for casual 3D modeling and animation. The user sketches a character in 2D, and the system automatically inflates it into a 3D model, which the user can then click and drag at different points to animate it. As the user sketches, they can specify ordering constraints, thus allowing them to sketch entirely in 2D without having to change camera view. The demo makes it look incredibly easy and fun to use (Nikolas even managed to make a little model and move it around using the software during class, haha).

We then went over “Teddy: A Sketching Interface for 3D Freeform Design,” one of the first systems that automatically generates 3D shapes from 2D strokes. Their basic idea was to inflate closed regions and make wide areas fat and narrow areas thin, which produced blobby, pool floaty-looking shapes. Still, given that it was one of the trailblazing systems of this kind, it is very impressive.

Next, we took a look at “As-Rigid-As-Possible Shape Manipulation,” which transforms a deformation into a straightforward set of linear algebraic operations. Whereas typical approaches to shape deformation warp the space the model is in, which messes with the model’s shape, ARAP allows the user to add multiple constraints anywhere on the model and manipulate interactively while maintaining the shape of the object. They accomplish this by triangulating the shape internally, and then by applying a manipulation algorithm to the triangle mesh, all without requiring an explicit skeletal structure.

“Fast Automatic Skinning Transformations” took the ARAP idea and applied it to meshes, specifically aiming to modify the ARAP formulation such that it was “extremely efficient” for skinning deformations.

Lastly, we went through “Graphical Modeling and Animation of Brittle Fracture” and got a tutorial on finite element simulation. This method utilizes the lumped mass model, which approximates mass as all being concentrated in certain points. The algorithm is as follows: (1) compute strain, (2) compute stress, (3) compute node forces from stress, and (4) update node state from forces. The force equations resemble spring force equations, involving some constant and a deformation (displacement). There are just four parameters to update that define rigidity, resistance to change in volume, and how quickly kinetic energy is dissipated. The demo of the breaking bowls looked pretty cool, but the goopy demo was a bit weird; the goop seemed to have jittery, almost frilly, edges/surfaces.

[ao3feed-voltronlegendarydefender]

Happy Birthday Loverboy

read it on the AO3 at Happy Birthday Loverboy

by rylee_kai

What happens when Lance's best friend's surprise Lance on his birthday? Well a lot apparently. So here's a fun birthday adventure with so much of the crew and more. I love Latte interactions, so enjoy.

That might be one of the worst summaries I have ever written, but oh well.

Day 6 AUgust - Youtubers/Vloggers

Words: 2783, Chapters: 1/1, Language: English

Series: Part 6 of Voltron AUgust

Fandoms: Voltron: Legendary Defender

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: M/M

Characters: Matt Holt, Lance (Voltron), Pidge | Katie Holt, Hunk (Voltron), Keith (Voltron), Allura (Voltron), Romelle (Voltron), Shiro (Voltron), Ryan Kinkade, Veronica (Voltron), Lance's Family (Voltron), Pidge | Katie Holt's Family

Relationships: Matt Holt/Lance, Latte - Relationship, Matt/Lance, Other past/background relationships

Additional Tags: YouTubers - Freeform, Vloggers, Youtube AU, vlog au, Look I actually don't keep up with vloggers/youtubers so let's hope this is okay, soft, I love lattes, haha - Freeform

read it on the AO3 at Happy Birthday Loverboy

[comicteaparty]

March 23rd-March 29th, 2020 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from March 23rd, 2020 to March 29th, 2020.  The chat focused on Puppeteer by Eightfish.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Puppeteer by Eightfish~! (https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/puppeteer/list?title_no=290620)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace until March 29th, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Discussions are freeform, but we do offer discussion prompts in the pins for those who’d like to have them. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic! Whether you finish the comic or can only read a few pages, everyone is welcome to join and chat with us!

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 1

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic?

2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)?

3. Who is your favorite character?

4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?

5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it!

6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores?

7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content?

8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

eli [a winged tale]

Ooh exciting! I’ll try and get to this soon!

LadyLazuli (Phantomarine)

Yes yes, I had started reading this last week, want to continue and get in on this convo!!

Joichi / Sarah

Oh I'll take a look at reading Puppeteer!

shadowhood

Ditto. Time for another art binge

eli [a winged tale]

1) I love the colours and lighting! As for the story, the banter really drew me in and when J offered freedom, that was my hook 2) My favourite moment was when J tore Eli out of his body! That was a very striking moment. 3) I really like J and Sam They’re both characters with a strong voice and motivation. 4) I enjoy the friendship chat between Sam and Eli. They really ground the whole college experience and the comic world for me. 5) Let me find it! 6) I think the themes of feeling lost in life or directionless after regimented high school are very relatable. It’s one thing to know where you wanna go and want to be but often we feel we’re just floating in reality. 7) I love the aesthetics! Very unique style yet also clear in storytelling! 8) I would say the strengths tie into the fast pace and great characters. I’m not sure where we’re headed in the comic but I’m sure we will get to know why beings like J and the Ocean lady exist and what roles Eli/Sam would play in the story great work Eightfish!

Love this shot! Great paneling!

sssfrs (JOE IS DEAD)

The artwork is so beautiful!

shadowhood

Yeah, the flow of motion is amazing here that's really good gesture drawing

Feather J. Fern

I have to say I love the way you do the limited palette for the first few pages, it's really cool!

mathtans

Oh! From setup to where some f/f romance is implied. I shall read more. (Nice when the ships are verging on canon, if not there...)

Wonder if J is going to set things up such that Eli has to possess one of them.

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

Aaa, thank you all for the compliments about my art, eli, sssfrs, shadow, feather. I'm really trying to make this thing look good and I'm glad you guys like it.

sssfrs (JOE IS DEAD)

It looks really good!!

eli [a winged tale]

Love it Eightfish! Can’t wait for more!

RebelVampire

What I liked about the beginning is just kind of how jarring it is (in a good way). You get thrown right into a semi-tense/suspicious interaction, and it really kind of sets that tone for the rest of the comic. Which is actually what I like about the story all together. There's always this kind of laid back atmosphere to it where you're never really sure if you should be concerned or not. So it's got this right beat where you aren't always screaming but also aren't ever able to fully relax cause it feels like danger is around the corner. Coincidentally, the beginning is also probably my favorite moment in the comic as well, just cause again, I really love the tone here. My favorite character at the moment is probably J cause I can't figure J out and would like to know more about J. Cause J is just like this chaotic entity who I can't decide is good or evil and it's a complicated mess that I love. As for favorite interactions, definitely Eli and J. I like they're kind of friends, kind or enemies, kind of maybe sort of abusive relationship, maybe kind of sort of cut from the same fabric. There's a lot of levels to their relationship, so I do like seeing where it's going to go.

What I like about the art is just the overall style combined with the color experimentation. I think this in of itself really helps with the tone I keep mentioning, because it'll go from normal colors to suddenly very jarring, dark contrasts. So again, there's always this hint that something just isn't ever right in the world. I also think these features are the comic's strength, since it's a very interesting style that draws the eye.

Lastly for today, themes. I really like that the comic kind of explores ambition vs. lack of ambition. As someone who is more similar to Eli and would be kind of happy to just be people watching mush sometimes, I really relate. However, there are deep questions about whether this is good, whether ambition is better or whether ambition can go too far. So it's kind of good to see this explored and just kind of show that inevitably, people are different and not everyone has the same sorts of drives (or drives at all).

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

Oh my god, you have no idea how happy I am to read that. Everything you said was exactly what I was going for and this is very validating

(also, can we just appreciate Rebel for a moment. They take the time to write these in depth analyses of every comic here and I always enjoy reading them. Even if I knew rebel was going to be the only one in this book club I would still be jumping to sign up.) (Not that I don't appreciate everyone else, those comments were lovely as well haha. So interesting to to read eli's thoughts on the characters and what will happen next)(edited)

BriDanann

Also!! Eightfish!! Your comic is so freaking gorgeous! I absolutely love the color scheme and the surrealist feel the art gives off. It really feels like it's otherworldly, but also familiar. Kind of how old Noir movies felt! I've only read the beginning so far and I am loving the tone.

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 2

9. Will Eli actually be satisfied with his decision to just float around away from responsibility in the long term, or do you think that will change? Additionally, what do you think caused Eli to run away from life so much?

10. Do you think Sam will ever come to accept Eli’s decisions, and how will the situation change the two’s relationship? What will Eli teach Sam about trying to fix everything, and how will the two change each other through their interactions?

11. What do you think J ultimately wants in life, and what does that have to do with giving Eli powers? Why is Sam so convinced that J is a demon? In general, do you think Eli, Sam, and Lily can put a stop to J’s mayhem?

12. How do you interpret the story’s title in terms of its significance to the events of the comic? Also, what significance do you think it has towards the theme of beliefs and how beliefs go stronger the more people believe in them?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

mathtans

(This week is kinda kicking my ass but I have finished the read and will find time for some comments in the next day or two. Just putting that out there.)

Okay, just a couple quick thoughts in case anyone else wants to react to them... I think Eli felt like there wasn't much of anything left to him. Didn't seem like he had family checking up on him, and major events like breaking your arm are the sorts of times you learn who's rallying around you. Sam distancing herself was probably the last straw.

I wonder a bit whether Vanessa (the one massively possessed by J, only name dropped in the author notes if memory serves) had a similar path. Or whether she's just off the deep end (maybe she pushed J into the arm breaking on some level).

Also think that Lily's pleased to have someone who can finally do something about the visions she's presumably been having all her life (unless it's a puberty awakening thing), though it does seem like her romance with Sam goes deeper than that. I wonder about her romantic history (but then I wonder about that with all f/f ships). And could Sam be bi? Or is she not straight, and part of that is what pulled her from Eli?

As I say, couple quick thoughts.

RebelVampire

@mathtans Those are some good points about Eli's family. I have to say I did kind of where they were at, cause at the very least I do get the impression Eli doesn't feel like they can be relied on. But I do think isolation is playing a big role in Eli's decision making right now.

Do I think Eli will actually be satisfied with his decision? Yes and no. I kind of feel like Eli would be fine with it overall but that inevitably extenuating circumstances will ruin the whole thing. Otherwise I honestly think Eli might be content if people around would accept it. As for why Eli is causing to run away from life, probably social pressure and isolation. It's hard to deal with life if you have no one around you, and also hard to deal with society when you really just don't have ambitions, cause society is very much about ambition. As for Sam, I think this is also a yes and a no. I think Sam will blame herself for Eli's choices as she comes to understand them more, but at the same time learn to let Eli live as Eli sees fit. I do think Sam will learn a valuable lesson though that not everything she thinks is broken is, and even if it is, sometimes people have to learn for themselves. So I think it'll bring Eli and Sam closer.

As for what J wants, I think it's probably friends. I think J fell in with Eli because they're both just kind of lonely souls. And while Eli expresses this in further isolation, J acts out and does everything possible to get attention. I do think the group will put a stop to J's shenanigans though, but I'm also feeling that it won't be a defeating of the villain (but this may be wishful thinking cause I do sympathize with J). I kind of get the feeling the title is meant to reflect both literally that J is turning people into puppets but also the complicated relationship people have with the concept of control. Like Sam for example. Sam clearly wants to fix and "control" things to suit them to how she wants. Also, in the Eli/J relationship, there's a question of who controls who to a degree. As for its connection to belief, I think I'd argue the strong our beliefs are in something, the more those beliefs have control of our lives. And I think that's something we once again see with J a lot in that J is literally controlling people while people seem convinced they control themselves.

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

Oh Rebel, mathtans, your comments make me just want to just spoil the entire story and blurt out everything right here. It's been so good seeing that so much of my intent was coming through.

@mathtans Sam is indeed not straight. I wonder what made you see her as bisexual specifically?(edited)

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

I don’t think Sam had any malicious intent in keeping her distance from Eli, nor was it a case of “I’ve got a girlfriend now so I don’t need to talk to my other friends”. To me, Sam very much sees herself as the only one with the power to protect people, and because of that she feels it’s her duty to control what people get involved, where everyone goes, etc. Sam can keep this city under control, and thus she must. And, yeah, I agree with @RebelVampire that control is one of the main themes of the comic in general. Like J is constantly egging Eli on to control others, and one of their main points is that ordinary people often are looking to delegate control to someone else. And this current segment is the perfect lesson on how it doesn’t have to be one person in control - Eli and Sam can both be in control at once.(edited)

One thing I feel like should be mentioned though - the factor of Eli potentially being nb factoring into his decision? Like, when he first becomes a puppetmaster, one of the first things Eli says is “how come I still look like me” (i.e., rather than androgynous like J?), and one of the things Eli does to practice out shape shifting is try on dresses.

mathtans

@Eightfish (Puppeteer) Oh, nothing specifically made me see Sam as bisexual, but nothing made me see her as exclusively lesbian either. I've learned not to take that stuff for granted and wait for it be be spelled out (I'm also not the most observant though). In fact I have a f/f relationship in my writing where one of them is stated bisexual.

Also, good point snuffy on the androgynous aspect, never occurred to me there.

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 3

13. What are you most looking forward to seeing in regards to the comic?

14. Any final words of encouragement for the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

mathtans

Okay, let's address some questions to the best of my abilities. ^.^ Regarding the start, as was mentioned, the muted colours and dark character seemed to fit the tone. I thought the cutaway was a time skip but it made sense when we came back later.

My favourite moment was actually when Sam and Lily spent the night in Eli's apartment. Aside from helping to confirm the f/f relation (a personal taste), it was subtle (like, just a friend wouldn't necessarily go along with things for that time) versus making out or something (which wouldn't fit the tone). And at the same time, it showed that Eli was separating himself from his past life, not even going back to check in... Sam honestly seems to be his only tie. (And I kinda wonder where his original body is, if it even exists?)

Favourite character is tough. Honestly, maybe Lily because she seems so innocent, having been drawn into things... and I wonder if J ever approached her to get to Sam? Or has the focus always been on Eli? It's not that I dislike the other characters, it's more that one of their flaws seems to be a lack of communication. The sort of thing that makes me sigh, even though it fits with what we've seen and is helping motivate the plot.

That said, yeah the Sam and Eli interactions are really good, right from the moment of "don't touch me" and Sam totally respected that as they got caught up. They obviously do care for each other in the friend way. (I wonder if Eli wanted more? Could that be why he shifted female, to be closer to Sam?)

I'm not good with art or themes. -.- The way the being in the harbour was drawn was good though from what I recall, helped to show the scope of the supernatural too. I guess a theme of belonging? Or friendship?

I haven't said much about J yet, but I think that is a something I like and a strength, the plotting... trying to guess the next move. And maybe they want to become as popular as the larger demon? Definitely drives the other characters forwards. And reminds me of Rebel's comment about ambition being a theme... makes sense in retrospect. (And yes, much appreciation to Rebel. ^.- )

9. I think Eli will eventually be satisfied, though I think he's realizing that he's becoming a bit of a pawn in a larger game, not having considered the scope of his transformation. And I already mentioned about his family. And Rebel made good points there too.

I think Sam's starting to accept the change, though not necessarily the reason for it (and I'm not sure she or we truly know what that is). What with her trusting him to possess. In fact, another reason why Eli might have done this was to be of more use to Sam, though that may not have been a conscious decision. The dynamic will be interesting.

Here I'm diverging from Rebel in that I think J wants to be recognized as a more important demon (though that's similar to having friends, it doesn't need to be). Maybe others have tried to take over beings like Sam without success? Or like Ocean Lady are so far above that they don't care? Maybe there's a clue somewhere in why Vanessa isn't enough for J lately.

That's a really interesting point in terms of the title... at first I figured it was the idea of Eli jumping into bodies. But of course, he's not really into that, and it's more J... who is perhaps puppeteering even beyond that, pulling the strings of people that aren't possessed. (There was mention of squid too, I wonder if the tentacles of a squid could be like the strings on a puppet?) Anyhue.

Will be interesting to see Lily's reaction to what's going on, as I have a suspicion that she'll show up... and perhaps blame herself for not being there when Eli was (even though Eli was brought in later). Or she could misinterpret the situation and think Eli's gone evil! Who knows. (How long has she been going out with Lily again?)

I think that's all for now. Best with it!

shadowhood

Yoooo sorry for the late response. Alright I'll try to answer the prompts as succinctly as I can. 1. The art style is very aesthetically pleasing! I love how you use mainly black against a lot of other bright colours like tan/light blue/gold; it gives it almost a Grecian vase vibe!

2. I have two actually!

The first one because it hit a really close hit to home. I loved seeing a real, down to earth conversation between friends and it felt...real. Seeing concerned friends talking about an abusive relationship and not....exploding is very refreshing.

The second one because I absolutely love that last panel, where J plays around with her words and follows through with a similar action. It felt like she was toying with Sam and it reminded me of the scene in Aladdin, where Jafar was toying with Aladdin with his words. Probably my favourite villain scene of J.

3. Funnily enough, I really like Sam. She's that one friend who's shown to be concerned for Eli, but she knows that she can't force him out of the abusive relationship. She respects his boundaries and is overall a good friend. That's rare and usually underappreciated in real life.

4. The interactions between Sam and Eli were the best for me, because they were very heartwarming and the care they show for each other resonates with me

5. The two moments I mentioned were my top favourites, actually!

6. The idea that you can't save everyone is one I really like. Sometimes you have to let the person you love make difficult and maybe even foolhardy decisions in life, but that's to let them grow up and mature.

7. Like I said earlier, it reminded me of Grecian vase paintings, which I love! Another thing I love about it is how free the gesture drawings are; drawings such as the hand drawings are testament to that

8. I think the strongest part of Puppeteer is its use of motion; my eye is always drawn to the line of action and it almost felt like a film at some parts. The story is heavily action oriented, which I like

shadowhood

9. Honestly, I don't know. Like @mathtans said, he doesn't seem to have family who check up on him, but he DOES have friends who do! Maybe someday he'll want to change, he'll see that he stayed stagnant while his friends keep on progressing in life. Either he'll go deeper into his isolation or he ultimately decides that this isn't for him. 10. I think it's a sad case where she's going to have to learn to let Eli make his mistakes and grow up. If she's constantly there to fix or solve everything for him, both characters suffer in that no one will learn everything. But hopefully, like other people have said, it brings them closer. 11. From what she's said, I think she wants control and power. But if you want a more indepth answer, I think she wants absolute control and worship from individuals. She wants to be put on a pedestal (wanting to be higher than other people?) and she wants that rush of feeling, that feeling of being dedicated to. But seeing @RebelVampire 's answer, maybe it's a twisted form of trying to keep people from leaving her, similar to how abusers try to keep their victims close. Heck, she could even develop a form of Lima syndrome and sympathize with the victim. I think Sam's and co. can put a stop to it, but ultimately, it's up to ELI himself to do so. 12. I agree with @RebelVampire on this one; Puppeteer can be a reference to how much we let others and their beliefs control us, and how the characters each covet control in some shape or form. Maybe Eli feels like he's lost control of his life and is trying to escape responsibility in a desperate effort to regain it?

13. I'm really looking forward to how this whole Eli/J relationship will affect Eli and his relationship with his friends. I'm also wondering what J's character development would be, if any; would she start sympathizing more with Eli? Learn something new from Eli? Or even become increasingly antagonistic towards Eli? 14. @Eightfish (Puppeteer) I really look forward to reading more from your webcomic, your art and conversation exchanges between your characters are top notch! Keep up the good work

RebelVampire

What I'm most looking forward to in regards to the comic is finding out more about J I think. I'm interested to learn more about the driving force behind J's actions and how those might cause the characters to rethink what J is. As for final words, I really just still enjoyed the atmosphere. So few comics can nail it, but this one really managed to capture that feeling of dread that really keeps you reading. So I can wait to see that be used more throughout the comic.

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

Thanks @mathtans , @shadowhood , @snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights) for the recent long comments you've posted! It was wonderful reading what you thought about character motivations and themes. And I'm glad so many people said they were looking forward to learning more about J, because that's what I'm most looking forward to writing as well.

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB END!

Thank you everyone so much for reading and chatting about Puppeteer this week! Please also give a special thank you to Eightfish for volunteering the comic and creating it! If you liked Puppeteer, make sure to continue to support it via some of the links below!

Read and Comment: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/puppeteer/list?title_no=290620

Eightfish’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/eightfish

[comicteaparty]

February 24th-March 1st, 2020 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party week long chat that occurred from February 24th, 2020 to March 1st, 2020.  The chat focused on Whispers of the Past by Crona J.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB START!

Hello and welcome everyone to Comic Tea Party’s Book Club~! This week we’ll be focusing on Whispers of the Past by Crona J.~! (https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/whispers-of-the-past/list?title_no=191366)

You are free to read and comment about the comic all week at your own pace until March 1st, so stop on by whenever it suits your schedule! Discussions are freeform, but we do offer discussion prompts in the pins for those who’d like to have them. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is to have fun and appreciate the comic! Whether you finish the comic or can only read a few pages, everyone is welcome to join and chat with us!

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 1

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic?

2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)?

3. Who is your favorite character?

4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?

5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it!

6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores?

7. What do you like about the comic’s story or overall related content?

8. Overall, what do you think the comic’s strengths are?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

FeatheryJustice

So far, first impressions, holy cow the art is amazing.

Ash🦀

1. My favorite part about the beginning was the style. It immediately drew me in how everything was lovingly rendered in color that made me feel like I was seeing the world for the first time. It made me want to paint, too! 2. When we first see the man. Whoo buddy. Whoooooooo buddy. That was... a finely sculpted painting there. I could’ve framed him and hung him on my wall if the artist would let me. WHOOOO BUDDY. 3. My favorite character so far is Martel. I don’t write them often, but I love seeing kids in media, and I love the design of her hair. I know it’s a random thing to make me like her but I just... really like her hairstyle. She’s cute, and I’d guess she’ll be a breath of much-needed light air later in the story. 4. Mystery man and Martel are precious. 5. I point to answer 2 here. That lovingly sculpted chest? My heart was a-flutter I tell you what. 6. The art style is just... SO LOVINGLY RENDERED. The quiet moments of baking bread juxtaposed against a chaotic battle was SO. GOOD. Aaaaaah Could also be that that particular part is my favorite part of making bread so it was extra special aaaaaaah 7-8 I haven’t seen enough of the story to answer these yet! But the art is banging and I can’t wait to read more. Subscribed.

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

I've read this before and the art and story aren't really my thing. Since critique is allowed I could give art comments if CronaJ would find that kind of thing helpful? But even though I won't be following the story I was still impressed by how much care the author puts into it. Both from looking at their comic and from reading their comments on this discord and on the tap forum it's clear they've put a ton of effort into the art and story, and haven't cut any corner.s And all the panels are so rendered. I wonder how long it takes to draw a page?(edited)

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Hey everyone! I'm the artist and writer of Whispers of the Past. I want to thank you all for your kind comments and observations so far. It really means a lot to me to hear what others think of this heartfelt project. I know that the story is in the beginning stages right now. But I'm looking to post the end of the first chapter this week, so hopefully a bit more will be revealed soon. Please feel free to ask me questions about anything, or (to answer @Eightfish (Puppeteer)'s question), to offer critiques for how I can improve what I'm doing.(edited)

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

@FeatheryJustice & @Ash🦀 I'm glad you enjoy the artwork. The painting process is probably what takes me the longest when it comes to pages. In response to @Eightfish (Puppeteer)... It takes me around 30-40 hours per page, and I try to post 2-3 page updates. Obviously, the amount of time spent per page varies depending on several factors, such as: the number of panels, the level of complication of poses, how many characters/background elements there are, and sometimes just whatever weird reason my brain isn't working that day ^^; So for my average 5-7 panel pages, they typically take longer than, say, a full-page spread. @Ash🦀 I'm so happy that the first few pages pulled you in! I spent a lot of time deciding on how I wanted to draw those panels, and what style to use, etc. I actually redrew the first 3 pages at least 5 times before settling on them as they are. And, you can hang and frame the image of our male MC if you want, haha, I actually don't have prints of it, but it is something to consider That particular panel was a one-page spread, so I was able to dedicate a bit more detail to it. Maret is a worthy favorite character. She is too pure and precious, and she just wants to make friends with everybody. Even when the "strange man" is kind of curt and unfriendly to her, she wants to befriend him. Also, I am SO unbelievably glad that you picked up on the juxtaposition in the bread-making scene! Ahhhh! I had a lot of fun with that one

FeatheryJustice

1. The Pacing, I love slow starts to comics because I get to absorb it and learn more. 2. Favourite Moment? Dude trying to climb out the window and failing. That was really funny XD 3. Mysterious dude from the water of course. He has pointed ears, you know something is up. 4. I like Maret and the mysterious man, it seems like a child being like 'this is new and I want to learn more' Also thank you for not writing a grating child character. They sometimes turn up too pure to be real, or too grating because they are too real. Maret at least has that nice balance of a healthy child will not acted spoiled but still want things because child like the scene where she was shoo'ed out of the room. 5. I think we talked about htis a long time ago, but I love the way you draw hands and feet! 6. Nothing so far, not sure where the story will head so I can't answer this. 7. I like the start of the mystery and the slow ramp up. We are just getting comfortable and I'm sure we are going to get rocky soon! 8. Art, from seeing Cronaj spend so much time on it, it's freaking amazing. I can almost feel the characters come to life.

Also on a side note, I want Maret to hear from the Conch shell (As a memey joke) "Under the sea, under the sea" XD

(Mysterious man has red hair, I wouldn't be surprised he turned out to be a mermaid XD Sorry I'm just on slight crack theory mode right now. He didn't sell his voice though)

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

When I was first writing and planning this comic, I was a little scared about how slow the start was, but I'm glad that it has been interesting despite the slow nature of the exposition.

2. Favourite Moment? Dude trying to climb out the window and failing. That was really funny XD

@FeatheryJustice Accurate! He's kind of an idiot, and he panics over nothing. For Maret... I actually based her character partially off of my two younger sisters, so that might be a lot of what contributes to her personality and realism. We did talk about hands and feet before! I love drawing hands, because they are so expressive and complex, but hate drawing feet because they are complicated. But I did study from life to draw Maret's feet, because I felt like I would mess it up otherwise ^^;

Hahahaha! I could definitely make an edit of that, tbh.

FeatheryJustice

That would be a funny joke panel if you ever want to do one. XD It's like replace the diaolgue memes XD

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

And I was partially making a mermaid joke when I had the reference to mermaids in the comic because he is a redhead

Definitely an idea....

I would title the episode "Whispers of the Crack"

FeatheryJustice

OMG YES I would love to see that XD

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

I have a WotP meme folder on my computer already

carcarchu

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic? Mystery man pretty 2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)? i liked the part where maret was listening to the conch for mermaids, had a lovely magical charm to it 3. Who is your favorite character? mystery man 4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most? not too many interactions so far but maret and the mystery man were cute 5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it! the sunset scenery had a nice vibe

also i can see why people were saying it reminded them of ruroni kenshin, mystery guy especially with his hair up and on the cover image is reminiscent of kenshin but storywise doesn't remind me of it at all

carcarchu

I have some critiques that i'll cover in case you don't want to see them. SPOILER The anime-ish emotes (the blush and the anger vein) to me clash against the realistic artsyle and detracts from the moments, some more subtlety with them would be appreciated. And Maret doesn't really look like a child to me, her face is very mature so it makes her look older than she is. Moreover the 3 characters that have been introduced thus far have very similar facial features. For maret and agatha they are siblings so it makes sense but the mystery man is (presumably?) not related to them so i'm not sure if that's intentional. In any case more facial diversity would be appreciated going forward (if it's just your style that's fine too). And this is a really small nit-pick but the first panel of chapter 6 has horse hooves with the sfx thump thump thump. In my opinion this sfx should be clip clop clip clop END SPOILER

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

@carcarchu Thanks for the notes! I actually had a hard time deciding how to portray blush noticeably in a more realistic style, haha, but I can definitely see why it's jarring. Do you have any tips for how to depict blushing without anime emotes? I would just make it more reddish/pink, but it always looks weird to me (or too unnoticeable). As for Maret... She looks like a child to me? She's six, so she isn't quite a toddler, so I don't know if that changes your perception of her. She actually resembles my youngest sister a great deal, and my youngest sister was 5, almost six, when I designed her. (I just looked through the pages again, and there's maybe one panel that I think she looks slightly older in, so if anything, I'll try to fix that panel.) So yes, obviously Agatha and Maret look very similar, hahaha. They are biological sisters, so that makes sense. There will be at least two more characters introduced that are also related to them (and look fairly similar as well) and one character who will be mentioned who is also related and looks just like Agatha. Other than that, Izrekiel does look somewhat similar, I suppose, but it might also be partially that he canonically has a very feminine face as opposed to other male characters to be introduced later. It could be that and also a bit as a result of my style. I'm not sure. Ahhhh, sound effects! I also struggled with deciding what to do here. I wanted to do something different than "clip clop," mostly for a stupid personal hang-up. (I don't know why, but "clip clop" always looks so comical to me.) But if it helps translate the sound better, I might just have to bite the bullet and change it. Thanks for your feedback! Even if I don't agree with all of it, it does help me to take a closer look at what I've done with some different eyes. (edited)

carcarchu

That's fair! You don't have to accept anything just my thoughts (i hope nothing i said was too harsh) for me thump thump is a dull sound whereas clip clop or clippity clop is a sharper and harsher sound

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

yeah, I think you're right about that

thump is more like a heartbeat

or someone falling on carpet or something

carcarchu

and as for the blush question i think there are ways to depict a similar emotion without relying on the blush itself as a short hand like the softening of the eyes, the shape of the eyebrows, looking down and heck even body language can help with this. expression is more than what is shown on just the face

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Thank you. I always feel like my characters look too stiff, like mannequins. ^^; I'm probably not going to completely redraw any old panels at this point, but I might make a few alterations to these panels to make it more consistent with later panels down the line.

carcarchu

i also noticed that a lot of your panels are the characters looking straight towards the "camera" and i would appreciate more varied angles and perspectives

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Particularly with the first ten pages, that is certainly true

I got that note before, but I didn't redraw every panel, only some which looked particularly bad.

carcarchu

personally i never edit old chapters unless i 1. forgot to draw something important 2. there's a huge typo 3. it's missing a panel

any critique you can just keep in your heart and implement if you choose to do so moving forward

keii'ii (Heart of Keol)

2. I really liked "what if it's mama?" - a lot of hints condensed there: family history, how the topic of deaths/ disappearances are handled around children (either in that family specifically, or in that culture), and also a moment that shows a glimpse of Agatha's sisterly love instead of having the readers assume it.

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

Really loving the comic so far! Right now, I'm most interested to learn about this family situation. I'm guessing their mother is dead or missing, but what about their father? I suppose his clothes were still in the house so maybe he just went out? Or maybe they're both missing and it was just fairly recent?

Also, the paint-y style of this comic is just incredible

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

https://media.tenor.com/images/878a64d90a1139bcb1e863ee29bfa929/tenor.gif

I'm so happy that you guys picked up on the clues about their mother. It alludes to some pretty plot heavy stuff that very few people have really commented on so far.

eli [a winged tale]

Oooh I’m so excited for your story Cronaj! Here are my answers~ 1) I love the beach scene! Maret with the shell is adorable and you established their relationship right away 2) Fav moment is probably the scene transition to our lad waking up with Agatha going about her day. It’s very peaceful and I’m a sucker for slice of life stuff. 3) Can’t pick just yet~ I like Agatha as a solid protagonist though. 4) More Agatha x mystery man please 5) I loooove the illustration aesthetics. Bold colours! 6) haven’t gotten to the core theme yet I’m sure but first impressions/meeting are always exciting. 7) I’m excited for what is to come. Can’t wait for the call to adventure. 8) Strength is definitely the art - beautiful and bold. Keep up the wonderful work!

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

@eli [a winged tale] Woah!!! You're the first person I've heard say that they like Agatha! She's mah girl! (And don't you worry, there will definitely be a lot more Agatha x Mystery Man ) Thanks for participating

eli [a winged tale]

she’s a solid sister!

sagaholmgaard

1. What did you like about the beginning of the comic? I like how the intro had a nice balance between art and text. Usually if there’s a lot of text on the first page I can get deterred from heading a comic, but here I think it worked really well! And the loverly painting of the ocean sunset also reeled me in and fit really well with the poetic text! 2. What has been your favorite moment in the comic (so far)? ”He’s the prettiest man I’ve ever seen!” LOL (and she’s right too…) 3. Who is your favorite character? I like the kid! But I’m excited to learn more about the other characters as the story goes on! 4. Which characters do like seeing interact the most?
I liked Agatha and Mystery Man interacting, it felt very natural and I’m curious to see what comes of it. But the dialogue felt pretty strong which I gotta applaud 5. What is something you like about the art? If you have a favorite illustration, please share it! The beautiful shot of Mystery Man on the beach of course, lol! I love the way the hair is rendered, it really feels like it’s has weight and is spread out in the sand, if that makes sense? 6. What is a theme you like that the comic explores? It seems like it will explore a lot of interesting themes in the future, such as grief and finding where you belong, so again I’m interested to see what the story brings! I’m sure it’ll be good no matter what :D Overall I like what I’ve read so far! It’s not the type of art style I usually gravitate towards, but I can tell a lot of love is going into rendering and I think we’ll be seeing Crona’s art improve a lot as the story goes on, which is always exciting to see!

RebelVampire

What I like about the beginning of the comic, which also goes for what I like about the art in general, is the attention to detail in the background colors and lighting. I've never seen such a beautifully rendered (what I assume is) a sunset. It really makes everything have this great almost mystical atmosphere to it. In general, though, the art so far is definitely the comic's strength because you can see the sheer passion in every drop of it. My favorite moment so far is when Maret gives Izrekiel some flowers and then drags him off and he's just meekly protesting. It was both cute and comedic and the preciousness hurt my heart. This is also why this is my favorite pair of characters interacting so far. I think the age gap combined with the context of Izrekiel's situation is gonna lead to lots of awkwardness that I look forward to. As for fave character, though, I would have to go with Agatha right now. I don't know what it is about her, but everytime I see her I feel like I'm looking at an old soul. Like maybe someone who still has a lot to learn about the world, but is wise beyond her years in other regards. And it makes her a captivating character for me.

While I'm not sure if this will be an overall theme throughout, I like that the comic starts to deal with the theme of loss and hope. On one side you have Agatha who just kind of accepts loss and deals with it, and then you have Maret who just lives on in hope. And I kind of feel they represent two dynamic sides to the issue about whether its better to cling to hope or just move on and deal and how both can be harmful if not expressed in the correct way. As for overall story content, while we're not that deep in, I do like it starts with a multitude of mysteries cause mysteries are always great for making ppl want answers

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

Since Crona said they were good with art critique: The main thing I noticed when I first saw the art was that, though lovingly rendered, the characters' faces and bodies are kind of stiff. They don't really scrunch up their eyes and faces when they emote- it's mostly just the eyebrows (this was especially noticable when Maret was crying, or on the latest page, first panel, where Agatha's face doesn't really match her body language or words). And characters often don't seem to twist their bodies as much as they should. Oh- also the same camera angles of faces and bodies are repeated a lot. Front, 3/4, and profile. It'd be cool to see some shots with foreshortening from above or below the characters. Also the lighting is pretty diffuse- the characters seem to be shaded about the same way, and with the same colors, regardless of the lighting situation. I can still tell where the light is coming from, because there are those strong bright highlights in the direction of the light, but other than the bright highlights everything else seems to be shaded as if there was another light source coming from straight ahead. Also, sometimes characters seem to lose their shadows? Like on this page https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/whispers-of-the-past/ch-1-what-the-waves-left-behind-pt-3/viewer?title_no=191366&episode_no=4 where Agatha doesn't cast a shadow on the man, or this page https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/whispers-of-the-past/ch-1-what-the-waves-left-behind-pt-8/viewer?title_no=191366&episode_no=10 where they're running.

Those things being said though, I was still very impressed by the sheer amount of effort put into this comic. 100 hours/ update is absolutely insane. And you pay so much attention to the inanimate objects of this world. It makes the story feel grounded. About what someone else said: I agree that the cartoonish blush looks out of place. But I disagree about Maret- I think she does look like a child. 5. Favorite illustration? Definitely Agatha's hands when making dough. Not a critique but just a question: I was confused on the location of the story. Where is this?

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Ooof. Finally got a chance to sit down and respond to all these comments. I keep rereading them over and over again, so thank you so much for sharing your thoughts everyone! I've noticed a few themes with what people have commented so far: Maret is most people's favorite character, the panel of Izrekiel on the beach is also very popular, and the theme of loss/grief is apparent to the readers (which I'm very happy about.)

@sagaholmgaard I'm glad that you mentioned the theme of "finding where you belong" too, because it is and will be a very prevalent theme in the comic. And reading your comment about how the dialogue seems natural made my day. I used to worry about how the dialogue came off constantly, and to hear that it's strong is so encouraging.

@RebelVampire As is expected, your comments are very thought-out. The interaction between Izrekiel and Maret after he falls from the window is one of my favorite moments so far as well. I'm happy that Izrekiel's behavior came off as meek in this scene, because that is one of the defining traits of his personality. I'm glad for another Agatha fan! She is such a fun (and difficult) character for me to portray. There are so many layers about her that even I am still discovering. She is definitely an old soul, and he experiences growing up have definitely matured her beyond her years. As I mentioned before, the theme of loss is definitely a major theme of the comic overall. And hope as well, since I think the two are very connected.

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

@Eightfish (Puppeteer) Thank you for offering your critiques! Character stiffness is definitely one of my major problems that I'm working at. I definitely see what you mean about Agatha's face in the latest update. Her eyebrows look painted on (pun not intended). I have been looking forward to having some more dynamic poses, especially foreshortening, but I do find it somewhat difficult when most of what the characters are doing so far are standing, sitting, talking, and maybe doing something with their hands. ^^; Hopefully, in the future, when more "action" happens, it will be easier to do this. As for bird's eye or worm's eye shots, I'm not gonna lie, I struggle with them so much. I had two bird's eye panels, and those took so much time, and I still don't know how I feel about them. If you have any tips for exercises, I would be so grateful. (Finding reference isn't always possible.) I also would love some tips/resources on how to get better at lighting. Again, lighting reference isn't always possible for specific panels, so it would help me a lot to learn how light works in general. OOOOOOF! I don't know how I missed the lack of shadow on Izrekiel in that panel. That was 100% a stupid oversight on my part. The scene with Agatha making dough had some of my personal favorite illustrations for a while. :) Also, your question about the location, I'm not entirely sure how to answer it?(edited)

It's a high fantasy story, so the location is entirely fictional.

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

The best I can answer that is to say that the story takes place in a country called Shai-Ryam, consisting of four major "districts" in a semi-tropical temperate peninsula called "The Aka Peninsula," named after the native people who originally lived there. As of right now, they are in a city called Gon Atam, a seaside village on the western shore of the Nuata District, near the Ocean of Saturuna. It is a city heavy in trade and with a long history, yet quaint and small due to a disaster several hundred years ago. It is only now being repopulated.

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 2

9. Where do you think Izrekiel comes from, and what is his past history that seems to haunt him? Additionally, how do you think he wound up with amnesia and seemingly abandoned by the sea?

10. How will Izrekiel’s past history affect events of the story? In particular, how will revelations about his past affect his relationship with Agatha and other characters?

11. How do you think Agatha’s life will change from her encounter with Izrekiel? Will it somehow lead her to a more exciting life? If so, will it make her miss her simpler life with her family?

12. What are the biggest questions you have so far and are hoping to see answered over the course of the story? Also, what do you think will happen in the story in general?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

Ash🦀

9. Okay, so, here’s my theory. Just a guess. So Izrekiel is from a very war-friendly people up north who need land. Izzy just isn’t all about that life, but feels like he has no choice. Then he gets hurt fighting someone close to him (I’m putting money on brother or cousin who lives on the “wrong” side of things, hurt because he just couldn’t fight them at full strength. And then he realizes he can’t do it, while on the ship bound for new fight zones. His captain gets wind of it and is like “oh no I can’t let Mutiny Happen” so HeS all long ike “either fall in line or get off my ship” and Izzy is like “no I don’t wanna fight anymore heck you guys” and the captain proceeds to yeet him off the ship, leading him to the island, which, unbeknownst to him, is the next target. That’s my guess. Might be wildly off. He might be part mermaid. (Merman? Is mermaid gender neutral?) 10. Izzy or his bros probably killed one of Agatha’s family members, possibly the mom? Possibly violently? Which is why she never told babygirl what’s up. It’s probably going to be remembered in the buds of their relationship, hes going to try to hide it but it’ll come to light and she’s gonna be like “Izzy I hate you” and it’s going to make me cry. 11. She’s going to have a bread making partner in the end. They’re going to have adventures and go back to a domestic bread making existence, I speak it into being now /smacks table That may just be what I want to happen, though, as I very much enjoy bread making and wish others the same simple joy of giving dough a good smacking. 12. IS THE MOTHER REALLY A MERMAID OR WHAT Is Agatha a mermaid Are they like Selkies where they can come onto land a little Is babygirl a mermaid too(edited)

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Omg... I love reading these theories. I won't say you're wrong or right, but this is a riot. I'm thoroughly enjoying this.

FeatheryJustice

9. Pulls out my Crack Theory brain Okay, so Iz is actually not a very hot man, but actually a really hot princess, transformed into a man since she was exciled from her country but their rules are to give the exiled a new life so they shape shift them into something else. Iz got shifted into a man, and the lovely wide bare chest was because their top was lost to the ocean like how someone would lose their bathing suit top to the sea. Anyways, knowing nothing about themselves, Iz now lives their life as a man never remembering they were a princess in the first place. Ends Crack Theory 10. Don't know, can't say for now. 11. She could always politely kick him out later, so I can't say for now. XD 12. I want to know if there are monsters in this story or just like different species warring it out.

RT|NitghVision

^ I like this theory

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

@Cronaj (Whispers of the Past) Oh! I missed that it was high fantasy. I thought the story was historical fiction. No wonder mystery man has pointed ears. I was so confused- I kept thinking, oh, she looks Polynesian and lives by the ocean. But wait, her name is Agatha and she makes bread? And the houses look Japanese? What culture are her clothes from? The world being completely fictional explains all that. I think I was confused by the real names in a high fantasy story- you don't really see that a lot. Finding the right reference for lighting or pose is impossible for me. I have no tips. The only way I've found is to make my own references. I will sit in front of a window, or take a lamp into a dark room or something, and prop my phone up and take photos of myself in the poses and lighting direction I need. But hey, at least that way I don't have to worry about stealing someone else's work?

(i also like feathery's theory)

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

@FeatheryJustice Crack theories are best theories.

@Eightfish (Puppeteer) Oh! I had no idea you thought it was historical fiction No wonder you were confused! There's a lot of weird cultural-mixing shenanigans going on in the setting, and it's a bit confusing.

I should try that, for now the lighting has been primarily sunlight, or diffused sunlight (which I don't think I depicted correctly).

RebelVampire

Time to crack story theory. I don't know enough about the world to guess a name to where Izrekiel is from. However, wherever it's from, I get the impression its embroiled in a bloody war that is suffering heavy casualties. I imagine that Izrekiel mightve been in a battle and just wound up in the sea by circumstance - like maybe was taken as a prisoner of war and jumped overboard to escape. Something like that. As for the amnesia, well, Imma chock that up to PTSD cause the brief flashbacks we got don't look pleasant. However, I definitely think someone will come looking for him, and that these someone's will make trouble with the people he's just met - perhaps even forcing them to abandon their home with people in pursuit. And I'm sure as Izrekiel remembers more, others are going to really view him as potentially dangerous and blame him (but then get over it cause he's pretty O_O) Given that, I do think Agatha is gonna leave home because of Izrekiel's past running after them. I do think she's inevitably gonna miss the simpler life. Not to the point she won't rise to the challenge, but to the point that she's gonna be like "wait theres danger out here and i didnt even get a sword from an old man in a cave!" As for biggest questions, right now I'm just kind of hoping to see more of the world cause current world events really are gonna dictate a lot where the story could go.

Eightfish (Puppeteer)

Dude I was literally googling the names to see what country they were from because I thought they were from some obscure real island with a history of cultural mixing that I hadn't heard about before.

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Hahaha! Yeah, Agatha is an English name. Maret and Kelan (a character that hasn't been introduced yet) are Irish names. Aalia (another character that isn't introduced yet) is an Arabic name. Kehhasan (another character) is a made-up name. Izrekiel is a made-up name inspired by the biblical names Israel and Ezekiel (although technically it is often spelled in their alphabet as "Isarikieru," which has a particular meaning and pronunciation in an even older—fictional—language). Ryukou (another character), is a real-ish name, based off of the Japanese names "Ryu" and "Kou," which mean "dragon" and "peace/light" respectively. Four other characters have fictional names: Ia, Tammamori, Soro, Ghita (although technically it's a Greek name, that wasn't my inspiration). And of course there are hundreds of side characters with a combination of weird names and name origins.

Comic Tea Party

DISCUSSION PROMPTS – PART 3

13. What are you most looking forward to seeing in regards to the comic?

14. Any final words of encouragement for the comic?

Don’t feel inspired by the prompts? Feel free to discuss anything else that interested you!

Deo101 [Millennium]

So! I don't really do so well with answering questions, but I do want to say it's inspiring to me to see just how much WORK is put into this comic. It's really lovely to see so clearly how much you care for it. Just want to give some general words of encouragement, keep it up!

Ash🦀

I’m most looking forward to seeing more of Izzy how the story develops along with your painting. There are so many hints and peeks at the world, and I can’t really guess where it’s going. I feel like I already care for these characters, and I can’t wait to see their journey. I am also not good at encouragement, as generally I’m fueled by spite. But I just wanted to say, keep going! You got this! We believe in you!

eli [a winged tale]

Keep up the good work Cronaj! Your art is beautiful and I can’t wait till we start rolling into act 2!

FeatheryJustice

I'm excited to see what else comes up next!

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement everyone! I'm so happy to know that you are enjoying the story so far!

RebelVampire

I'm most looking to learning a bit more about the world structure I think. Since I think current events are really gonna hint at a lot what's going on. As for final words, this is an artistically wonderful comic with a lot of love put in, and I can only imagine how things will improve in the future!

snuffysam (Super Galaxy Knights)

I'm just really looking forward to seeing these characters grow! This is a beautiful comic, and I can't wait to get more of it!

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Before the book club ends, I just wanted to pop back in and say thank you to everyone for their participation. Your kindness, insight, and critiques will stay with me for years to come. I'm so happy to have found a supportive community of readers and fellow creators!

Comic Tea Party

BOOK CLUB END!

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[comicteaparty]

May 2nd, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on May 2nd, 2019, from 5PM - 7PM PDT.  The chat focused on Moonlight Apparition by Janaka Davis (Darkhalo4321).

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB START!

Good evening, everyone~! This week’s Thursday Book Club is officially beginning! Today we are discussing Moonlight Apparition by Janaka Davis (Darkhalo4321)~! (http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/)

Remember that Thursday discussions are completely freeform! However, every 30 minutes I will drop in OPTIONAL discussion questions in case you’d like a bit of a prompt. If you miss out on one of these prompts, you can find them pinned for the chat’s duration. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is fun and respectfully appreciating the comic. All that said, let’s begin!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

Kabocha

Hello~! Yay Dark! :D Honestly -- my favorite scene is probably the scene where Ker starts teaching Jason a smidge more nicely, rather than just being a jerk about things. I feel like we're starting to get past his gruff exterior a bit... Wonder why he's such a grump? http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2572727/6-4/ Also, his witch eye is super badass, and I am really curious to learn more about it, bleeding and all.

Sarai

I'd have to say near the beginning, when Jason defeats the....thing (i forget what it was called exactly i'm so sorry ) by calmly sending it on its way instead of defeating it with violence

SpazztastiKim

When Robbie jumps on the well. Because it's hysterical. (I am a simple creature)

Darkhalo4321

a shade monster

Sarai

SHADE MONSTER thank you

i need to reread

Darkhalo4321

It likes to throw shade

Kabocha

So, it's a shade monster -- you mean it's just telling Jason all the failings of his friends right there?

Darkhalo4321

probably

SpazztastiKim

nerds...

Darkhalo4321

toby has an expired library boooook

Respheal

Made it o/

Darkhalo4321

yey

SpazztastiKim

Toby no

Sarai

TOBY NOOOOOO

Kabocha

"Yeah, you think it's real good idea to go jumping on well covers... Just you wait, one of you guys is gonna fall through and I'm gonna laugh my ass off."

Sarai

the worst crime of them all

Respheal

Oh yeah I liked the early scene too

RebelVampire

and here i thought toby was the one we could trust

Respheal

Robbie's antics at that point make me laugh

-kick- oh shit

SpazztastiKim

Robbie no

Letter Bee

My favorite scene is when Jason protected Lark.

Sarai

The first scene introduced me into what genre this story was and the monsters these good kiddos would face, but how jason handled it made me realize what kind of story it would be

Kabocha

Discord blocked my doodle....

SpazztastiKim

rude

Respheal

Rude!

Darkhalo4321

nuuu

discord play nice

Kabocha

[image: Shade monster: You guys think you're hot shit, eh? Too bad Sunny-boy isn't here to enlighten you! Jason: stop](edited)

SpazztastiKim

HAHAHAHAHAHA

Darkhalo4321

meanwhile Lark sneezing off screen not wanting to be involved

crimsonangeltears

haha (and hello I made it )

RebelVampire

my favorite scene is the one where antonio fights the spying hunters and is basically like "im cooler than you now gtfo my property"

Darkhalo4321

yay! thank you! ovo/

SpazztastiKim

that is a GREAT scene

Darkhalo4321

that was probably my favorite scene to draw

Sarai

HOW COULD I FORGET THAT ONE

Respheal

Antonio: Get off my lawn!(edited)

SpazztastiKim

basically

Sarai

his SMILE as he makes his weapon appear

SpazztastiKim

all he's missing is a cane to wave around threateningly

Darkhalo4321

he's not THAT old yet-

SpazztastiKim

lol

Sarai

the face of a man who hasn't been in a fight for a long time and is looking FORWARD to it

SpazztastiKim

ya'll f-ed up

Darkhalo4321

>:3c

RebelVampire

hey you dont need to be old for a cane. you can get one for the aesthetic.

also it can be used for blunt force trauma

Sarai

and for beating people!

see Rebel gets me

Darkhalo4321

XD

Sarai

using canes is a Legit martial art form you know

Kabocha

The only thing that hurts worse than getting cut by Antonio would be the emotional wounds he can inflict.

Darkhalo4321

>_O ooof yeah.

Sarai

or the emotional wounds you'd get just from the fact that you forced him to hit you

RebelVampire

wait if the shade monsters throw shade, is this how antonio fought them? he just learned to throw even more intense shade?

Kabocha

Not only can he kick your ass, but he will make you feel bad about making him kick your ass.

Darkhalo4321

I mean ... look at how well Crow does later on

SpazztastiKim

hmm

might not be the BEST example X'D

Darkhalo4321

:0

I love crow

SpazztastiKim

(yes, I'm teasing crow shhhh)

Kabocha

Honestly, looking at this scene, Crow is lucky that Antonio didn't just maim him right there.

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2290462/4-11/

SpazztastiKim

truth

crimsonangeltears

I really liked when Jason sparred with Toby, it's still one of my favs

Sarai

kabo coming in clutch with those links

Darkhalo4321

I imagine 40 tabs open on kabos computer

Sarai

when Jason rolled with his niece to keep her safe

Darkhalo4321

this was such a fun page to draw :D

Respheal

Later that week, Antonio looks at his socks and has a moment of "like the old days" and "dammit we're out of bleach"

grass staaaaaaaaaains

Darkhalo4321

just make ker do the laundry

SpazztastiKim

HA

RebelVampire

jason sparring with toby was cute but also made me more curious about toby. like jason makes sense for why hes have secret fight knowledge, but why did toby feel compelled to learn.

Sarai

((then he'd get sad because that would be the moment Adelaide would tell him "use vinegar and water))

RebelVampire

i feel if ker did the laundry hed mix bleach with all the chemicals youre not supposed to mix bleach with

fill the house with poison

Sarai

KER NO

KER THAT'S THE ONE THING YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO DO

crimsonangeltears

I just figured that was an activity toby learned when he was younger. my hubby did taekwon do as a kid (did I spell that right xD)

Darkhalo4321

Probably mixes his red socks with his white shirts...

SpazztastiKim

Piiink

RebelVampire

ker would look dashing in pink probably

SpazztastiKim

Totally

Darkhalo4321

It's really blue'd up, but in the scene after the contact with lark, his shirt is more on the magenta/pink side.

Sarai

a nice pink button-up with a navy blue tie? Very nice

Kabocha

[Image: Antonio saying, "Hey Ker, did you see that chore list I left for ya, eh?"]

Darkhalo4321

just a guy, making dinner... I'm sure...

Sarai

hey my dad makes tacos and cuts fruit with his bowie knife, I'm sure Antonio would do the same

OH NO XD

Darkhalo4321

insert Jason handing Ker some form of cross because- he gon' need it for the grave

better find a saint to save ya

Kabocha

You know, Ker sure mouths off a lot to Antonio... I can't wait to see some form of terror pop up at some point. XD

Sarai

St Jude? XD

(patron of lost causes)

Darkhalo4321

OH NO, that's PERFECT FOR KER

RebelVampire

it turns out we were the shade monsters all along.

Kabocha

Dark -- serious question though. This... Terraphate massacre mentioned in chapter 4... How many people were killed?! http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2300366/4-14/

Tenor | Shinavar

“1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?” Lark's introduction because he's my baby anD HE'S DOING SO WELL I'M SO PROUD. :DD (Also I just deeply enjoy like, a lot?? of?? he scenes but Lark's intro had me immediatly adopt him so- )

Darkhalo4321

more than 7

SpazztastiKim

Oof

Respheal

Lark is very intriguing

Darkhalo4321

it was more of a serial murder case

Kabocha

Lark's a troubled sunshine child

Respheal

sunshine

Tenor | Shinavar

(Also HI EVERYONE + I will be limited in typing, bound to my left had today )

RebelVampire

ah so one of those massacres where they pulled out a thesaurus to make it sound cooler

Sarai

OH i get the "more than 7" reference now

Kabocha

Wait, more than 7 reference?

Darkhalo4321

more than 7 killed

Kabocha

also, you know... if it's a small number like that... Sounds like ................................... A conspiracy.

Sarai

Boston "massacre" had only 7 people killed

((or was it 5 oh no i'm getting rusty))

crimsonangeltears

But was it random or a set group of people at the same time? hmm

Kabocha

o_o I have no idea

Darkhalo4321

it was across town- but like...yanno.... it happened all on the same night so... suspicious still

Kabocha

MAGICAL MASSACRE!

crimsonangeltears

Ohhh

Darkhalo4321

Culprit was apprehended- or were they? dun dun dun >:#c

Kabocha

Theory: all the people killed were Apparition users

RebelVampire

how big is the town?

Kabocha

And that's how Jason got his magic

Darkhalo4321

Uhm... I'd estimate around the 12-17k range. ish

Kabocha

It is literally murder magic

Darkhalo4321

big enough to have a hospital at.

Sarai

oh

Darkhalo4321

but like Bandon Oregon has a hospital, so like. Eh, if there's a need people will have a hospital.

SpazztastiKim

Cause you know... death is a thing

Darkhalo4321

I did try thinking in terms of "would a city of this size have this or this?" and did some comparisons for research

Kabocha

@Tenor | Shinavar [Image: Lark -- "This boy needs to be happy" Ker -- "This one needs to get over his grudge"](edited)

Darkhalo4321

he's an AXE Murderer

Sarai

oh come on we haven't seen him kill anybody yet

Kabocha

you know, honestly, the first time I saw Ker and Lark interacting, I could have sworn that Lark was like, some trickster asshole. And that he'd done something awful to Ker to make him THAT angry and grumpy.

RebelVampire

ya know i was going to say that is a bigger town than i thought itd be but then i looked up comparable towns near me and have now changes my thoughts that 12k is a tiny town

crimsonangeltears

xD

Kabocha

Maybe he ran into Ker one morning, on the way in to town, and made Ker spill coffee all over his nice, clean shirt.

Respheal

UM

crimsonangeltears

LOOK OUT

Darkhalo4321

It's big- but small. Big enough to have a few draws- but not BIG enough for some stuff.

Respheal

Wow I sure as heck don't remember seeing that lmao

RebelVampire

I thought it was only me who got that impression

Sarai

The town i grew up in is 32k - 12k is TINY XD

Kabocha

30k isn't that small...

Darkhalo4321

See- Roseburg is like 26k population- and I was doing a sized down version of THAT

Kabocha

....I mean, the town I grew up in had that many people, and it was kinda busy but we only had like, 3 blocks... ...of actual city...

Darkhalo4321

you wouldn't believe it but BEND Oregon is now... like 80K

crimsonangeltears

I think in terms of crime it really depends on many factors and the type of crime. Where I come from we have a lot of people technically, but when I was younger certain...crime that happened was not exactly heard of for our location..

We've had three serial killers now and it still isn't something that would have normally happened..

Tenor | Shinavar

12k ain't big but it ain't small. Town next to me is 4k.

Darkhalo4321

lark probably did piss off ker, we just don't know what he did yet

Kabocha

Also worth considering: When we were younger, the news didn't like to cover small towns all that much.(edited)

Sarai

my town was super small up until a few years before I was born, so it really isn't that city-like

Tenor | Shinavar

"Younger"

Kabo: u funny

Kabocha

Ey, remember, only 20 years ago, the internet was thought of as a fad

Tenor | Shinavar

Oh I'm refrencing something else, no worrie slol

RebelVampire

QUESTION 2. Of course, our main protagonist Jason is drenched in mysteries. How exactly do you think Jason’s mother was murdered, and why did the event cause so many changes in the world? Why doesn’t Jason’s dad want to explain the event to him? Who exactly sealed Jason’s memories and for what purpose? Additionally, why are the memories now starting to unravel after all this time? Overall, do you think Jason will learn to control his powers? Does he have a contract as Ker suggests might be possible, or will he have to make one to protect himself? Even if Jason gains control of his powers, how will that change his course in life? Lastly, how will Jason’s experiences with Phates in the future affect his choices?

Respheal

“ How exactly do you think Jason’s mother was murdered”

Horribly

Kabocha

She was stabbed.

Tenor | Shinavar

Dibs on eaten

Respheal

omg

RebelVampire

you know whatever you guys suggest im gonna assume its just all of it

Darkhalo4321

sobs

TENOR

RebelVampire

so stabbed, maybe burned, then eaten

Tenor | Shinavar

What? I'd go into a complete amnesiac trauma experience seeing my mom get eaten in front of me

Kabocha

hold on I have an awful idea

Letter Bee

I feel that the Leader of the Hunters slashed Adelaide to death as part of a plan to demoralize Antonio and keep him from fighting the corruption in the Hunters.

Respheal

And if you're very lucky, in that order?

Sarai

It definately involved Jason somehow, but I don't think he was directly responsible

Tenor | Shinavar

If Jason was responsible I'm chalking it up to "Phrophetic" reasons and mom tried to protect him

Respheal

Jason was a witness at the very least, for sure

Letter Bee

And the Leader of the Hunters also cursed Jason as a further hold on Antonio.

Darkhalo4321

:0

Jason has a hard life

Kabocha

[Image: Crossover joke](edited)

Sarai

DON'T CROSS THE STREAMS KABO

Respheal

WHAT

Darkhalo4321

but her hair was LONG

Respheal

LMAO

Okay okay okay geez uh(edited)

crimsonangeltears

I think she was slashed, not exactly just stabbed? Jason witnessed it so his memories were sealed to protect him from that trauma, but I think that if he remembers who it is, it will put him in Danger. (my guess..)

Respheal

Well, we really don't have any clues as to who did it or why

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2341615/4-23/ I've always wondered if Adalaide is the "she" Lark is talking about.

Is she really dead?

Sarai

i think it was caused by something magic-y he wasn't supposed to see/know about

Kabocha

Is she really? Like, dude, maybe she's not dead, but... Disappeared.

And Lark and Jason share a sort of bond because of it (brothers, maybe???)

Tenor | Shinavar

/Insert Brother Bear Meme for Lark + Adalaide?

crimsonangeltears

If it's disney rules...

Darkhalo4321

Sometimes I can STILL hear his voice

RebelVampire

i support this head canon just so lark and jason can be brothers

Sarai

please don't start another twin theory here

Darkhalo4321

:>

Kabocha

They can't be twins, Lark's older. But maybe Adalaide had a secret child with someone.

crimsonangeltears

I love twins...but I'd have to agree xD

Tenor | Shinavar

Fine I'll up a twin Theory: They're the same person split.

crimsonangeltears

No thank you..

Darkhalo4321

jason just didn't leave for a year. nbd

Respheal

Ooh

Kabocha

Two halves of a whole?

Tenor | Shinavar

Ye

Respheal

Actually, y'know what

Kabocha

Lark is the memories, Jason is the power?

Darkhalo4321

a yin or yang theory

Respheal

I see your twin theory and raise you Lark and Robbie are related(edited)

dat curly hair

Kabocha

omg

Tenor | Shinavar

...

Darkhalo4321

oooo

Tenor | Shinavar

Support

You'd never see it coming their personalities are so different :D

Darkhalo4321

they are the same age too

crimsonangeltears

OR...they are related but time travel or au is involved

Kabocha

!!!!

Darkhalo4321

Robbie is the rogue path

Kabocha

A doppelganger from the phate side of the world?

(Lark, that is)

Darkhalo4321

:0

Kabocha

I mean, Lark is a bird, and Oregon is home to Portland, and if y'all haven't seen Portlandia

crimsonangeltears

OR he's a robot that thinks he's not and he was given fake memories

Kabocha

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHmLljk2t8M

Darkhalo4321

Oh nooo

So a doll hm?

Respheal

Oh yeah, regarding the contract part of the question

There was that trippy dream Jason had

Where he looked kinda....corrupted? And someone gave him a cross

I dunno, the timing of that seemed kind of contracty to me

Ah ha, this bit: http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2637351/6-18/(edited)

Kabocha

Who's the other person there?

Respheal

We don't know O:

I think

RebelVampire

in regards to the contract thing, im gonna point out it was suspicious metaphysical contracts were brought up, nobody knows how they work, and it potentially kills ppl

SpazztastiKim

MYSTERY

Darkhalo4321

I mean

Kabocha

Well, people, there's two, but I figure the guy's probably someone like Ker

crimsonangeltears

you'd have to be pretty desperate to agree to it then?

Darkhalo4321

what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?

SpazztastiKim

Halo boo

Darkhalo4321

- adviec from Ker... probably

Kabocha

.........That's how he got those scars.

RebelVampire

that does sound like ker advice

Kabocha

"I'm clearly not dead, so it's okay!"

Darkhalo4321

seems legit

Respheal

Oh derp hi like right in the next page from that it shows Jason dreaming about his mom getting slashed(edited)

Darkhalo4321

his dreams suck

Kabocha

Ker sure isn't the prettiest face you'll see for a motivational spokesperson, but he sure is the one that'll make you say "YIKES"

Darkhalo4321

I did have a lot of fun with that dream sequence. I both loved it and regretted it instantly.

Kabocha

Oh?

SpazztastiKim

The true suffering

Kabocha

It's interesting that Jason sees himself as cursed in the dream, though.

RebelVampire

maybe the dream sequence is how jason made a contract to try and save his mom but between that and her dying it was too overwhelming

Kabocha

Unless the curse just sits on top of any self-representational form of himself in his dreams.

SpazztastiKim

oof

Darkhalo4321

ooof indeedly

It's like it's becoming more and more clearer?

Respheal

Ker observed the curse triggers when Jason's thinking about his mom (or, I guess, what happened to his mom), and he was dreaming about his mom at the time

Darkhalo4321

I believe he does make that inference

(is inference the right word?)

Kabocha

Yeah, I think so

But Dark knows all the answers so clearly can't tell us THE TRUTH

Darkhalo4321

yes it is I feel smart

Respheal

The truth is out there

Kabocha

Okay, more seriously though

Darkhalo4321

I c o u l d

Kabocha

I'm not sure Ker wasn't involved in the murder.

Respheal

Nahh

Kabocha

I dunno.

SpazztastiKim

no... :C

Darkhalo4321

he did skip town

Respheal

Antonio would kill Ker if he was 8V

SpazztastiKim

NOOOO

RebelVampire

yeah i agree with res

ker would not be alive right now

or staying in the house

Darkhalo4321

but antonio needs SOMEONE to clean the bathrooms

SpazztastiKim

pffft

Kabocha

Ker probably can't take antonio, honestly

RebelVampire

ker doesnt need to live in the house for that. get a dog house and make ker sleep outside

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2455383/2-9-5/ I feel like Antonio might have suspected Ker's involvement, intentional or not, at one point tho

and clearly Ker has no problems killing rogue apparitions

okay yes he does, but only because Lark's a kid

RebelVampire

i got more the impression that antonio called ker cause he thought ker would actually give him straight answers about certain things going on that he wasnt made privy too. versus necessarily think ker was directly involved

Kabocha

Hm, true.

RebelVampire

ker secretly has lark's bday marked on a calendar so the minute lark turns 18 he can kill lerk with no qualms cause lark is an adult

Kabocha

Okay, revision to the theory then. Ker may have known who was sent out that night to deal with the new Moonlight Apparition. Ker may not have known why someone was sent out, or to where they were sent... But had info, somehow. and then... When he realized what happened, he couldn't face Antonio for 5 years.

SpazztastiKim

ouch...

RebelVampire

that sounds more like ker

at the very least i dont buy ker saying "i vaguely remember"

that is a conversation you would remember XD

Kabocha

Ker probably doesn't want to remember.

Darkhalo4321

Maybe he made himself forget?(edited)

Kabocha

Unless Ker was secretly in some sort of love/hate relationship with Adalaide, and then was in a state of shock when he heard she'd died. (Although it really seems more hate/hate)

RebelVampire

ker got himself one of those jason curses

Kabocha

(so, yanno, no unrequited love shenanigans there, but we can dream)

Respheal

Well, there is memory magic

Kabocha

...Is Ker a puppet?

Is that what you're getting at Res

Respheal

I mean, Dark saying Ker may have made himself forget

Kabocha

Was Ker made to forget so he could easily carry out orders, and being near Antonio is bad news bc it jogs his memory

Respheal

I'm just saying there's a way to do that

Kabocha

shhh

don't stop me from making up crazy conspiracy theories!

Respheal

Although here's a question: Why only Adelaide?

Jason was there

Kabocha

Because Antonio.

Darkhalo4321

Why only jason?

Respheal

I mean like, if Jason was there, why wasn't he killed too?

Sarai

Jason's dream/memory of the event cuts off right at the moment he's threatened by him mom's killer(edited)

Respheal

Instead, he just got the curse on him

RebelVampire

im assuming either they didnt get a chance to get at jason cause he did apparition things or because adelaide was super duper special and therefore had to die(edited)

Respheal

.....What if someone's using Jason

Kabocha

I feel like the killer was interrupted before he could finish the job.

Oh no...

Respheal

Someone needed him alive? :3c

RebelVampire

if i had to pick someone to blame for the murders im gonna pick belial cause belial is one suspicious mofo

Respheal

^

Kabocha

Also his magic and eyes are purple.

Darkhalo4321

Puuuurple

A royal color

Kabocha

I know that logic doesn't make much sense when stated out loud like that, but -- I figure an easy visual hint someone would use (or well, a way to distinguish who cast what) is to tie the magic color back to the magic user.

...UNLESS Purple is just a cursed color.

In which case, Belial is toxic.

Respheal

And if you're going to code someone as having "evil magic", you use red or purple

Kabocha

Or green

Respheal

The danger colors

Darkhalo4321

green is my favorite color. It will never be toxic to meeee

SpazztastiKim

totally toxic

Sarai

but purple IS the color of Jason's curse

Darkhalo4321

:0

SpazztastiKim

purple IS cursed because that's my favorite color

Kabocha

...So, I guess we need to find out if Belial also knows how to use a sword.

crimsonangeltears

It is also my favorite color! But cursed...? I never thought about it.

Kabocha

TBH it's weird that the hunters are working with him or his brother at all.

Respheal

He seems like the type

SpazztastiKim

possibly

Kabocha

I dunno, Belial seems more the type to use a magic sword and use it for blood magic.

....wait

Would that be why the murders happened?

Darkhalo4321

His brother now... thats a fun character >:3c

Kabocha

Some sort of horrific ritual involving the town?

We haven't seen other places enough to know if this is an oddly concentrated population of magic shit.

But... I wonder.

Respheal

Real quick before the next question: re: how powers will affect Jason's life: Hope you weren't plannin' on college, kiddo. Super powers and college don't mix well

RebelVampire

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2637354/6-20/ maybe not jason because i was looking at this page again and the writing that can be read is saying wake up. and while you could argue its a subconscious thing telling jason to wake up from the dream, you could also interpret it as something he heard cause the murderer wanted jason's apparition powers to awaken.

Kabocha

Hmmm...

RebelVampire

super powered jason cant be any worse at college than the thought of robbie at college XD

Respheal

TRUE

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. Besides the characters, there seems to be a lot going on in regards to the world. Who do you think Jason can trust: the Hunters or Lark? For what reason do you pick that side? Why do you think the other side can’t be trusted? Overall, do you agree with the Hunters’ stance that Phates should be kept secret? In contrast, do you sympathize with Lark’s goals? What crime do you think he’s being hunted for, and why is it secret? Also, what do you think happened to the people Lark is looking for? Finally, what do you think is going on with the Behem Realm in regards to the corruption and can it be fixed? What role might Jason have in regards to that?

Sarai

I DON'T KNOW OK

Kabocha

Honestly? I think Lark's the more trustworthy. The more I talk this out with made-up theories, the less I am really trusting the hunters.

Sarai

this whole situation with hidden information and magican shenanagins is stressing me out

crimsonangeltears

I will say Lark because that sweet child would never hurt my beloved Jason.

Kabocha

I'm sorry, Crow, you poor child, I really can't trust you until you get an anger management class.

SpazztastiKim

-snorts-

trust no one

RebelVampire

jason shouldnt trust anyone. that is the answer. dont trust ppl who have secrets

Respheal

I tend to think both sides are right and wrong :V The Hunters probably didn't explain things well and are probably doing some shady stuff, but Lark proooooobably reacted poorly and got himself in too deep

Also yes

Trust no one lol

SpazztastiKim

@RebelVampire gets it

Sarai

I don't think phates should be kept secret from the general population

Kabocha

Wait.

WAIT

If there are no secrets...

Then the only person we can trust is Robbie.

Respheal

Lark seems to have good intentions, but probably doesn't have the full story

.......lol

SpazztastiKim

@Respheal gets it too yes

Kabocha

I'm sorry, it's TRUE though.

SpazztastiKim

DON'T TRUST ROBBIE ARE YOU NUTS!?

Respheal

It is true and it hurts

Darkhalo4321

robbie is NOT the person you should trust

RebelVampire

robbie is the murderer confirmed

Respheal

because he's Lark's brother

Kabocha

Y'all are saying don't trust people with secrets, and where does that leave us? EVERYONE but Robbie has secrets.

Darkhalo4321

Toby

SpazztastiKim

hmmmmmmm

Darkhalo4321

Toby is a good kid- no secrets

Sarai

with a fire cracker? absolutely not but with the TRUTH????

Darkhalo4321

y e t

Sarai

YES

RebelVampire

im gonna trust antonio. antonio is just a great dad, great businessman, and great taker carer of ker

SpazztastiKim

I trust no one. not even myself... ESPECIALLY myself

Darkhalo4321

-robbie

Respheal

But even Antonio's keepin' secrets :(

Kabocha

If we're going to trust Antonio, it's only because if I don't, he'll kill me if I walk in his yard.

Respheal

Presumably for good (or so he thinks) reason, but....

Darkhalo4321

I'm sure he HAS his reasons

SpazztastiKim

just because there are reasons doesn't mean they're GOOD reasons

Kabocha

Antonio's a parent. Jason is a teenager. In most stories, you can't trust the parents because they're keeping grown-up secrets from their kids.

SpazztastiKim

heh

hehehe

Kabocha

Like, the truth about that college you really wanna go to... It's not happening. I'm sorry. MIT doesn't offer a full ride, Jason. ...Or does it now

anyway point is

You can't even trust JASON

Darkhalo4321

jason sucks at math, what makes you thik he'd get into MIT XD

Kabocha

because he's keeping secrets!

Darkhalo4321

He IS! How RUDE

Kabocha

The one secret I wanna know is how he gets his hair to stand up like that

Darkhalo4321

Ghibli effect

SpazztastiKim

pfft

Darkhalo4321

The wind styles it FOR him

SpazztastiKim

antigravity hair gel

Respheal

He hangs upside down for an hour every morning (actually no this is more of a Robbie thing)(edited)

Kabocha

Jason's never at 100% power because he's using 10% of it to do his hair.

Sarai

maybe he showers before bed and just

lets it dry however it wants

Darkhalo4321

he needs to get it cut. chop chop chop

bye bye fluff

Sarai

no!

crimsonangeltears

So birds don't style his hair?

Kabocha

And then he'll look like a tiny Antonio

Darkhalo4321

he's a regular snow white that kid

RebelVampire

no i already weeped when robbie cut his hair

Kabocha

Crim, are you suggesting that Jason's a disney princess?

Darkhalo4321

wait until he cuts it SHORTER

Kabocha

... Let's count the qualifications

RebelVampire

there needs to be like 1000% more floof for everyone's hair

Respheal

You mean he's not?

Kabocha

He has a bird friend He has a dead mom But can he SING?

Sarai

when jason cuts his hair will he do it in a comb-over(edited)

Darkhalo4321

ACTUALLY

he can sing very well

oh no- I made a disney princess

Respheal

Disney princess confirmed

Darkhalo4321

He's like BELLE because... he loves reading though!

he doesh't get trapped in a castle. but. like...

SpazztastiKim

nerd

Kabocha

I want adventure in the great wide somewhere~

Darkhalo4321

but not this apparition haaaair

RebelVampire

idk jason isnt really singing about he wants more than his provincial life

Kabocha

Jason, when Robbie comes by. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=INDnS3vIKCU

SpazztastiKim

He's more like... Tiana

Darkhalo4321

Oh because... restaurant, right?

SpazztastiKim

and hard worker... stubborn.... oblivious

Darkhalo4321

robbie probably DID ask Jason to marry him HONESTLY

SpazztastiKim

three times at the very least(edited)

crimsonangeltears

But wait....maybe he's hercules since Ker is training him??

Darkhalo4321

he DID propose to like... 5 nurses

SpazztastiKim

tru

Darkhalo4321

I can GO THE DISTANCE

RebelVampire

i wonder what robbie wouldve done if one of the nurses said yes

Kabocha

I'm into the Hercules version of Jason. If only because it means Cathy and Melodie are probably muses

SpazztastiKim

HA

Darkhalo4321

Heck yeah!

Melodie has the moves for that!

SpazztastiKim

TRUTH

Kabocha

Welp.

Darkhalo4321

So The Behem realm

crimsonangeltears

Will there be a musical chapter?

RebelVampire

its probably fine. corruption always fixes itself O_O

Darkhalo4321

how would I comic that?... a musical chapter? When the anime happens, I'll have one made!

Kabocha

I still can't help but think that Crow's some sort of shapeshifter or werewolf... Behem... Behemoth... Plus Crow's propensity to growl like some sort of very angry dog...

RebelVampire

if crow isnt a werewolf i will be surprised

Respheal

I am 100% on board with that theory

RebelVampire

cause theres been enough refs to imply it is so

Darkhalo4321

I mean... He takes commands rather well when threatened- so-

dog training?

Kabocha

Crow doesn't listen to Julie real well tho

SpazztastiKim

he tries

RebelVampire

i think how the behem realm is being dealt with is a major reason jason shouldnt trust the hunters. cause while i dont think the hunters are evil persay, i think in their pursuit to do the good they bend ethics waaaaaay too far(edited)

Darkhalo4321

Julie needs to talk louder-

SpazztastiKim

He is basically a puppy

be loud and RIGHT THERE, then he'll pay attention

Darkhalo4321

yeaaaah- wonder why they have a phate trapped in a glass jar in a makeshift lab

SpazztastiKim

spooky

Kabocha

.... Do the stooges know about that

Darkhalo4321

they might

they might not

>:3c

Kabocha

@RebelVampire -- d'ya think the state of Behem might be related to Jason?

what if Jason's unintentionally an avatar of destruction?

SpazztastiKim

why... did that make me giggle so much?!

RebelVampire

i mean id believe it. sorry jason.

Kabocha

This tiny cinnamon roll of a child -- really there because he's a sign of end times.

RebelVampire

you are destined to destroy all that you love

except antonio

Kabocha

With Antonio as his dad, I'd really believe it.

Darkhalo4321

Yeah, I've been forbidden by many to NOT kill antonio

SpazztastiKim

indeed

Darkhalo4321

which means I probably should kill him, right?

Kabocha

Jason can become a razor-sharp weapon of death... But when it comes to his father, they walk side-by-side into the end.

SpazztastiKim

I did threaten to fly over there and shoot you with something. Do I have to again?(edited)

Sarai

it means you should NOT

Darkhalo4321

D:

RebelVampire

no dark this means the opposite. this means antonio needs 10 layers of plot armor

Darkhalo4321

fine fine he's safe... for now

RebelVampire

and when you pretend to kill him it turns out antonio faked his death and it was his plan all along

SpazztastiKim

I have MULTIPLE Nerf guns Halo...(edited)

Kabocha

oh noooo

Darkhalo4321

He'll eat a potato chip and go just as planned

Kabocha

Live footage of Dark, plotting out the story https://tenor.com/6zEs.gif

SpazztastiKim

^^^

Darkhalo4321

you forgot to add in the part where I plot as horrible implications are made known to me

>:3c fu fu fu

Kabocha

. . . So uh.

RebelVampire

i do think jason is tied to the corruption in all seriousness

Kabocha

Anyone got new horrible implications to point out?

I'd agree with you on that, Rebel.... Hold on, I feel like there's visual evidence

Darkhalo4321

oh?

Kabocha

Oh, no nevermind

I was like, "I remember that shot of the blocked off Behem realm being foresty," and linked it to Jason's dream where he got the Rosary... But they don't look similar at all.

But what seems to be a gate(????) to the realm has the same kind of creeping blackness as was surrounding Jason and the corrupted shade

RebelVampire

as far as im concerned the only evidence we need is that jason has amnesia and all the events tie back to the massacre

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2663394/6-32-chapter-end/ http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2637351/6-18/ But I'm not sure if that's just Dark's visual shorthand for "dark magic"

So file this under "more evidence needed, but I'm choosing to believe they're tied together somehow"

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2017341/2-10/ Also, apparently the Jason = Apparition user has been hidden from the hunters for a while... So, I wonder if Jason changed that night, corrupted the Behem realm with his awakening (somehow -- maybe it was just some sort of casting in place from the previous apparition user), and then got home after horrific things happened, only to have his mother murdered

The problem with this is, we don't know how casting this sort of stuff works yet, so I don't know if Jason's been in proximity TO the Behem realm if it requires that he physically be there to affect it.

Darkhalo4321

He's a wot? He's an apparition antonio-

Kabocha

So, I think until shown otherwise, if Jason's power is linked to Behem's state... Jason's probably a symptom of the problem, more than the cause??

RebelVampire

to be fair though we cant say for sure the corruption even started in the behem realm can we?

cause it couldve started elsewhere and thats just the first notable place it hit in its spread

Kabocha

true -- it could have been Belial starting shit, and it spread like a wildfire.

RebelVampire

belial please, observe proper fire control procedures at least(edited)

Kabocha

never

Darkhalo4321

a forest fire to burn all the... evidence...

blame it on teens using the beehive burner as a party spot

just as planned

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2663394/6-32-chapter-end/ Also, I wonder why Julie cares so much about the Behem realm? I know you don't need to have a link to a place to care, but... I feel like she has more than just Crow.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 4. Jason isn’t the only character in the comic with secrets. Do you think there are any significant things that Toby might know from the past that are sealed from Jason? If so, what and how will that affect his and Jason’s relationship? What do you think the story is with Robbie and how Jason ended up his friend? Why won’t Jason tell Toby the circumstances, and why is Robbie’s situation with Jason significant? Also, will the relationship between Jason and Melodie develop, or is it doomed to the status quo? Moving to other characters, how do you think Ker came upon his eye and the ability to use Fae magic? How might this event be influencing his choices and position with the Hunters? Last, what is going on with Belial, and what do you think this means for the story?

Kabocha

To be honest, when we found out that Robbie just kind of appeared in their friend group one day, I half expected that Robbie would be part of Jason? Like, that whole part of Jason that got separated out when he developed amnesia, but then the curse was introduced, and it was like... "nah"

Darkhalo4321

Eh- but you have to think back to Annette and Jason's conversation on the back porch-

Respheal

I've had a theory for a while that Robbie may have attempted suicide.... Mostly fueled by "Are you suicidal?!" "Yes?" and the references to Robbie being in a hospital

And that's probably how they met? 'cuz Jason's sister is a nurse?

Kabocha

Yeah...

RebelVampire

itd make sense cause theres a lot of rumors surrounding robbie and well...rumors lead to bullying >_>

Respheal

And that conversation between Jason and his sister was very......real

"is he okay?"

Kabocha

Robbie's a good egg who decided if he was going to be talked about, he may as well give them something to talk about

RebelVampire

and itd actually explain robbie's sort of cavalier attitude. cause if hes actually depressed than he doesnt care about his safety

thus jumps on well covers

Darkhalo4321

when Inspector Toby says "lets not stand on this-"

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2222484/1-17/ Toby's pretty cavalier about risking Robbie for Jason's sake tho

Respheal

And why Jason, being the good kid he is, doesn't drop Robbie like a brick when he's consistently crass

Darkhalo4321

if he don't care about his safety, why should he?

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2222492/1-21/ Because Jason cares

RebelVampire

well yeah, why would toby pick robbie over his best friend? XD

Respheal

I'm still mad at Robbie about the cafeteria scene lol

punk

Darkhalo4321

in the redraw I think I made it worse, but less directed...

if that's possible...even

Kabocha

Toby seemed to join in on it in those pages tho

Toby, why are you so mean to Mel. XD

what did she do to you

Darkhalo4321

Toby-... t o b y

sighs Toby- He's such a complicated nooooodle

RebelVampire

i just assumed robbie acted that way because thats how he handles socially awkward situations he doesnt want to be a part of. and his go to mode is "be a jackass"

Kabocha

.... Mel tried to be friendly, Toby didn't take her being friendly very well because it was a bad day, Mel continued to pester A grudge began

RebelVampire

for the cafeteria scene that is

Kabocha

Well, no, I mean, that could be their history XD

But yes, Robbie being a jackass is default, I think

"I don't know what to do, so go away" only he can't say those words

because then he looks weak

Darkhalo4321

truuue

RebelVampire

toby is a complicated noodle tho. i cant decide if he can be trusted or not. cause he seems honest but then at the same time he feels like he has a secret skeleton closet of secrets

Darkhalo4321

but, Toby Melodie and Jason have been friends for a while now-

his room DOES have a closet Hmmmm

Respheal

When Jason mentioned he had started remembering things, Toby looked like he was ready to whack Jason upside the head if it'd bring on the amnesia again

A definite "nope nope nope bad don't remember" sort of expression

Darkhalo4321

yeah, bad things happen when that... happened...

Kabocha

Maybe Toby has a secret he needs to hide.

Respheal

What are you hiding?

Darkhalo4321

MAYBE

cue law and order theme

Kabocha

Or at least, that was my impression during that first time, but when it was mentioned that Jason gets hospitalized...

It was like, hm, okay. Toby's not suspicious I guess.

Darkhalo4321

f o r n o w

Kabocha

Unless he was that other figure in the bg of that dream

Darkhalo4321

:0

is Toby the contracteee?

Kabocha

Part of the contract, maybe XD

crimsonangeltears

I gotta leave the chat guys, sorry! (gotta make dinner) Thank you for including me!

Sarai

bye! thanks for joining us!!

RebelVampire

thank you for comin @crimsonangeltears ~!

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2637351/6-18/ <- this page, first panel, 3 figures, just fyi

Darkhalo4321

Thanks for coming Crimson! makes yummy food for your family!

Kabocha

Have a good night Crim~!

RebelVampire

ok so it wasnt just me. i tots thought toby's reaction to jason's memories returning was super suspicious

and like he was ready to flee the country

Kabocha

well, if Jason is linked to the destruction of realms

wouldn't you?

Darkhalo4321

there is a lot about the APPARITIONS the hunters DONT KNOW sooo

Kabocha

that's why they want Lark

to counteract Jason.

Darkhalo4321

>;3c

RebelVampire

why only get one when you can have both tho?

Kabocha

They don't want him dead, but captured if possible. Because even if he dies, that power will reappear, yeah? but Lark's like, "Yeah, nah, I'm fine with the world ending."

Darkhalo4321

I'm surprised no one has brought up the lab... with lark...

Kabocha

Well

It's still new-ish information

Darkhalo4321

True-

Kabocha

We don't know who had the forest lab under their control yet, or am I forgetting something

maybe they had all those kids to test corruption on

Test subjects for Belial's brother~

'cause eventually, you need human subjects.

Darkhalo4321

I mean- they are keeping phates in jars so-

Kabocha

Nari was sacrificed for the sake of the Behem realm!

Darkhalo4321

shes a homuraaaa

or a madoka?

Kabocha

Neither

she's Sayaka

Darkhalo4321

THERE we go

RebelVampire

i dont have enough info to theorize on the lab. cause i got more the impression the kids were at a training facility for the hunters than a lab and that the lab came later.

Kabocha

But uh... There were theories on Dark's server about Mr. Grimr...

RebelVampire

maybe theyre pulling an fma and when lark finds nari shes gonna be fused with a phate

Kabocha

Ahahaha oh no

NO

REBEL NO

Respheal

WHY

Kabocha

Don't give Dark ideas!

Darkhalo4321

... l- lark?

>:3c

Kabocha

Lark-oniichan...

SpazztastiKim

S-stop?(edited)

Sarai

ENOUGH

Kabocha

We have found the limit, and it is Nina jokes.

Sarai

I can't take nina jokes in two servers gosh darn it

SpazztastiKim

that will ALWYAS be the limit

Sarai

^^^

Darkhalo4321

this will be the hill I die on

Kabocha

Okay, but seriously, Mr. Grimr has purple eyes.

Is he Belial's bro

Darkhalo4321

:0

Sarai

he might be

Darkhalo4321

purple, and purple makes a connection-

SpazztastiKim

nothing but pain

Kabocha

I mean

we have yet to see ... What was her name?

Sassypants?

Darkhalo4321

he knows stuff

Kabocha

Sizzlebritches?(edited)

Darkhalo4321

YES

XD

Respheal

"her"(edited)

Kabocha

So, I guess we're going to have a scene of this comic in a strip club.

Respheal

WHO

Darkhalo4321

d... did you not

oh dear

Kabocha

Dark, if you skimp out on the bright colored lights, I'll be sad.

Darkhalo4321

my google search history is going to ask questions kabo

Kabocha

Just look up sterotypical pictures from Vegas

it'll be fine

Or watch Showgirls (don't watch showgirls, it's not really good)

RebelVampire

vegas is basically one big strip club

Darkhalo4321

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2616663/6-12/

@Respheal

That's WHO

Respheal

Oh

I uh

I actually meant who's the 'her' Grimr is referring to

Darkhalo4321

I felt very clever about the name.

OH

RebelVampire

i assume the her was nari but now that res brings up that page...lark, did you...did you make a metaphysical contract?

Darkhalo4321

o h

Kabocha

"her" -- probably Nari. Or Adalaide. XD

Darkhalo4321

o h n o

Kabocha

If Nari's not fully dead, she will be soon.

A victim of corruption...

Respheal

r i p

Kabocha

I mean, you kind of sealed her fate with the whole friggin blood shots followed by tears

how else do you interpret that

Darkhalo4321

he just... misses her and regrets his bloody murdering ness or... something

Kabocha

http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/comics/2685206/7-5/ Lark is fine if the world ends because Nari isn't in it.

Respheal

The red was actually his hair dye

Darkhalo4321

yes

Kabocha

That's why he wants Jason.

FREE NARI, OR I SET HIM UPON YOU

RebelVampire

lark please. what you do is be the distraction and have jason sneak in. cause they wont be expecting jason and thus jason has the element of surprise to wreck their stuff

Darkhalo4321

Jason can barely transform guys, he'd just go in and start screaming XD

might as well SEND ROBBIOE

actually... That would work.He can seduce the guards see.

RebelVampire

that works too. send robbie and jason.

ultimate tag team

Kabocha

[image: Return Nari... Or suffer his curse...](edited)

Darkhalo4321

Jason would have to remind lark that... he's no idea what he's talking about XD curse? What curse? I'm F I N E

narrators voice He was NOT fine

Kabocha

See, I was imagining it to be more like King Ramses...

Darkhalo4321

oh yah?

Kabocha

RETURN THE SLAB....

OR SUFFER MY CURSE....

Darkhalo4321

OH

Yah Lark would try that, huh?

Kabocha

Yep. only Jason is the curse he shall set upon the world

Darkhalo4321

because his curse is FORBIDDEN MAGICwoooooo

and much scarier for some reason

Kabocha

:3

Well, it'll be okay eventually, I'm sure.

RebelVampire

lark's plans always work out

nothing could go wrong

Darkhalo4321

it'll all work out-

maybe

Kabocha

Nari's not doomed. Jason will be fine. And best of all, Lark will get everything he wanted.

Darkhalo4321

it's fine

Kabocha

And Robbie will live a happy life.

Darkhalo4321

the kids are okay

trust me

RebelVampire

theyre all dead

Kabocha

And you're not going to do anything to Antonio.

Darkhalo4321

e x a c t l y

Kabocha

That's it! That's the story.

Everything is FINE

Darkhalo4321

MCR's I'm not okay plays in the background

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB END!

Sadly, this wraps up this week’s Thursday Book Club chat for now. Thank you so much to everyone for reading and joining us! We want to give a special thank you to Janaka Davis (Darkhalo4321), as well, for making Moonlight Apparition. If you liked the comic, make sure to support Janaka Davis’ efforts however you’re able to~!

Read and Comment: http://moonlightapparition.smackjeeves.com/

Janaka’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Darkhalo4321

Janaka’s Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/A0A1K9D7

Janaka’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/Darkhalo4321

[comicteaparty]

March 14th, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on March 14th, 2019, from 5PM - 7PM PDT.  The chat focused on Sketch Dump by Aleks Stock.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB START!

Good evening, everyone~! This week’s Thursday Book Club is officially beginning! Today we are discussing Sketch Dump by Aleks Stock~! (https://sketchdump.org/)

Remember that Thursday discussions are completely freeform! However, every 30 minutes I will drop in OPTIONAL discussion questions in case you’d like a bit of a prompt. If you miss out on one of these prompts, you can find them pinned for the chat’s duration. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is fun and respectfully appreciating the comic. All that said, let’s begin!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

one scene i particularly enjoyed was the scene where its revealed clear as day, no holds bar that Iladyl is a slave. https://sketchdump.org/post/179755402309/sketch-dump-c02p06-i-wanna-hug-iladyl-qaq the way its revealed is so straight forward but so simple really works i think. cause its just treated as a fact of life and that is indeed how it would be for the world.

i also loved the animated shattered screen effect because its both grounded in familiarity yet the way its illustrated kind of gives it that scifi fantasy tech feel that lets you know that nope, definitely not from earth

i also find the scene where Brogod meets Jen to be kind of fascinating. mostly cause i think Brogod is an interesting character since his first inclination is to make contact and help. meanwhile in the "real" world, cause i get the impression of simulation, his brain seems to be kind of exploding. but mostly i like it for the interactions cause its not the first reaction you really expect when meeting some crazy alien entity in a weirdo simulation world of sorts.

khkddn

im not done reading through the archive but i really like the scene in the beginning where the lights are flickering, it looks so cool

RebelVampire

yes i think the lighting effects are pretty cool. especially cause of how its animated because the animation kind of feels like the world is glitching. which fits with the whole world we see jenna in later

ezzy

i also like the beginning scene with the séance. just nice to see the characters fucking around. it really gives you the sense that they've known each other for a while

khkddn

it's a great artstyle overall, love it

ezzy

same!

khkddn

yeah i liked seeing the characters interacting too during the seance, some good moments there(edited)

ezzy

i love any sort of multimedia webcomic but the use of animations is rly good

it makes the world a little more vibrant

RebelVampire

yeah i agree it is really great to see the characters kind of just being them. no life threatening quest. no world to save. just a silly seance thing as an excuse to get together, hang out, maybe get some food later. i think it was a good way to introduce them since it gave more breather time to get to know them.

ezzy

i like the little hints that there's more to the characters, like that dudes scar

RebelVampire

yes or some of the subtle looks passed between certain individuals. it was interesting to see a little back history at play that we dont get to know about yet

ezzy

it really makes you want to read more

khkddn

all caught up now! definitely agree w @RebelVampire about the scene revealing Iladyl is a slave. a few pages prior to that i think lyral says something to the effect of "i stole you" which i didn't understand at first but once it got to that page i was like ohhhh

RebelVampire

haha i kind of suspected from that line but it was one of those lines that makes you go "hmm maybe not"

and then the story said nope, it was the worst thing you could expect

khkddn

harsh, harsh reality

RebelVampire

although im really curious about what gave it away. like i assume the horns or something, but im not sure what about them announced "slave over here everybody"

khkddn

i think it was the horns, since there is a panel focusing on them when those people say to leave the slave alone

maybe the hair color too but idk

RebelVampire

QUESTION 2. At the start of the comic, we’re introduced to a slew of colorful characters. Which of the characters shown so far caught your eye the most? What about that character in particular interests you? Further, which of the character dynamics intrigued you the most? From what has been shown so far, especially of the human cast, what do you make of everyone’s relationship with each other? How do you think this devil summoning ritual began, and why is everyone simultaneously showing up and being grumpy about showing up? What do you make of every character’s choice of sins, and in what ways do you think that might come into play later?

ezzy

i like jake and jen a lot, mostly based off their designs

RebelVampire

while brogod definitely interests me, i think the character who caught my eye the most was Jake. Of all the humans he seemed the most down to earth and cool. that and of all the characters jack couldve called at the beginning, he calls jake. and that really makes me want to know their past relationship history cause who you choose ot call first is pretty revealing.

ezzy

i think there's a lot of things being set up for the future and i'm rly interested in seeing where it's going

obviously these are characters who've known each other for a good while and have their own rituals and inter-relationships

the devil summoning is being done for the sake of ritual rather than anyone (besides jackson) caring about the results

so i guess it will be interesting to see why it worked this time and how it will shake up their relationships now that its worked

RebelVampire

yes, definitely. cause if this doesnt test their friendships, nothing will XD

there definitely is a lot of character stuff being set up though

i think from the opening scene the character im most worried about sin wise is allen. cause allen chose sloth and life and while jake played it off as him just being a millenial, umm, yeah. i mean you dont pick life as a sin for nothing

which since allen is the one with the scar

maybe hes got a serious case of survivors guilt

and survived something horrific

khkddn

im really curious about that scar, since it seems like he makes a bigger deal of it than anyone else

RebelVampire

yeah especially when it really isnt that bad of a scar

so theres gotta be emotional ties to it

and not just vanity

since vanity is a sin and was not the one he picked

ezzy

oooh i didn't make the connection between the scar and the sin he picked

khkddn

if there is a connection, it could go multiple ways. maybe it was a situation where he got the scar through inaction, or maybe something happened to him that made him a more passive person

RebelVampire

that could be too

that would combine it well with sloth

the character dynamic i think i want to know most about is blake and ana. cause of this page https://sketchdump.org/tagged/comic/chrono/page/13

there are so many ways to read that conversation and that look

khkddn

oh that's true, i didn't notice that the first time reading through

ezzy

(can i just say i really like the composition of that page)

RebelVampire

yes, i love the visual flow on this page, the slight animation, and all the shot choices. it was a really good build up for that look

ill also point out blake wrote love as his sin

so that is a blush

khkddn

the was blake is in the second panel vs the last panel are super different. if it's related to why he picked love, then i wonder why he and ana haven't haven't seen each other in a while (based on the "long time no see")

RebelVampire

ok wait. im rereading this and the papers are sin and sacrifice. so love isnt the implied sin but what blake wants to sacrifice

so is it like...ana is his ex hes still in love with but he wants to move on?

khkddn

hm that would explain them not seeing each other

RebelVampire

yes and the awkward response from blake

ezzy

oooh

RebelVampire

if life is allen's sacrifice, then thats even worse tho and stands to reason that hes probably guilty of inaction

QUESTION 3. Within the comic, an “innocent” devil summoning seems to go horrifically wrong. What do you think exactly happened to everyone involved? Why did this summoning go so awry, and why did none of the other attempts before have the same results? How does all this tie into what Brogod was doing regarding summoning and translating? Did Brogod somehow cause what happened to the human gang, or were both sides victims? Also, why was Brogod found unconscious and barely breathing after making contact with Jen? What’s even going on with Jen? Lastly, do you think Brogod is okay and, if so, will Brogod try to make contact again?

I do think Brogod was responsible for why everything went awry. Cause its like he was trying to summon the summoner which probably created an extreme magical paradox

ezzy

my guess is that the two "summonings" happening at the same time is what caused everything to go all whoopsy-fucky

khkddn

i think the previous seances never worked because each time, there wasn't someone like brogod on the other end doing their own seance

it's weird that brogod got all messed up but the humans didn't. maybe it's because there was one of him and seven of them?

RebelVampire

i assume brogod got messed up more from making contact with jen

rather than the seance itself causing it

like had he bailed and said "no lets not talk to this person" he mightve been fine?

ezzy

i think the thing with jen is like... either happenning in his head or he's like projecting his conscious to another plane and thats why he's fountaining blood

RebelVampire

yeah

i got the simulation impression

like brogod was tapping into another world

another world i would not be surprised was purgatory or something

whereas the humans got physically transported

simulation world also cause last i checked human eyes dont glow blue like that

unless jen was secretly a cyborg all along

khkddn

im trying to figure out what jen is saying in the non-translated parts.... too hard >_>

RebelVampire

by process of elimination i believe jen was the one who chose to sacrifice limb, so i hope that thing brogod put on her doesnt have long term consequences

khkddn

sacrificing limb sounds pretty straightforward in terms of making it literal, wouldn't want to pick that one

the only non-translated part i think i understand is the one on this page https://sketchdump.org/tagged/comic/chrono/page/32

p sure she's saying something about his tail

RebelVampire

makes sense

i can read "That's a

but the rest i cant figure out

im really curious why brogod seemed to have all those translation bug things as the thematic colors we keep seeing to represent each character

khkddn

they also flew away into the void (i think they did, he tried to catch them) so im wondering where those lil things went

RebelVampire

i mean the most likely conclusion is to the other characters

considering in the latest page we can confirm emily made contact

and clearly the language barrier would still apply without help

ezzy

yeah, it would be silly to have the characters run around without being able to speak the language

so thats a neat solution

RebelVampire

also interesting. cause magic shenanigans must be at work

i do think brogod is gonna be fine and be back again to figure out wtf is going on. cause i think after he wakes up he might realize he had something to do with it. or hell make contact with jen and gleam info about their situation and go "whoops"

ezzy

im really curious about what's gonna happen lmao

RebelVampire

QUESTION 4. As the comic has only gotten so far, there’s a lot of speculation to be had about the future. Do you think the human gang will ultimately get back to their homes? At the very least, do you think they’ll at least be able to find each other given they all seem to be quite separated? How do you think Iladyl will be involved with the plot considering his friend seemed to have located Emily? Why is the friend interested in involving Iladyl in the first place? Do you think everyone else has made contact with someone like Emily and Jen? On a different note, what about the world interests you the most right now? Finally, in general, what sorts of conflicts, events, or anything else are you hoping to see or think might happen?

so in line with the topic of sin and sacrifice earlier, im really concerned ana is gonna die. cause thats one way to sacrifice love

ezzy

i feel like they'll be separated for a long time and will have to deal with their relationships while being apart and thrust into a new and foreign situation

you know, like college

RebelVampire

yeah i dont think theyll find each other anytime soon. although the characters who know them may find them. like maybe brogod will find Iladyl's friend and they can chat about their alien friends. but i assume the humans are kind of like in pockets where they cant make contact with each other until theyre out in the actual physical world where there isnt a white void everywhere.

ezzy

they'll probably have to reevaluate their relationships under duress and will be different people by the time they see each other again

RebelVampire

yes, definitely. i mean not even their relationships. theyre gonna have to evaluate themselves cause they all seem to be early 20s or younger with exception to jake who seems to be working at a hospital

tho exception in the sense that im not sure what his job is there

ezzy

the description does say 2 teens and a number of young adults

i wanna say five but i cant fucking count

RebelVampire

i assume most of them are around jack's age

again minus jake

cause it really depends on what jake does

cause if hes a nurse or doctor or something hed be a lot older cause med school takes a long ass time

ezzy

if hes a nurse he might be younger i think(edited)

because nursing school doesnt take as long

RebelVampire

true. but tbf jake could also be some sort of genius and did the whole college thing at 10. hes mostly just the wildcard i wont put eggs into the basket

on a different topic, i bet the others are not having as great as time as jenna or emily. cause i will be surprised if they all manage to meet someone who legitimately wants to help them

ezzy

my guess is that theyre all within 4 years of each other

it will be interesting to see if they all have like... a demon counterpart to play off of

RebelVampire

i think thats plausible, just all their demon counterparts might not be the best of ppl. like knowing slaves are a thing in this world makes me think one of them is kind of destined for it

ezzy

yep

RebelVampire

the bit of world im most intrigued by is from this page https://sketchdump.org/post/174655505354/sketch-dump-c01p24-minor-seizure where brogod gets mad about almost damaging the most priceless artifact in the palace. cause i cant decide what hes talking about, although i assume its the lighter. and if so, wtf happened in the world that its the most priceless artifact

alternative could be talking about the computer, but considering technology seems rampant idk

khkddn

it does look like an ordinary lighter, but who knows

(ordinary lighter w blue fire, that is)

ezzy

hmm the computer says something about a gift and lyddal(?) also mentioned a soul gift

maybe its a soul lighter

lladyl lmao

RebelVampire

hmm that could be

but now that tells me why the friend probably wanted to get Iladyl involved

maybe Iladyl's soul gift is something that will help

with emily

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB END!

Sadly, this wraps up this week’s Thursday Book Club chat for now. Thank you so much to everyone for reading and joining us! We want to give a special thank you to Aleks Stock, as well, for making Sketch Dump. If you liked the comic, make sure to support Aleks Stock’s efforts however you’re able to~!

Read and Comment: https://sketchdump.org/

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[comicteaparty]

February 21st, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on February 21st, 2019, from 5PM - 7PM PST.  The chat focused on Teasday by FeatheryJustice.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB START!

Good evening, everyone~! This week’s Thursday Book Club is officially beginning! Today we are discussing Teasday by FeatheryJustice~! (https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/teasday/list?title_no=169870)

Remember that Thursday discussions are completely freeform! However, every 30 minutes I will drop in OPTIONAL discussion questions in case you’d like a bit of a prompt. If you miss out on one of these prompts, you can find them pinned for the chat’s duration. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is fun and respectfully appreciating the comic. All that said, let’s begin!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

Draco Plato

I really like the most recent scene with Vander because I'm really looking forward to where it's going to lead to, it left me with a feeling of suspense

I also enjoyed the scene with Calen and Folen

FeatheryJustice

My favourite scene is actually Anton and Spyder, especially trolling Spyder with salt instead of sugar. I do love drawing Calen and Folen :3

Also what tea is everyone drinking today?

Cheshire777

Nothing right now- out and about but when I get back chai.

FeatheryJustice

What kind of chai? Traditional or like the new form types?

Draco Plato

peppermint XD

FeatheryJustice

Ohh classic. Plain peppermint or mixed with other stuff Draco?

Draco Plato

just plain, it's pretty watery too since it's the keurig one

Cheshire777

Loose leaf (masala I think?) w/ sugar, vanilla, nutmeg and cream.(edited)

FeatheryJustice

Ohh that sounds so good

Cheshire777

And cinnamon.

RebelVampire

my favorite scene is probably the one with calen and folen. i think they add a lot of dynamic to camellia since before she was just grumpy tea witch. now shes grumpy tea witch with a past. plus i really loved that appearance change because just so many questions. tea party host plot twist: i actually hate tea. long live the coffee witch.

FeatheryJustice

There is a coffee witch

She's cool

RebelVampire

which incidentally i did enjoy the dialogue about the coffee witch and the whole description of camellia's interaction with her. it made me laugh.

Cheshire777

Beat me to it @RebelVampire.

naomi

I always look forward to the author note at the end - it makes me imagine what they are drinking in the story

Also sorry I revealed my tea in general already - but I might make some hojicha for the occasion

FeatheryJustice

/o/

Draco Plato

haha I do really enjoy the author notes at the end too, I've learned so much about tea

Cheshire777

Eeesh, will be going through a dead zone soon for a few mins, don't freak if I stop talking.

mathtans

Here for the moment. Yeah, I liked the tea witch/coffee witch thing where they each made the offer and declined, I can totally relate to that. Coffee is just a no for me.

(I don't drink tea much either, but never coffee.)

RebelVampire

im really hoping well meet the coffee witch and see the spark of rivalry to a degree. friendly rivalry, but rivalry none the less

another less scene but more moment i enjoyed was at the end of sweet tea where the spider is just using multiple arms to pour in more sugar than should ever be allowed in anything ever

mathtans

Random surprise twist, Calen inherits the coffee witch title.

FeatheryJustice

Lol

mathtans

I also thought it was a nice touch in the night scene to have Camillia without her gloves. One wonders if she had a tea mishap in her past... or maybe she worked in fast food and gave it up.

There was more sugar than cup, I think. ^.^

Cheshire777

Ack..

FeatheryJustice

Yeah they are really good friends, the coffee witch and Cam

nintendonut1

I like the lullaby sung in Tea Cocktails. makes me think of how a lot of our childhood songs can get a little creepy

FeatheryJustice

That song is plot important

mathtans

We've also seen a fruit witch. Is there a veggie witch?

FeatheryJustice

In like three seasons ahha

There is one!

Draco Plato

oh i was thinking it had plot relevance, the song

mathtans

(I'm randomly reminded of a bake shop near me called "The Scone Witch".)

FeatheryJustice

That is a good name lol

And yeah of course it has plot relevance, I mean I wouldn't invent a random song without meaning XD

naomi

I hope it's clear when I said I liked the author's notes that it doesn't get in front of the content for me! Although I do think it gives each page something extra

RebelVampire

idk i could head canon camellia just invented it to troll ppl and creep them out

naomi

Same

FeatheryJustice

She would XD

Also I think I want to do a recap section for the longer ones so people can get read through it and get the tdlr

Like I should recap the herbal arc hha

mathtans

She sings it to people who come in and ask for coffee.

Kabocha

Hellooooo~ Favorite Scene? Vander's hiring. Camelia went through so many applicants that it was silly, and then this guy can pick up the simplest lavender tea

Also, aaaaa, I still need to read from the herbal arc. I fell behind a while ago T_T;;;

naomi

I am still reading but I really liked the getting ready to go out/meeting Anton

RebelVampire

i also liked how kind of shrug no big deal vander was about knowing the tea

Kabocha

I think Vander was expecting something more challenging, because he's got some sort of tea magic, but... Camelia has long dealt with normal people, who don't know it well

naomi

Yeah I would be a lot more... I think the word is chuffed? If I guessed a tea challenge

FeatheryJustice

Actually there is a thing why she was so surprised actually

Kabocha

also urgh, is it Camellia or Camelia... I keep forgetting which words have two ls some nights

FeatheryJustice

It was barely hinted at

RebelVampire

QUESTION 2. As hinted by the name, one of the comic’s goals is to focus on all topics related to tea. What is one interesting fact that you learned about tea thanks to the comic? Of the episodes, which episode did you find to be the strongest in terms of how it delivered educational, tea related information? Alternatively, of the episodes, which one did you find most entertaining on how it tackled a certain topic of tea and tea brewing? What other tea brews or information are you hoping to see the comic tackle? Lastly, which of the brews presented so far is your favorite?

mathtans

Well, as I recall it was diluted all to heck. Camillia was waiting for someone to say "it's water, not tea".

RebelVampire

yeah id call that more than a hint XD

FeatheryJustice

It was diluted

Kabocha

I really did like the intro to herbals, though Feather had told us a bit about it in IDC some time ago

also the process of tea flavoring is fascinating!

mathtans

I'd never considered the difference between infusers and the little collander thing that sits on a teapot. Surface area and such.

Draco Plato

I'd never heard of a lot of the tea combinations before so it gave me a lot to try

FeatheryJustice

And yeah it was more than a hint haha XD but people gloss over it a lot

Draco Plato

the banana tea particularly fascinated, and the chocolate tea

Kabocha

the fact that coconut tea is so oily wasn't... surprising

Draco Plato

yeah it was!

Kabocha

I'm shocked it goes with chocolate though

FeatheryJustice

Lol XD

Kabocha

chocolate is a pain to clean up after in my mug XD

FeatheryJustice

Yeah somrtimes you oh

You can put the chocolate tea in a tea bag and then into an infuser XR

Kabocha

...that would keep the oil from escaping wouldn't it

FeatheryJustice

Yup

mathtans

Oh yeah, banana tea, what was up with that. Did not anticipate.

RebelVampire

i have learned all the tea facts. as someone who doesnt like tea and thus doesnt make it, my knowledge equates to basically 0 on anything involved with making tea. like didnt even know there were different ways to flavor things. so all in all the comic has been educational as a whole to me

FeatheryJustice

I am glad I am teaching people!

Kabocha

wait, rebel, you don't like tea?! whaaaaaaaaat

FeatheryJustice

Also man I had to research so much for the herbal flavouring thing

mathtans

It's a "steep" learning curve.

RebelVampire

the research really shows through though because i think in comparison to the other strips this one has been the most thorough

FeatheryJustice

I love that pum

Also I was trying to do a different format as well that time CD

RebelVampire

and no i dont like tea. but tbf to tea i dont like hot beverages in general. even coffee which i do like i take it iced.

FeatheryJustice

Iced tea episode hahaha

mathtans

Funny thing about tea for me. I don't like hot tea. I definitely don't like iced tea. I'll tend to drop an ice cube into tea shortly before drinking it (it melts, admittedly diluting) to split the difference.

Kabocha

yeah, I let my tea cool before drinking it in many cases -- but some just taste better hot

but compared to rebel, I live in the arctic I think

FeatheryJustice

Lukewarm tea is okay

mathtans

Exactly. Gotta go for lukewarm.

RebelVampire

in terms of education, i also liked the alcohol tea drinking. cause it was educational and entertaining. cause idk what it was about the scene, but i got kind of a bar feeling. like camellia suddenly the bartender just serves alcohol tea

to rebel most ppl live in the arctic in comparison XD

mathtans

That reminds me, when Camellia's with her family they call her Amellia. Is she undercover with her C?

Kabocha

I'd honestly never had tea with alcohol... that sounds... pretty good imo

RebelVampire

i assumed it might have been a nickname cause it seems like most charas have their own nickname for her

but then again

she did change her appearance

suspicious

FeatheryJustice

Amelia is what they call her and Ilia is what Anton and Spyder call her

mathtans

Oh, good point, the llia hadn't consciously registered.

She looks different to tend bar.

FeatheryJustice

Yeah becuase she actually attempted to dress up XD

Also I need to bring back Galene sometime soon

RebelVampire

she looked very pretty in those scenes too

i was hoping wed see galene again cause i really like galene's design

FeatheryJustice

I had fun drawing her but I was also like "OH GOD WHY DID I DO THIS TO MYSELF"

mathtans

Galene is Calen's secret informant.

FeatheryJustice

Fun fact, they don't know of each other's existences yet.

Galene and Calen never met in story

Same as how Vander never met Anton and Spyder yet, and Rhurbi only seen Spyder and Anton like once

Also the fun thing about alcohol with tea is that you can put it in hot tea and burn off the alcohol content. Or cook it

RebelVampire

oh man i cant wait till vander meets spyder and anton then. partly cause i wonder who might teach who about tea.

Kabocha

https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/teasday/herbal-part-3/viewer?title_no=169870&episode_no=24 Vander's real shady in this page ಠ_ಠ

mathtans

Maybe Vander already knows Spyder by reputation. "Oh, you're the sugar daddy."

Cheshire777

I'm back!

FeatheryJustice

LOLLLL

You almost made me choke on my tea there Math

RebelVampire

vander knows cause hes seen how much sugar inventory they have to keep and its abnormally high

FeatheryJustice

Fun fact, Vander HATES sweet things most of the time.

mathtans

Don't get him a cute teddy bear for his birthday then.

Kabocha

ahahaha

RebelVampire

i agree with kabo that vander was super suspicious in that one panel. but honestly vander seems suspicious in general cause he seems to know little about making tea at all but somehow was able to recognize a diluted mixture that nobody else could

Kabocha

maybe he's a tea-witch in training

Draco Plato

maybe it's just part of an ability his species has

mathtans

He said he knew tea stuff though, didn't he?

Cheshire777

Hyper taste?

yeah people say things

Draco Plato

i thought he said he was learning from Camellia

Kabocha

theory time

he's a business rival

Draco Plato

ooooooo

mathtans

tries to remember why Vander was looking for a job

Kabocha

he just kind of wandered in, I thought

mathtans

Kabocha: That seems plausible. Guess he's playing the long game rather than trying to buy her out.

Kabocha

https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/teasday/herbal-part-4/viewer?title_no=169870&episode_no=25 oh look at that

support for my theory as I'm reading

Draco Plato

maybe he's related to one of the people calen killed

FeatheryJustice

Pffft, Calen doesn't kill people, no she's an angel Coughlaugh

Draco Plato

O_O suuuuure

mathtans

She outsources.

FeatheryJustice

Folen does it for her

That

Draco Plato

loooool

FeatheryJustice

Also I am laughing because I want to say things, but can not because well that's Spoilers~

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. Despite the tea focus, the comic does take some time to add in a few character mysteries. What do you think Camellia past is with Calen and Folen? Why is Camellia so ardent about not going back to work with Calen? Also, why do you think Camellia changed her appearance to pay a visit to the two? What do you make of the scars depicted on Camellia’s hands? Besides Camellia, there is also her new assistant Vander. Do you believe that Vander can be trusted, or do you believe Calen will find out something shady about him? How will his continued presence affect Camellia and/or himself?

Kabocha

I THINK FOLEN wanted to marry camellia(edited)

FeatheryJustice

Leans back to watch fan theories steep

naomi

Kabocha went there

FeatheryJustice

Kabo did.

Kabocha

I always go there.

FeatheryJustice

Welll

I would show you a clip of the next episode talking about cups

Becuase literally it's all Folen and Camellia that episode hahah

Kabocha

Camellia turned Folen down, though, because... Well. She honestly doesn't want that romance stuff. Just give her the tea, dammit.

Folen, on the other hand, is interested in magic, and hey, tea magic is magic... yes right?

Draco Plato

that's pretty much what I had but I think overall the three of them are like family too

so there's probably a deeper connection there

mathtans

As I recall, Calen said that Camellia and Folen used to date, or something. Maybe he runs a fast food place.

Kabocha

Maybe he likes flavored Coffee

mathtans

Doesn't go well with tea.

FeatheryJustice

LOL I wish there was a fast food witch somewhere XD

mathtans

Wendy's, the good witch?

FeatheryJustice

HAHAHA XD I'm laughing so hard

Cheshire777

Obsessed with hair nets... I can picture it now...

FeatheryJustice

"Do you want fries with that?"

Cheshire777

They're magic!

FeatheryJustice

Magic Fries for everyone

RebelVampire

the veggie witch and fast food witch must be friends

to make all those french fries

Cheshire777

Makes you crave more magic fast food

FeatheryJustice

Real potato fries, so real they will teleport out of your stomach

Kabocha

Sweet potato fries are the veggie witch's favorite, I'm sure

put cinnamon on 'em

Draco Plato

Yum yum

FeatheryJustice

Veggie witch was actually schdueled to come around earlier in devlopement but I wanted her to be more placed later in the story as like, weird wacky aunt who visits

She bringing a lot of onions with her

Kabocha

She would invite people over, but she's got a leek problem

FeatheryJustice

LOL

Cheshire777

Onion tea?

FeatheryJustice

Yes!

There is onion tea

RebelVampire

wait theres onion tea

what

Cheshire777

Onion and ginger might be good

FeatheryJustice

Yup

It's made like a cold remedy

But I like Onion tea by itself

Draco Plato

It's full of tears

FeatheryJustice

Tea-rs

XD

Layers of flavour

Cheshire777

Is there tea made with bacon?

FeatheryJustice

I think so

I seen that in like, a weird tea thing

They used like, bacon bits with black tea to get a smoky flavour

RebelVampire

interesting

so anyway camellia's hands: scars from tea brewing or scars from something else? O_O

FeatheryJustice

Also Lapsang Sochong (One of the teas from an episode, has a good smoky taste so you can add bacon to it and give it a try???)

Cheshire777

Maybe!

FeatheryJustice

And I can't confirm or deny why she has those scars, other than man it's hard to draw them all the time

I keep forgetting they exist XD

Cheshire777

So It's a plot point

FeatheryJustice

(Everything I do is a plot point, only when it isn't then it isn't for a plot point XD)

RebelVampire

im personally leaning towards the latter. although i could see the former. like idk how someone becomes a witch in this world, but maybe camellia wasnt meant to be a tea witch. like she had to work super super super super duper hard to be a tea witch.

Kabocha

She burned her hands on tea didn't she

Draco Plato

The scars probably relate to a murder

Kabocha

GASP

maybe she was trying to work with Folen and it didn't work out

Cheshire777

A ERRENT STRAND OF HAIR!! IT WILL BE A PLOT POINT! THERE WILL BE A QUIZ!

FeatheryJustice

Also all witch related questions will be answered soon, after the wrap up of season 1

Cheshire777

What are your views on infusing tea into other food?

rice, cakes,

RebelVampire

i hope that if her scars relate to murder she didnt infuse the victim into tea or something. cause yes i went the dark route

FeatheryJustice

Delicious, I have recipes with tea for DAYS!

:3c

Also there are

Many screams

Draco Plato

Don't give feather ideas XD

FeatheryJustice

Pfft, it was already set in stone lol!

Scalded laps, SCALDED LAPS FOR DAYS

Draco Plato

Omg XD

Cheshire777

So tea infusions in other things?

mathtans

Flower witch too, maybe?

Cheshire777

Probably

FeatheryJustice

There is a flower witch

And also fun fact about the scars, Camellia actually has enough fingerless gloves to match her entire wardrobe, all in the basic colours XD

And my favourite thing to do right now is to try to use teas in savoury dishes

Recently made broiled chicken with a lemon chili pepper white tea, and that was so good

(Be right back, grabbing another cup of tea, getting some apple chamomile cinnamon roobios)

RebelVampire

i hope we can meet the flower witch

although i wonder if witches have to be female

cause part of me wants it to be a guy who wears a flower crown

FeatheryJustice

Well.

Actually.

I wonder if I can say.

Well you will have it explained during the episode of the origins of how these particular witches came to be.

But I haven't designed the Flower Witch so I will keep that in mind.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 4. The story has its fair share of shenanigans while having a lot of future potential. Insofar, which character do you enjoy seeing the most in the comic and why? Are there any potential future scenarios you’re hoping to see them in? Are there any other sort of witch types you’re hoping exist in the world that could play a role in the comic? What about creatures? In the long term, do you think Camellia will keep her current tea brewing style of life, or will something come along and change it in contrast to all the shenanigans? Finally, in general, what other scenarios do you see popping up for the story given any story fact?

i enjoy seeing vander cause he really is a suspicious mofo.

maybe vander is a world reknown thief

and he thinks camellia keeps her treasures in that backroom

and now he finds out nah she just has tea and more tea

so has to convenient go on vacation to never return

FeatheryJustice

Reminds me of the Tuxedo Mask Meme

"My job here is done" "But you didn't do anything" Whoosh

I personally just can't wait to finish Season 1, and then get into the really good stuff in Season 2. I also can't wait to kinda fix my old art ahhahahha XD

But I wouldlike to introduce more of towns folk, becuase there is a good amount of diversiTEA in the town Camellia resides, which is far away from the big city of where Folen and Calen are

Kabocha

What will Camelia think when someone serves her Coffee Puerh

FeatheryJustice

Also Vander being a Phantom Thief really makes me have ideas though haha

The same thing Camelia thinks when people give her Tawinese Coffee Milk Tea. "....Thanks but no." And Coffee tea is going to be an episode on it's own as well.

RebelVampire

i hope thats the episode where we meet the coffee witch

Kabocha

You gonna call $CanadianTeaRetailer out lol

RebelVampire

as they both stare in horror

FeatheryJustice

Yes you are

Kabocha

I actually like the Coffee Puerh tbh! It's tasty. But I can see why Camellia might not. Is she not a fan of high caffeine, or does she prefer smaller doses at once

FeatheryJustice

Yes, they look at that and is like "Are they shipping us?" "Probably?" "Weird."

Camellia can not drink coffee because she is allergic.

Like how the Coffee Witch is allergic to tea, but can at least have herbals XD

mathtans

(Back from crib.) I suspect Vander is a spy from the warlocks. Only witches are female, the guys want in on the action.

I love diversiTEA.

RebelVampire

vander can be both, be a spy and a phantom thief. cause who is going to expect the spy is actually a thief

or maybe vander is a secret evaluator

like an undercover food safety inspector

but for tea

hes juding camellia and her knowledge

FeatheryJustice

Vander could also be a student in debt trying to get a part time job and is lucky Camellia doesn't look at resumes becuase he doesn't have any experience

RebelVampire

idk vander seems like he dresses too nice to be a student in debt. O_O unless that is the actual answer in which case vander please, sell your clothes and downgrade

FeatheryJustice

Oh god Vander is one of those guys who are like "I spend all my money to look good and now I am broke" XD

Also maybe Vander is a food inspector waiting for that one bug from the other episode to show up and he never does

Vander also at first wasn't going to be a character actually. It was only after I realized I needed an every day man type character for reasons to exposition at did I create him.

I'm glad people like him

RebelVampire

one thing from the story im really curious about is the vampires apparently? since there was that one dude who showed up and needed tea cause someone named krys was grumpy. im really curious about all that stuff cause i wanna know who this krys person is

FeatheryJustice

OH YEAH KRYS

mathtans

I do kinda wonder about Calen and her sword fighting in the house.

FeatheryJustice

HAHAHAAAA I love Krys, they are great

You will see them later.

And Calen was killing things with a coat hanger actually

mathtans

Just gotta listen for the Krys Anthem - Mum.

FeatheryJustice

Very sturdy coat hanger

mathtans

I guess if you don't have a coat, why not.

FeatheryJustice

Oh yes, and the random sword

That was just from off the wall

Like you know when you have like swords on display

mathtans

So, are we shipping Camellia and Rhurbi? Fruit and tea mix well, as we've been told. ^.^

Cheshire777

Reminding me of Narbonic- kinda creeping me out... @FeatheryJustice

mathtans

They've got that whole "I hate you when you don't call" vibe going too.

Cheshire777

Ping was supposed to be at front?

FeatheryJustice

Lol, Camellia isn't very good at remembering phones exist

And what is Narbonic?

RebelVampire

camellia watched too much harry potter and only sends messages by owl

FeatheryJustice

Also Draco also said they ship Cam and Rhubi

And yes, Camellia would do owl mail

mathtans

Camellia travels by unconventional means too.

Cheshire777

Old webcomic that finished, I'll find the link if you want?

FeatheryJustice

Yup, by the friend express

mathtans

Okay, Cam and Rhubi ftw. Vander will have to make due with Spyder.

Cheshire777

Mad scientists.

FeatheryJustice

LOL

Cheshire777

This conversation is rather disjointed.(edited)

FeatheryJustice

Yeah it is, alright, reeling it back in

mathtans

I gotta get my ships in before time elapses.

FeatheryJustice

So far, that's a popular ship

And I haven't seen that webcomic but I will check it out Cheshire

Cheshire777

Or three conversations...

RebelVampire

i will accept the vander and spyder ship

FeatheryJustice

Well it will be fun when they meet

mathtans

As far as the tea brewing life, I feel like she already had a change in her past. Maybe related to the injury. I don't see her deviating any more.

FeatheryJustice

And no one mentions mysterious person on the other side of magical tea cup

mathtans

Which, the logo?

Cheshire777

I'll put the link on general.

FeatheryJustice

Yup

mathtans

Hm, not sure it consciously registered.

That was the dude by the seaside or whatever.

FeatheryJustice

Don't worry

It's a really long sideplot

Kabocha

I can't wait to read more

FeatheryJustice

But yeah it's a cup that you can share liquids with another person on the other side

mathtans

Interesting how much got set up. Oh, that's clever.

Gotta make sure when you're rising it out that the person on the other end doesn't drink sudsy dishwater.

FeatheryJustice

I tend to write in a way where I am like "Here is Plot point A, which goes into A-A, into A-B, into A-C" Meanwhile "Plot B-G is with plot point G-A"

mathtans

Best with it!

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB END!

Sadly, this wraps up this week’s Thursday Book Club chat for now. Thank you so much to everyone for reading and joining us! We want to give a special thank you to FeatheryJustice, as well, for making Teasday. If you liked the comic, make sure to support FeatheryJustice’s efforts however you’re able to~!

Read and Comment: https://www.webtoons.com/en/challenge/teasday/list?title_no=169870

FeatheryJustice’s Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/FeatheryJustice

FeatheryJustice’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/FeatheryFern

[comicteaparty]

January 10th, 2019 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on January 10th, 2019, from 5PM - 7PM PST.  The chat focused on Chasing Little Lights by Evelyn Shi.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB START!

Good evening, everyone~! This week’s Thursday Book Club is officially beginning! Today we are discussing Chasing Little Lights by Evelyn Shi~! (http://www.cllcomic.com/)

Remember that Thursday discussions are completely freeform! However, every 30 minutes I will drop in OPTIONAL discussion questions in case you’d like a bit of a prompt. If you miss out on one of these prompts, you can find them pinned for the chat’s duration. Additionally, remember that while constructive criticism is allowed, our focus is fun and respectfully appreciating the comic. All that said, let’s begin!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

my favorite scene so far is probably...well okay its not really a scene so much as a moment in a scene. but when soren is walking around with valentin and noticing that valentin already has like 1 billion friends. i can just severely relate to soren in that moment. it has some fantastic facial expression and i just love the panel framing too. theres kind of this sense of isolation whenever you see valentin interact. and even though soren is there, you get this sense he is the one out of place. and i just really think the visual aspects alone express that kind of loner thing he has going on

eleviken

haha hi! i'm the creator of Chasing Little Lights and i'll stick around here for a bit!

RebelVampire

glad to have you, @eleviken ~!

eleviken

i'm really glad you took note of that scene! i wanted to capture their different personalities - they are friends and get closer as the comic progresses, but soren is quite shy and valentin is a classic extrovert! i think valentin doesn't intend to single out people sometimes but he can give off that vibe

RebelVampire

actually honestly i really love valentin and soren's interactions. theyre very different people, and usually when you have an extrovert and an introvert they kind of butt heads. but nah, in this case valentin is like "hey buddy lets get bubble tea" and to me thats just super refreshing to see.

another scene i really like was the fencing scene. it played out exactly how i imagined it would: elena got her arrogant butt beaten by someone with infinite more years experience. but what i like more is that she doesnt expect this. instead to retreats further into her belief that she just wasnt on her a-game. cause i feel this is a moment that is true to how a real person would act.

and i also like how it preps for future drama

eleviken

that's great!! yeah i wanted valentin to be a good hearted person inside, even if he gives off an absentmindedly popular vibe! but of course there will be fights between the characters>:)

mhm! for me the fencing scene got quite tedious actually, as i wanted to have the action play out in maybe a few weeks, rather than dragging on for over a month. but i can only make a page per week with school and all, so i'm glad you enjoyed that!

all the characters are good people despite their flaws- elena's is arrogance obviously. we'll see how her character growth plays out in the future!

RebelVampire

yeah theres no doubt in my mind theyre good people. but i love all their flaws because theyre poignant and feel super realistic. not to mention i really enjoy a lot of the elements that stress them out cause to a degree it helps to make them feel their age.

eleviken

mhm, in future chapters - especially chapter 4, which is coming up soon, there will be more dramatic/challenging obstacles in the plot that will test their innocence as kids

i wanted to emphasize the coming of age aspect in the story because some challenges force you to grow up

RebelVampire

exactly what im hoping for. cause these kids are def in a situation where their innocence is gonna be tested. what with all the air pollution.

this is not s etting of happiness

K.E. Karlsen

yeah thats a theme i like seeing in stories and i can definitely see it happening in yours, whatever may happen

can i ask where you got the idea of a setting with air pollution sickness?

mathtans

The little one is in bed for the moment, but I might have to leave unexpectedly. ^.^

Rebel - I kind of liked that scene with Valentin having all the friends, but I think what I liked more was kind of the follow-up, when Kasen sees Soren with Valentin and thinks, geez, that guy's already got a friend. Kind of a perspective shift.

eleviken

i live in Shanghai, China, and air pollution has been a pretty big issue here! it has gotten better over the past few years but it's still very polluted. air pollution is also quite bad in areas like mongolia and india and other parts of asia

mathtans

Nice closer to Chapter 2 also.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 2. The comic’s setting is one where air pollution can be rampant enough to cause a fatal sickness called contamina. Given Valentin’s blood-filled coughing, do you believe he has contracted contamina? Why do you believe he is so intent on hiding his symptoms, especially from Elena? If Valentin does have contamina, do you believe he’d come to accept it or continue to live in denial? Whether he has contamina or not, how do you believe the others will react to finding out about the coughing? Overall, do you think Valentin’s health problems will change the group’s opinions on how normalized the air pollution is? How might this change their future goals?

mathtans

Characters need flaws, or it's boring.

eleviken

mathtans - to add on i think soren and kasen are more similar in personality than elena and val, defnitely! but they face very different challenges, so i think it makes them different in that way too:))

i am also a high school student! so i think CLL is at least semi-autobiographical in many ways

mathtans

Truth, probably makes sense that the siblings are a bit alike too.

eleviken

on question 2 - i won't give away too much

mathtans

I've been reading most of your little author notes btw eleviken. I think it's very cool that you're using your location as a setting. (Also, your field trip to Mongolia sounds really interesting, possibly more interesting than it was, I dunno.)

eleviken

but of course val will eventually be forced to face the issue

mathtans

I think Valentin is hiding the symptoms for a couple reasons. One, if people start talking about it, that makes it "real" and harder to deny to himself. Second, since his parents died due to pollution, he doesn't want his sister to have to go through the same kind of thing again.

eleviken

what really!!! i love leaving the author notes as a record to what i'm up to that week, but i didn't expect too many people to take note! my trip was a culture/service trip and it was definitely interesting, as it was quite different from the big city life in Shanghai

RebelVampire

you mean val doesnt just gain immortality and thus is rewarded for his denial?

XD

eleviken

Maybe val /is/ an immortal!

RebelVampire

see

confirmed

no problems here

O_O;;;;;

mathtans

I wonder if on some level, like subconsciously, Valentin is hoping for a breakthrough that helps out his own health. And Elena's dismissal of his attempts at research may not be helping with that (though I get why she does it).

Valentin - There can be only one.

eleviken: Yup, I'm one of those readers who tends to check out Q&As and Author Notes and stuff. In particular I was interested because I've never been to China or anywhere in the far East. Cool!

(I'm also a high school teacher, so there's that side of me, pleased to see students doing creative things. )

RebelVampire

i honestly feel the denial is more for valentin's sake than elena's sake. because hes what, 14? 14 is not the age where youre ready to accept mortality. 14 is the age where you believe youre super invincible and nothing ever bad will happen to you ever. can do whatever you want for you are the immortal one. and to accept he has contamina is to accept that whatever he had planned in his future is now kaput. and i just dont think hes ready for that, thus the hiding.

not to mention denial is the first stage of the 5 stages of grief

eleviken

valentin is definitely an optimist, and as the creator it even makes /me/ sad to see (or make lol) him suffer. he's definitely holding out hope for a miracle about his health, whether it turns out to be contamina or not. he is definitely at a point of denial, by filling his life with fun and his new friends to forget about the problem!

mathtans

Oh, the denial is probably more for his sake, you're right. The not telling might be for Elena's sake a bit though.

eleviken

mathtans - no way, that's amazing! Thank you for teaching, it's definitely hard work!

mathtans

Valentin is kind of the type to throw caution to the wind too, like I don't know the specifics of the disease, but he wanders around without a mask like that won't make the problem get worse faster or something.

Oh, thank you eleviken.

RebelVampire

eh i feel that the hiding it from others goes along with hiding it from himself. cause i get more the impression hes hiding it from the others to protect himself more than to protect the others. cause if he told elena, shes going to make a fuss and treat him like hes dying. and he cant very well live in denial about dying if everyone treats him like hes dying.

mathtans

That's a good point too, Rebel. (Who knows what's going on in his head!)

RebelVampire

although im sure there isnt no element about protecting elena cause of what happened to their parents. i just think self preservation is the overriding factor

eleviken

val and elena definitely have the petty sibling dynamic, but with their parents gone they are also looking out for each other. elena isn't good at expressing her emotions, though, so it's not directly stated that she's protective! i think part of his not-wearing-a-mask-stupidity is denial as well. as someone who's inclined to be happy, Val really wants to hold on to that happiness!

mathtans

Maybe Soren will come up with the cure. Can't kick him out of school if he does that.

eleviken

Ah soren's grade issue is quite important too! i think the pressure to achieve perfect grades is a reality for many students, and i especially see it at my school.

RebelVampire

although tbh i get the hint of a stigma? like at least that guy in the bathroom was kind of...apprehensive when he thought valentin might have contamina. even tho its established contamina is not contagious, its kind of got the cancer affect it seems. where everyone is like eww gross stay away from me sick person. and for an extrovert like valentin, that would probably be devastating. to be avoided because of something like being sick.

mathtans

Speaking as a teacher, I feel like society (well, North American society at least) is starting to put way too much emphasis on grades, and not enough emphasis on, y'know, actually learning stuff. Students tend to ask me "how can I get an 80%" not "how can I understand this unit better".

Rebel: Good point. It's said to not be contagious, but if people think that only poorer types who can't afford to replace their masks get the disease, that might be part of it.

eleviken

that's definitely very true at my school - as an asian school with an american system, the pressure to get 4.0s, have extracurriculars, and get into ivies is supersupersuper high. i'm under that pressure myself!

RebelVampire

haha that emphasis on grades over learning has been in the us for a looooong time. but now you have helicopter parents so a good portion of teachers in the us are just giving the grades anyway. because administration wont back the teachers up in the face of angry parents.

but i digress.

eleviken

mathtans - i'm going to admit i never thought about the "poorer people" part, that's very smart!

mathtans

You never know what will be read into things, feel free to run with it.

Yeah, it's not as bad here in Canada, but we still have some standardized testing. Anyway.

Hope you're able to weather the pressure, eleviken. The fact that you can keep up with a comic shows pretty good time management skills.

RebelVampire

i definitely feel that valentin's dilemma will make all the kids confront the air pollution. especially elena cause seeing another person she loves get contamina has to make her confront the idea that air pollution is bad and they shouldnt just go "nah its fine and normal were kids"

eleviken

thanks mathtans! i'm managing to keep up :))

i think high school can definitely be a bubble from real-world issues, and val's problem is forcing him to face the real world. that's a big coming of age part!

RebelVampire

yeah and i definitely love that about this story. that theres this whole conflict and theme of the child bubble world vs the actual world with all its huge problems that are overwhelming to deal with

mathtans

It's one of those things too where, if you see it every day, it just becomes normal. Why confront something that's normal? Whereas for the transfer students, it's not a normal thing, so maybe they can help with that.

Superjustinbros

peeks in

eleviken

hi!

mathtans

Good point, eleviken.

Superjustinbros

Hello there~

Just thought I'd drop in till the end

and this comic of yours is pretty interesting, @eleviken

eleviken

speaking of that, i am heading to class! i will still be here for the most part, though. :))

thanks!

Superjustinbros

You're welcome! Kudos too for representing all these different countries

(And shoutouts to Soren's hair)

RebelVampire

hey super~!

Superjustinbros

Hi Rebel!

RebelVampire

good luck in class, eleviken!

Superjustinbros

Secodned!

RebelVampire

and thats also true math. i definitely get that impression from val and elena

mathtans

All the best with classes!

RebelVampire

that theyre just so used to it they cant even fathom what clean air is like even

too normal

just everyday life

mathtans

Yeah, the choice to have a bunch of countries was cool. I like the little flags in the dialogue bubbles.

RebelVampire

although speaking of normalization though, i really loved that dialogue piece where kasen was saying "did you hear about that celebrity who died of contamina" to elena and elena just said what a shame i liked their music.

like man

mathtans

I'm also impressed that Valentin can already speak 5 languages.

RebelVampire

thats great characterization on how they view the world

yeah

valentin dying is a tragedy

dawgofdawgness

Is this still going? For CLL

mathtans

Rebel - Great point there.

RebelVampire

cause he seems super smart

yes it is~!

we still have another hour left

eleviken

DAWG!!! HEY!!!

dawgofdawgness

HALLO

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. Kasen and Soren are both characters who have to deal with academic and parental pressure for various reasons. Do you believe Soren will be able to maintain a 3.5 grade average? Or, do you think even with the help of the others he’ll continue to struggle and fall behind? Whether he fails or succeeds, do you believe the school will continue to honor their scholarship agreement? In the long run, do you believe Soren will be able to help pull his family out of poverty with his potential academic success? Kasen, being the headmaster’s daughter, has to deal with similar pressures. Do you believe that Kasen will be able to convince her father to let her go to art school? How might she accomplish this? Alternatively, do you believe she’ll give into her father’s reasoning? Lastly, how might these similar struggles help or hurt the groups’ relationships with each other?

dawgofdawgness

I saw your wall post lmao

eleviken

rebel - ngl i added that dialogue in later, probably about a year into the comic. i really wanted to emphasize the air pollution part!

dawgofdawgness

I thiiiiink that Soren is gonna have to make some sort of sacrifice to maintain his GPA

eleviken

ok i love these questions! i won't spoil but it's great to see this discussion

dawgofdawgness

I think what's keeping Sore n back is his self confidence lol, that's one of the things about his character - he's always putting himself down and getting really anxious about everything

Superjustinbros

That's pretty much what happens at all these CTP's

dawgofdawgness

and Kasen , she's a bright student but needs to be pushed - what's holding her back, I think, is inexperience

mathtans

Just want to add, I think all the characters have parental issues, even the other two mains because of how their parents passed on. It's an interesting theme.

Superjustinbros

That's sad.

eleviken

yeah! kasen is quite smart, but she doesn't want to ~try~ at school because she wants to do art. as a creator i think she still should to an extent, but the pressure from her father is quite high

Superjustinbros

I can relate to that so much

dawgofdawgness

oooh that's relatable

mathtans

Dawg: Yeah, I'm reminded of the "reading difficulties" thing that was alluded to, and how the book he was reading at one point said "you're going to fail" or words to that effect. So definite self confidence issues. I wonder if Soren does have some kind of learning disability though, like dyslexia or something? Or maybe just has trouble with English, is better with German.

eleviken

me too! i don't have plans to go to art school, but the pressure to do well is quite high

dawgofdawgness

ohhh right yeah

Superjustinbros

I was good in school but lots of times I would just zone out and think of making art/games because it gets really tedious.

RebelVampire

i definitely think soren has self confidence issues, but i dont think thats the only thing holding him back persay. i think hes probably suffering a bit from actually being educationally behind. because private schools have way more intense curriculum and generally better educational programs than public schools. so its like someone whose only taken algebra that now they have to do calculus.

dawgofdawgness

Soren maybe has a language barrier as well? Since he's going to a prestigious college out of the country

eleviken

mathtans - nope! english is just not soren's native language

yeah, and ASI is a very competitive school

Superjustinbros

But yeah just saying I can relate to that feeling of wanting freedom

mathtans

I also don't feel like Soren will be able to pull off the 3.5, but that maybe there will be extenuating circumstances (from his friends advocating for him to Soren discovering a cure for the disease) that might prevent him from being kicked out.

Superjustinbros

Perhaps

dawgofdawgness

wait what's soren's gpa at right now?

or is it unknown

mathtans

Rebel: That's also a good point, about private schooling.

RebelVampire

he mentioned it

its under 3.5

close but under

eleviken

under!

dawgofdawgness

oh ok

he'll be fine pfpfttt

RebelVampire

3.2

dawgofdawgness

I have a feeling that he's going to reach that GPA through hard academic studies, and then get kicked out for smoking weed or something

RebelVampire

http://www.cllcomic.com/comic/83/

Superjustinbros

These feels

eleviken

HAHAHA SOREN SMOKING WEED!!

it seems like the most unlikely thing he'd do but at the same time i can see him doing it

RebelVampire

i think he can do it cause hes super close to a 3.5. so he only has to do a smidgen better in a few classes and just not do worse in others

Superjustinbros

Meanwhile I'm looking at these pages and just feeling sorry for Soren

RebelVampire

this is what soren will do in college when he find out high school was worthless and basically a cruise ship

Superjustinbros

I second that

RebelVampire

buuuuuut

i also feel if he hits 3.5 theyre gonna raise the bar on him

and say "good job soren. now get a 4.0 or we kick you out"

cause i feel like that counselor would not care at all about the struggles and triumphs he went through to even get a 3.5

Superjustinbros

D:

That's harsh.

RebelVampire

i mean not that im hoping thats the direction

but that counselor gives me bad vibes man

like theyre just waiting and hoping to kick soren out

Superjustinbros

Yeah.

RebelVampire

i feel bad for soren that its being put on him to pull his family out of poverty

especially cause his academic success doesnt even gurantee that

getting a job is a whole other ballpark

dawgofdawgness

With Kasen, wasn't it also implied that she has social problems on top of academic problems?

I remember there beeing a scene where she looks out the window and is sad i think

RebelVampire

idk if she has social problems? she seems better adjusted than soren socially speaking. although shes definitely less outgoing than elena and val

although i do get the impression shes maybe not the best at expressing herself?

like i kind of feel she holds back some

dawgofdawgness

oh right

ShaRose49

Hi!! I really wanted to make it to this chat cause I read all of the comic. I think poor Valentin is misguidedly thinking he’s being selfless in that he doesn’t tell anyone. And he probably doesn’t think it’s contamina

Superjustinbros

Oh hello there. ^^

ShaRose49

Hullo!

mathtans

Back. Little one was fussing in her crib.

Superjustinbros

Welcoem back!

dawgofdawgness

Yupp, Val's gonna have to accept his sickness or else he will have consequencesss

Superjustinbros

Hope the little one's doing alright @mathtans

RebelVampire

tbf val's acceptance is irrelevant to the consequences

dawgofdawgness

I gotta go, I have to do AP bio (which is a course that Soren takes) no wonder he has a 3.2 GPA the homework is ass

mathtans

I was wondering about that counselor, if she had hearing problems or something. Because the first time we meet her, we see Soren knock at the door, he comes in, and then she says "knock next time". I was thinking, like... he did? Where were you?

dawgofdawgness

goodluck @eleviken !! goodbyee

mathtans

SJB: Oh yeah, she's fine, just not much of a sleeper.

Superjustinbros

Bye!

mathtans

Dawg: Best with it!

(I was never into bio.)

RebelVampire

good luck dawg!

i dont think the counselor has a hearing problem

she was probably just focused

which i get

when im focused i legit cancel out all sound

Superjustinbros

aah I see, Math.

mathtans

ShaRose: Interesting point, about the being selfless thing.

RebelVampire

i think the counselor has a being a bitch problem cough cough

ShaRose49

@mathtans yeah I guess

mathtans

Prejudiced against Germans.

ShaRose49

Yeah that counsellor sucked

RebelVampire

but im sure she has reasons and stuff

Superjustinbros

I'd believe it if she did have a bitch problem

RebelVampire

but admittedly as someone who was as socially anxious as soren at that age

i wouldve been in tears if i had knocked and someone's reply to me was "knock first"

so that moment specifically angered me to no end

in the good way

mathtans

Yeah, character feels.

ShaRose49

Yeah I felt sorry for Soren. My Dad is German so I guess that makes me half

Superjustinbros

Soren is nothing but feels

ShaRose49

And nice hair

Superjustinbros

yes the hair too

I just want to hug him.

mathtans

I want to see Soren do some of his music stuff.

ShaRose49

Same

Superjustinbros

Secodning the music stuff

ShaRose49

Also the hug

eleviken

i love drawing soren's hair!

it's my favorite

RebelVampire

im personally more interested in seeing kasen and art stuff. cause just cause she wants to go to art school doesnt necessarily mean shes good enough to get in.

which actually would be an ironic twist

Superjustinbros

That would be interesting

Also great to hear Eleviken!

I love drawing characters with fun/wild hair myself, it can be pretty fun sometimes, is a biiiit hard.(edited)

mathtans

That's true. Kasen's possibly my fave character, just because she's in a tight spot by virtue of her father, which she can't do anything about.

ShaRose49

But the pollution aspect was really intriguing to me. It’s a real problem in China. But I can relate a little because here in Canada there have been so many fires in the summer especially BC that the air is all smoky all the time and some people have respiratory issues. I could be wrong but I think some people died because of it or at least got sick. I wasn’t bothered by the air when I visited bc

mathtans

Oooh, I should be shipping Kasen and Elena.

ShaRose49

@eleviken Hi there, author!! I was hoping you’d be here

Superjustinbros

That sounds scary, ShaRose

ShaRose49

But I was surprised that the air in BC didn’t really bother me at all

It was a little. I hope next summer isn’t bad. I’m sure it was very scary and awful for the people in BC @Superjustinbros

Superjustinbros

yeah...

Hopefully it's not so bad next year

mathtans

Roommate ships are best ships. ^.^

ShaRose49

Yeah. The news said the pollution because of the smoke was as bad as the air quality in China this summer

Superjustinbros

...Jesus christ.

RebelVampire

QUESTION 4. Despite her generally good nature, Elena has her own sorts of troubles to deal with. Do you think Elena should have been captain of the fencing team as she believes she should have? Why or why not? Do you think Fenya views Elena with the same disdain Elena has for her, or might Fenya feel differently? Regardless, how might their rivalry affect their teamwork? Overall, do you think that Fenya and Elena might be able to patch things up and become friends? As shown recently, Elena also has to deal with her parents having died from contamina. Assuming she finds out, how might Valentin’s situation change her opinion about her parents’ work (if at all)? In general, how might Elena’s experiences at school change her as a person?

ShaRose49

I think Fenya might be just ignorant but I could be reme,Bering her wrong

RebelVampire

i really love kasen and the dad's dynamics as far as the future goes. cause as a child i def was kasen, wanting to pursue that creative dream. but as an older adult i actually get a lot more with the dad is coming from cause creative pursuits are a hard path. which is why im curious how talented kasen is in the first place. cause she might come to realize that even if she wants to art, she may just not have the talent for it

K.E. Karlsen

no i dont think she should have been captain of the fencing team.

ShaRose49

I liked fenya she was big and strong and had green hair

Superjustinbros

Green Hair is always good

K.E. Karlsen

the girl who won (apologies its been awhile since i read, i have been reading since its updates and havent had time for a reread and forgot her name ;;;) i think it was best she won, she clearly knew more what she was doing

mathtans

Oh yeah! I wanted to mention that was real clever, having Fenya and Elena meet early on, then have them become rivals later. Though I don't think Fenya really sees Elena as a rival or with disdain or anything, like just, there's this other girl who fences decently but doesn't watch where she's going, whatever.

ShaRose49

@K.E. Karlsen @Superjustinbros yup yup

K.E. Karlsen

oh is her name fenya?

RebelVampire

yeah i agree. elena did not deserve to be captain. especially cause she was a sore loser.

yes her name is fenya

ShaRose49

Yup

K.E. Karlsen

ok thats who im talking about sorry!! im bad at remembering names

RebelVampire

thats okay

no shame in getting help with names

mathtans

I'm also bad. It's why I have the cast page up in another window. (For a teacher, I'm soooo bad at names.)

Superjustinbros

I'm bad at names in general

ShaRose49

I forgot too the question helped me remember

RebelVampire

fenya is a passable offense anyway cause shes more a side chara than main cast. so her name isnt mentioned a whole ton compared to others

i kind of agree that i actually dont think fenya views elena as a rival at all. i kind of feel fenya is just like "oh yeah its that teammate i wonder why shes glaring at me how weird."

Superjustinbros

Perhaps

RebelVampire

and that any rivalry elena has just created in her own mind

cause the world revolves around her

Superjustinbros

Plot twist: it does

ShaRose49

Just what I was thinking

mathtans

She's also an immortal.

ShaRose49

I really want the story to show more of the streets on China, like I’d love for them to have a downtown scene, and I want to see more of the relationship between the brother and sister characters

I want to visit China someday

mathtans

Actually it's funny, when I first went to the comic I saw the latest update, with Elena talking about how they were going to get Soren's grades up, and I thought, huh, is she their mother or TA or something but why are they all laughing. Made more sense in context. All that to say, Elena does have leadership skills in terms of motivating people, but I'm not sure about delegation and such.

eleviken

hey yeah!

mathtans

It would be interesting to see more China.

eleviken

rebel - kasen's artsy side has yet to eb elaborated on

Superjustinbros

Yeah, do some more worldbuilding and more excuses for epic landscape shots (edited)

RebelVampire

id be interested in seeing more of china as well. though more to see how the world in general deals with the pollution. like i feel thered be other world things goes on besides the masks.

math- i do feel like elena has potential as a leader, but i also think she lacks the humility to do so. i think as she is right now shed be a self absorbed leader. so concerned with her own skills and showing off than helping anyone else on the team to get better

ShaRose49

Like Leonardo ughhh

Superjustinbros

And I just realized that's why everyone wears the masks on the main visual(edited)

ShaRose49

But she’s not all bad

Hooboy ya just noticed now?! Lol it’s alright

mathtans

Good point, humility's a problem.

RebelVampire

nah i dont think elena is all bad at all

i just dont think shes ready to be captain

mathtans

SJB: It's because it's Halloween.

RebelVampire

cause arrogance is a big thing to work through and elena isnt confronting her own flaw as of yet

ShaRose49

@RebelVampire wow you seem wise

I’m not being sarcastic sorry if that’s weird

Superjustinbros

lol

Guess I'll wear a "sick" mask on Halloween

ShaRose49

XD

RebelVampire

thank you i think XD idk if id label myself as wise, but i appreciate the sentiment

Superjustinbros

That'll scare the trick-or-treaters real good

RebelVampire

ya know the comic did give me halloween vibes from teh banner. so before i read it i thought it was gonna be some spooky halloween thing

ShaRose49

Yeah me too!

Superjustinbros

I did not think that at all, I jsut thought "why is everyone wearing masks"

ShaRose49

But I was pleasantly surprised. No offence but the other comics I tried were all too dark for me

mathtans

Huh. I didn't think about it at all tbh.

Just figured there'd be an explanation and there was.

RebelVampire

i was also guessing post apocalyptic so i was pleasantly surprised it wasnt that either

did not expect a coming of age story

ShaRose49

We got another wise person here

Haha I was kidding mostly I meant that @mathtans knew and we didn’t

Or well he guessed better

mathtans

Incidentally, any thoughts on the title? "Chasing Little Lights"? Like, I wonder if it's sort of metaphorical, like you need to chase after the people or subjects who bring light into your life... or if it's more about the idea of chasing grades and things, thinking they'll bring enlightenment or something.

ShaRose49

I think it’s a compelling drama I just hope it doesn’t get so sad it’s depressing

Maybe there are actually little lights that help stop pollution or something and that’s why they’re chasing them! CRAZY THEORY TIME

RebelVampire

i assumed it was metaphorical about chasing dreams or something

thats what val was talking about that elena didnt want to listen to

they separated the lights form the pollution

ShaRose49

I can’t remember that very well. What Lights?

Superjustinbros

All these wise people

mathtans

Oooh, didn't think of the pollution analogy.

ShaRose49

@Superjustinbros We a buncha sages we are

Superjustinbros

\o/

ShaRose49

I’m too into science fiction so my theory is probably too fun for this kind of story

Superjustinbros

Nothing like a tea party for all the Sages to gather

ShaRose49

Not that it sin’t fun

Superjustinbros

also Science Fiction is good

mathtans

Oh yeah, we haven't had enough crazy theories yet. So, Kasen is going to practice her art by drawing nude models of Elena, which is how the two of them end up dating.

ShaRose49

@Superjustinbros amen

mathtans

The modelling also helps with the fencing, in terms of seeing how Elena's weight is balanced.

ShaRose49

@mathtans I was thinking more about crazy theories about the pollution aspect I guess

RebelVampire

tbh i ship elena and fenya more

gotta have that slow burn rivalry turned to romance

Superjustinbros

we setting ships on sail already?

mathtans

Rebel: I am okay with that.

I still find Kasen precious though. Hope there's more of her. That was a cool image of her to start off Chapter 3.

Superjustinbros

Also before the comic tea party ends, I'd like to wish you luck with developing the story further, @eleviken. It's really developing well so far.

RebelVampire

they can bond when elena needs fencing help and asks for some private lessons

mathtans

Agreed.

About the developing that is, not the fencing. Though that'd be fun too.

RebelVampire

kasen is adorable though. i really like her hair in particular for some reason. its so fluffy and bouncy seeming

mathtans

"Don't fence me in."

ShaRose49

I don’t think this story is super romantic I’m not a huge romance person

@mathtans great pun

RebelVampire

oh its not. i will be surprised if theres romance at all. but shipping can be part of fun theory time

mathtans

True, I don't see the comic veering heavy into romance. (I just like adding yuri romance wherever I can.)

I also wonder if we'll see Soren's sister again. Like maybe one of the others will end up talking to her.

ShaRose49

I guess I like adding cartoony scifi wherever I can

Superjustinbros

No probs with that

ShaRose49

I loooove stories about siblings

mathtans

In fact maybe Soren and his sister is a parellel to the relationships between the Lins? Hmm.

ShaRose49

@Superjustinbros thanks I think you and I would get along fine XD scifi in me bloood

@mathtans oooh, I like this theory

eleviken

i am currently in class but i want to say thanks you all for coming!

Superjustinbros

You're welcome!

Glad to be here. ^^

ShaRose49

@eleviken thank you for coming and giving us something to talk about!

RebelVampire

i would like to see soren's sister again. cause theres gotta be a degree of tension there since soren can come off as the favorite since hes the one who gets to go to the prestigious academy

mathtans

Thanks for putting it out there, eleviken! (Also, maybe you shouldn't be messaging in class while the teacher is talking, the way Valentin got called out. )

I tease.

RebelVampire

thank you as well, eleviken~!

eleviken

i wil catch up later, sorry i couldnt participate!

mathtans

Rebel: Good point about that.

Superjustinbros

Have a good rest of the day/evening, Eleviken!

mathtans

I also wonder a bit why the headmaster's from Sweden, if they're in China. I wonder if that will be addressed.

Anyway, best with the comic!

RebelVampire

COMIC TEA PARTY- THURSDAY BOOK CLUB END!

Sadly, this wraps up this week’s Thursday Book Club chat for now. Thank you so much to everyone for reading and joining us! We want to give a special thank you to Evelyn Shi, as well, for making Chasing Little Lights. If you liked the comic, make sure to support Evelyn Shi’s efforts however you’re able to~!

Read the Comic: http://www.cllcomic.com/

[comicteaparty]

June 7th, 2018 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on June 7th, 2018, from 5PM - 7PM PDT.  The chat focused on The Pale by Jay Fabares & Sanders Fabares.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

COMIC TEA PARTY START!

Good day everyone~! This week’s Comic Tea Party is now officially beginning~! Today we are discussing The Pale by Jay Fabares & Sanders Fabares~! (https://tapas.io/series/The-Pale) For those new or in need of a reminder, discussions about the comic are freeform, so please feel free to bring up whatever you wish. However, every 30 minutes I will be dropping in a discussion question to help those who would like a prompt. These questions are totally OPTIONAL to answer, and you can pay them no mind if you wish. If you miss out on any though, they’ll be pinned for the duration of the chat once they’re posted~! Remember, constructive criticism is allowed, but the primary focus here is to have fun and appreciate the amazing comics that the community makes~! As a bonus, each chat a top comment will be picked and featured in the archives and on an ad for CTP! All that being said, let’s get started and have a great discussion!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

snuffysam

I won’t be able to be around much this week, but I’ll just say that I loved the speed dating scene. Really set up Fink’s personality, skill, and face blindness well.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

yeah the speed dating scene was pretty interesting. i really like in general how the face blindness is portrayed with the comical same faces. like something about that makes face blindness both understandable but subtly horrifying

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I'll echo that. I liked when the different art style on the faces was revealed to be character related.

Also, Fink was all "this is not how I expected her to react... smokebomb!" vanishes

And he's had bad luck ever since.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Hi there!

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

tbh i did not expect his speed date partner to react that way either XD

hey super

Agent Jay (The Pale)

Hello!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Hey there Jay!

Great to see ya~(edited)

Agent Jay (The Pale)

haha likewise

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Gotta expect the unexpected.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yes

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Hi artist/author/writer (one or all of the preceding...)!

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

glad you could make it jay~!

Agent Jay (The Pale)

I'm the artist and Co writer

totally! glad to see y'all like the speed dating part

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Very clever way to set up characters, don't think I've seen it before.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

when I read my husbands first draft of that scene-- I was all smiles

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

That's nice~

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I also kind of liked the knife throwing scene. I knew pretty much what was going to happen when I saw Fink out front, but it was still entertaining and set the tone of their interactions going forwards.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

You two make for a good team, I enjoy how realistic (for the most part) and lifelike the comic is.(edited)

Agent Jay (The Pale)

yeah, the knife scene was fun. The ending went through a lot of changes.

and thanks Super!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

You're welcome.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Aiming for a different balloon? I noticed some of those slogans... speaking as someone over 40...

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i really liked how the knife scene kind of characterized the town. only in a small town would it not be considered a safety hazard to just throw knives at the wall

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Impressive background detail, actually. I caught myself trying to read the chalkboard in the sherriff's office right off the start.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

lol

And yeah the backgrounds have lots and I do mean lots of details(edited)

dylandrawsdraws

the comic is awesome - I still love the wolf with the hand as a great intro and tone setter

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Anything to help make it pop.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

haha, I'm 36. the ending was hard bc we didnt know who was going to say the last line for the longest time it was Fink.... but then suddenly we had the idea for Joseph Yazzie (Logan's friend) say something. and it worked out well we think.

little title drop-- sorta there--

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Right, yeah, well played there. Other ideas paled in comparison.

dylandrawsdraws

Am i allowed to ask questions?

Agent Jay (The Pale)

ah coyote scene you mean!

dylandrawsdraws

(yeah coyote!)

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Right, the wolf and the hand bit. Effectively creepy.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

#PraiseCoyote

dylandrawsdraws

I think @MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑 will always think it's a wolf

#teamwolf

Agent Jay (The Pale)

... so funny.

And um, I guess you can ask Q's

dylandrawsdraws

Can you tell us about your process

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Call the wolf Virginia. To go with Dawn Knotts.

dylandrawsdraws

script and thumbnails, etc - the collaboration between you and this mysterious writer you work with

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

(That was a clever name, by the way. I didn't catch on.)

Agent Jay (The Pale)

really? SHAME

Agent Jay (The Pale)

1. We start with a general outline of what we want to see happen 2. eventually that goes down to what is really needed and my husband Sanders writes a 1st draft 3. I then read the draft and make changes-- rewrite scenes, take away, change dialog 4. we argue 5. and repeat till we are happy with it! 6. I start rough layouts/lettering/edit some more 7. (see step 4) 8. eventually everything falls into place and then we have a final edit pass 9. BOOM done.(edited)

dylandrawsdraws

oh very cool

sounds like a mini pixar

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

That's nice.

Cool seeing what goes on behind the scenes

Agent Jay (The Pale)

and @MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑 Dawn Knotts was the only character that didnt go a name changes.

even Fink was Franklin INKS

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Oh? Were they all puns originally?

Ahhh.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

sorta... Logan originally was Sam Addams

then it went to Scott Logan (xmen joke)(edited)

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Yeah, it's an interesting name juxtaposition there. F. Ink. Whereas some people might call FBI types using slang.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

now it's Terrence Logan. I took the Terrence from a discarded character-- I loved the name too much to waste it.(edited)

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

ah yes always a good use of discarded characters. when in doubt steal their stuff O_O

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea

Agent Jay (The Pale)

haha-- right?!

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I gather that the story takes place in... New Mexico? Texas? Nevada? That area...

Agent Jay (The Pale)

It's a made up town south of the Navajo Reservation, so it is Arizona (I hope I'm not derailing your chat)(edited)

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Gotcha. My US geography is poor. (Well, my geography in general is poor.)

Agent Jay (The Pale)

between Flagstaff and north of Winslow...

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

The bit of Navajo on the radio was clever.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

how much research did you put into the location out of curiosity?

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Eh, we just chat about whatever anyway. Rebel will have a random question again in about 5 minutes.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i mean generalized location since its a made up town

Agent Jay (The Pale)

We spent a lot of time considering where the location would be in real terms

The inspiration of the town is a mix of our experiences of small towns in Arizona and on the Navajo Rez. But also-- bc we like small towns

I based the town layout off of Holbrook Arizona more or less.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Holy cats. That's impressive.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

haha

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I think the small town atmosphere is well captured. The deputy who hangs around the game instead of being on radio and all.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

Dewey! haha yes... I love him.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Actually they've got a pretty large police force.

Relatively speaking.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

there's 4 with badges and luca at the station, Logan, Dewey, Russ and Dawn

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

tbf to dewey it seemed like the whole town was at the game so like...who is actually gonna call

QUESTION 2. Not long after the mysterious body is found in the story, Agent Fink enters the scene and gets involved “off the books.” However, his motivations remain elusive. Why do you think Agent Fink is so intent on everything staying off the record? Is it personal or is this a professional risk? What do you think is the significance of the rock found with the body, and why does Agent Fink seemingly have more rocks? Do you think this mystery has something to do with Isaac? If so, how does Isaac factor in to both the mystery and Fink’s motivations? Lastly, what do you make of the dreams Fink has been having?

Agent Jay (The Pale)

haha, I guess this is when I don't talk... heh

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I'd lay dollars to donuts that it relates somehow to those dreams. And presumably to the dreams that the woman in the tapestry place had been having too.

(It being his involvement.)

The rocks, of course, is all a red herring. Fink just likes collecting rocks along with bird watching.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

he should pick better rocks to collect then

invest in geodes

and he can expand his horizons. go get some petrified wood since hes in az

snuffysam

He just showed up to get his hands on that rock

wishjacked

AHHH, good evening, guys!! I've been looking forward to this chat for a while, I'm glad I could make it (albeit late)

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Or just scare a bunch of normal wood...

Fink has plans to become a rock musician.

snuffysam

I don’t think that’s how they get petrified wood math

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

No?

dylandrawsdraws

can I ask about character design and how you do the settings and prep work

for settings?

snuffysam

It’s his DREAM to become a rock musician

That’s what the dreams mean!

wishjacked

Catching up: I love so very many of the scenes, but the one that really hooked me was the coyote scene-- such a classic, beautifully executed mystery setup. And I loooved all that wildlife

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

as someone who lives in az, no i confirm. thats how we get our petrified wood.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

That was Fink's drummer showing up at the end of Part 3.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

sure Dylan! which character do you wanna know about?

(and HI CHLOE)(edited)

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

More seriously, birds are definitely going to factor in too, methinks.

wishjacked

Still catching up: One thing I think really works with the comic is the balance between quiet, slow images and faster moving dialogue: I love when the comic slows down to linger on images. One part that I kinda liked for that reason was with Yazzie visiting Nathaniel's house and looking at the rug on the wall, the lingering look at the rug really slowed the scene in the best way. Also when Fink is wandering through empty Rocket Ridge. Such a good way to build tension, improve pacing, and draw attention to the art. So good

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Hey there Wish

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Related, I liked the bit in the plane where the pilot was all "I have binoculars somewhere" and Fink's like "I'm good". There's lots of little fun things in the comic too.

wishjacked

(and HI JAY!!! :D)

Agent Jay (The Pale)

y'all might get a kick outta this-- some early sketches of Fink and Logan

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

OMG those look nice

wishjacked

(And hi to SuperJustin, too!!)

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Neat! Hm, Fink was shorter.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

haha the thing was very cartoony and different in tone at first.

the THING=-- THE COMIC...

der

wishjacked

Ahhhh, that art is so good hahaha. Look at these good guys! XD

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Personally I think the final/current style fits the comic a lot more than something cartoony IMO

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

wishjacked: Agreed. One of those things that I didn't really notice, but to have it pointed out, yeah. And like the woman just turning at the bottom of the page during that rug scene. Vaguely ominous but you don't know why. Probably attribute some of that to pacing.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

funny bc they changed-- but also remained the same?

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

And yeah wishjacked made a good point about the slow and fast moments.

omg that hairstyle

Agent Jay (The Pale)

oh totally Super... we changed the look really bc the tones are much darker. The story helped determine the style

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Seems liek younger/older comparisons

Agent Jay (The Pale)

ha

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yus

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

You could include the early drawing of Fink as a picture on his desk. Or maybe as his ID badge.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

The art style can give you lots of insight on a comic's tone so you want to make sure it's just right

Agent Jay (The Pale)

We work hard on the pacing. glad that shows!

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

That would be a cute little nod IMO

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

We never look our best on IDs/driver's licenses.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

^^^

Amen

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I'm also vaguely waiting for someone to call Fink "Mulder".

wishjacked

and regarding question #2, I always get a feeling from this comic that things aren't quite what they seem in this story, so I'm very hesitant to barf up ideas about Fink's motives. Whatever they are, I think they'll be unexpected. I wonder if he has some inklings of the supernatural (???) elements of the story he's in

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe they will someday. when theyre less busy putting him up in a hotel and more busy investigating things

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

but the hotels are super comfy

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

well given the dreams i think hed have to have an inkling

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Fink being good with dialects probably means he'll know if anyone he runs into is from out of town. Or... out of this world?

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

unless he just thinks hes the weirdest dreamer in all the land

snuffysam

He acts on rock mysteries though. You wouldn't do that if you thought your dreams were just dreams

wishjacked

and yes, Math!! Ohh, going off on another tangent about that scene, it was so well lighted too. The lighting in this comic also really helps the tone. That was a very ominous scene.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Maybe he thinks everyone has those sorts of dreams. Could be normal for him.

"My face blindness thing is an unusual quirk, but at least I have nightmares like normal people!"

Agent Jay (The Pale)

lol

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

possible but i doubt it O_O

until proven otherwise im assuming that isaac was murdered while investigating something and fink is trying to solve the murder but no one can know cause supernatural stuff and everyone will think hes crazy

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Also I just wanna say the inn rooms look awesome for something out in the wilderness (from what vibe the comic is giving me)

How old is the inn anyways?

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Actually, I wonder when Fink was diagnosed.

dylandrawsdraws

@Agent Jay (The Pale) hmmm which character? fink and logan -

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Crazy theory: Someone is killing people by dropping huge rocks on them, followed by shrinking the rocks down real small.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

dat crack theory(edited)

dylandrawsdraws

and the yazzie?

the native american?

Agent Jay (The Pale)

the inn... around the 1950's(edited)

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Oh wow

Agent Jay (The Pale)

I went through several sketches with Fink. I knew he was tall, slender, and had a dog... much like Tin Tin and that's sorta why he looks cartoony in the beginning I think... but as the story evolved, again, I just kept pushing he design to reflect that. He is supposed to resemble a bird with his hair a bit. Sort of like a crest.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Ahh, Tintin, that would explain the early hairstyle a bit. Though the bird connection is interesting too.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

when I drew the HAIR.. I knew I had something I think...

from 2013

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Oh christ

That's quite a prototype

Agent Jay (The Pale)

Logan was a typical big guy on campus type deal.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Clever not starting the story with Fink, in a sense. It makes it more about this particular mystery and the town itself rather than one FBI case among many.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

stoic, middle aged, seen stuff, understanding, father figure type(edited)

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I see what you're sayin

Agent Jay (The Pale)

thanks Math!

snuffysam

and fink is a young, fresh face

but when they get together

the shipping begins

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Did someone say

ships

dylandrawsdraws

oh these early drawings are great

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

QUESTION 3. Despite Rocket Ridge being a small town, the discovery of a body jumpstarts a lot of strange things. Do you think someone in the town had something to do with the body that was found? If so, who do you suspect (or have we not met them yet)? If not, do you think it has to do with the town supposedly having run-ins with the supernatural? In the most recent page we do see the supernatural, so do you think it has something to do with the body? In the background there is also Sheriff Logan, the man who discovered the body. Do you think Sheriff Logan will help or hinder Fink’s investigation into the situation? At the very least, do you think Logan will discover the real reason Fink is there? Of a last note, how do you think the comic’s events will affect Logan in general?

dylandrawsdraws

can you talk about your inspirations - other media, comics, whatever?

Agent Jay (The Pale)

i watch a lot of crime dramas(edited)

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Any crime dramas in particular?

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Things between Fink and Logan are definitely off to a "rocky" start. I think Logan will work out that this isn't an authorized case though, starting by looking into how Fink flew in in the first place.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

(This is a really interesting question to ask a creator IMO)

Agent Jay (The Pale)

Recent favs The Killing, MindHunter, DARK, Twin Peaks (haha), Longmire

snuffysam

i think fink having to walk into town will have piqued logan's interest, absolutely

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I get why Fink wouldn't want to come clean, suspecting supernatural elements (and wanting to avoid being labelled a Mulder) but Logan doesn't seem like the type who enjoys other people trying to barge in on his territory. I mean, he was stubborn about that coffee machine for how long?

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Ooh nice

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

well and nobody likes the fbi

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Pretty much

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

cause they throw their federal weight around

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

The dog does, apparently.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

the dog is a spirit guide clearly

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

And actually that counsellor seemed to get on well enough with him.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

Emma

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Yes. I'm abysmal with names.

Ask anyone.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

yeah her and Fink got off to a okay... start sorta

yknow.. hotdogs and stuff

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i do think its inevitable logan is gonna find out about fink tho. cause fink is gonna order him and logan is gonna be like "let me talk to your superior" and then fink is gonna be like "oh shit."

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

She musterded up the courage to speak to him.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

omg

slow clap well done

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

It's beautiful

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I wonder what Fink would get out of hearing me speak.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I wonder that too

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Aside from an excuse to be elsewhere.

snuffysam

i wonder what fink's determined about the officers he's met from their voices

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Maybe he can exposit to the dog.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

hes probably determined that dang is he sure in a small town

although he probably learned that from the knife

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Or his tiny alien friend.

(It's actually Logan in a suit.)

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i hope fink's linguist thing comes up with logan. cause i feel like hes just gonna reveal all these personal things about logan at some point. and logan will be frowny face

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

That would be hilarious @MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

"You thought it was extra terrestrial, but it was I, Dewey!"

Agent Jay (The Pale)

or Russ...

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

So, back to crazy theories, do you think the Tapestry Woman is committing the crimes? Because she's possessed by her tapestry, it exited her dreams and into real life?

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

if i had to pick someone who was magically involved with the body and mystery, itd be dewey. O_O his radio wasnt off cause lazy. it was off cause he was busy committing more murders.

snuffysam

nah i think she's forseeing them

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Ooooh, nice one Rebel.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yeah Rebel, good pick.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Also a nice take, snuffy. I wonder if she's trying to weave warnings into her work.

snuffysam

yeah that's what i think is going on. and at some point, fink will find out.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

By spying with his binoculars.

snuffysam

i was thinking by like... someone mentioning it

say someone who lives with her

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe tapestry lady was abducted by aliens and thats why she had nightmares. and she makes tapestries cause she knows one of them is still out there.

snuffysam

or maybe she's just psychic for unrelated reasons

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Perhaps

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

She knows they'll want to buy a tapestry as a souvenir gift before returning to their home planet.

She's saving that dark one for them.

snuffysam

she's preparing to open a tourist trap for aliens?

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

That would be a clever way of capturing the aliens

Or not, if they're armed

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Gotta trap 'em somehow.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yes

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

wait what if by weaving the tapestry she set the creature from her nightmares free. and the reason she keeps it is out of guilt and the belief that one day she has to destroy it to destroy the creature.

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Actually, what if Fink is psychic? Maybe that dream he had in the plane was prophetic.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe. i tend to view his dreams as more symbolic. like im really interested in the fact he has faceblindness and isaac in his dreams had no face

snuffysam

maybe that's not isaac. how would fink know?

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

that is also a good point

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

By the voice, possibly.

snuffysam

fair

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Only we don't know.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

to be fair it might not have been isaac for the fact "isaac" was wearing a shirt that says "This is you"

which lends credit to the dream being prophetic

cause theyre warning him

actually yeah even tho "isaac" is talking the text is written as intelligible. so we cant gurantee he recognized isaac by voice

snuffysam

so yeah i may be right then

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

So it was Fink himself!

snuffysam

the shirt did say as much

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

QUESTION 4. Besides the bigger mysteries, there is a lot of small town drama going on. At the game, we meet Emma Bloom who Dawn clearly doesn’t care for. What do you think the history is between them? Does it have something to do with Logan, or is it just between them? What significance might Emma have further along? Another noteworthy character when it comes to drama is Nathaniel. Why is Nathaniel trying to obtain a gun? Is it just for protection, due to his angst, or is something else going on? Do you think this will get him in trouble with Joseph who is keen on watching him? In respects to the larger plot, what does Nathaniel’s end of the story have to do with any of the other events going on? Are there any other dramas or characters you thought were intriguing?

snuffysam

i think emma v dawn is definitely something relationship related

not sure as to what though

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I'll ship Emma and Dawn.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe emma was supposed to marry logan but then she noped out of there. and dawn knows and is like "how dare"

snuffysam

that's not entirely implausible, math. one dumped the other at some point, and there's been bad blood ever since

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I feel like it's more of a professional issue than a personal one. Based on their professions.

Snuffy: True 'nuff!

snuffysam

what could the professional issue be, then? because in a small town, dawn's probably had to yell at everybody at least once

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe its nothing relationships wise and the two are just rivals. like dawn always feels like emma is one-upping her

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I figure maybe the counsellor gave bad advice to a kid, who maybe then had a run-in with the law or something.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

but only dawn feels this and emma is like "wait what"

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Or maybe it was just a very bad "take your kid to work" day.

Dawn seems reasonably laid back though.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Lol

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe dawn just doesnt like other women in general usually

snuffysam

like she's just always catty? i guess we haven't seen her around that many other woman.

she seems friendly enough with luca though

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

it could be more...defensive shyness? like make dawn was bullied in school by other girls and thus takes a while to open up

alternatively, emma was the bully

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Maybe Emma was arrested once.

Also, yeah, I have no idea where that gun angle is going. Nowhere good, I presume.

Given the attitude of the guy with the bullets.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

im just curious how this is gonna tie into fink. unless they decide nathaniel will be their tapestry expert for some reason.

or maybe nathaniel is after that alien creature thing we see haunting fink

and thats why he wants a gun

snuffysam

i think he'll reveal the tapestries to fink, but i don't know how or why

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Maybe he has a bird interest too.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

maybe its just a casual thing that gets brought up. like logan and fink will catch nathaniel getting the gun and have him in the car. and hell just offhandedly mention something about the tapestries

snuffysam

maybe he has a bird "interest" and that's what the gun is for

but yeah i think rebel's right

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Perhaps

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

and then theyll get joseph yazzie involved and itll be ultimate cop trio

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Meanwhile the ladies solve everything back at the station.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

on a different note, i cant wait till fink is boiling in the az sun

snuffysam

ooh yeah, he hasn't seen the sun up yet

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

not to mention his suit is dark colored so its gonna absorb more heat.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea looknig forward to all that sun

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

and then all the cops are gonna snicker at his unpreparedness

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

ye

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

He never seems to get the breaks to go his way.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

pretty much.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

on another different note, i like that fink just accepted the dog into his life

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I'm a cat person sooooooo.... sure. ^.^

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

lol

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

im also a cat person. but i can appreciate someone getting a pet after being followed, shrugging, and going i guess this my life now

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

I get the feeling Fink has to do that a lot.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

One other thing I want to mention before we wrap, that "favourite panel" contest I saw partway through. I thought that was really clever, I don't think I've seen that anywhere before.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Before time's up, If you see this, Jay, keep it up, this comic is a really great read and I love every bit of it.

snuffysam

yeah the contest was cool

as was the rest of the comic. keep it up, agent!

Agent Jay (The Pale)

ty ty

glad you guys enjoyed it

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

My pleasure

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Ah, you're still here. Yes, very well done.

Agent Jay (The Pale)

i've been working on some touch ups to ch4 ... and reading in here.

very fun

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yea

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

In a final twist at the end... we learn that this was all about "The Pal, E".

snuffysam

maybe the real pale was all of us

Agent Jay (The Pale)

hahaha

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Lul

MathTans the Pun 👑Prince👑

Knife throwing can spark many emotions.

Superjustingo of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Yus

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

well i am really pale so it works O_O

COMIC TEA PARTY END!

Unfortunately, the scheduled Comic Tea Party time is now up~! Thank you everyone so much for reading and joining this week’s chat~! We want to give a special thank you to Jay Fabares & Sanders Fabares, as well, for making The Pale and volunteering it for our reading queue. If you liked the comic, please be sure to support Jay Fabares & Sanders Fabares’ efforts however you’re able to. All that being said, if you would like to continue discussing this week’s comic, we highly encourage you to do so~!

For next week, Comic Tea Party will focus on Obelisk by Ashley McCammon. As always, please use the next several days to read as much of the comic as you would like. We hope to see you next Thursday on June 14th from 5PM to 7PM PDT for the chat~! Until then, happy reading~! Comic: http://www.obeliskcomic.com/

[comicteaparty]

January 11th, 2018 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on January 11th, 2018, from 5PM - 7PM PST.  The chat focused on 7” Kara by Nattosoup/Becca Hillburn.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

Good day everyone~! This week’s Comic Tea Party is now officially beginning. Today we are discussing 7” Kara by Nattosoup/Becca Hillburn~! (http://Nattosoup.com/) For those new to CTP, discussions about the comic are freeform, so please feel free to bring up whatever you wish. However, every 30 minutes I will be dropping in a discussion question to help those who would like a prompt. These questions are totally OPTIONAL to answer so pay them no mind if you wish~! Remember, constructive criticism is allowed, but the primary focus here is to have fun and appreciate the amazing comics that the community makes~! Each chat a top comment will be picked and featured on an ad for this chat, so let’s have a great discussion~!

With that said, let us begin with this first question~!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

My favorite scene was when Kara and pancakes met... They're both so adorable

:' D

snuffysam

I really like the latest chapter, where Kara meets a human for the first time. The interactions between them (and pancakes) are really cute.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I got scared pancakes might eat her I'm like noooo

🌟Draco Plato🌟

same Mharz, hahaha

Tenor

My favorite scene was when Mom came out about the truth to Kara. It really gave the world a bit more depth, as well as lovely inside looks behind the scenes to both parents' mindsets and the struggles they have. :D

🌟Draco Plato🌟

ah I liked that too

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yeaaaah

🌟Draco Plato🌟

The flow of the story was so smooth that I enjoyed all of it about equally~

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Kara is so precious and innocent

:' D

Nattosoup

Thank you guys so much !! I'm really relieved and happy that the things I want to convey seem to be coming across

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I'm so happy that Kara met a nice human

Nattosoup

it's really important to me to depict a story where parents are important characters with flaws too, i think that's really missing in kidlit, so I want to explore more of the conflict between secret making and secret keeping in later chaters

ahha, I know right? what are the chances of that!

she could've gotten someone really awful

saetje

I agree where Kara’s Mom tells her the truth about humans is my favorite! One of my favorite parts of this comic so far is Kara’s childishness and naïveté- not to say she’s spoiled or mean, but I think her youthfulness is well-written if that makes sense

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yeaaah

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i liked the irony in the mom explaining that the dad didn't trust kara cause curiosity and the first thing kara does is go "welp i should do that thing my dad thinks im going to do"

Tenor

DAD WAS RIGHT TO BE SUSPICIOUS

MOM'S GUNNA GET SUCH A LOOK LATER

snuffysam

Yeah i was just about to say that lol. as soon as she finds out humans are real, she does the exact thing they were afraid of

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

LOL

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

I'm gonna agree with Mharz's favorite scene-- I really like how much Kara and Pancake interact. But I'm a sucker for adorable cats! Also, I feel like the body language for a kitten was captured pretty well there too :3

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yus

Nattosoup

I'm really excited about chapter 5 going live in a few weeks, because I get to talk about that in more depth :3

MathTans the Pun Prince

I made it. ^^ My fave scene was the page where the arrow was used to denote movement, followed by the cat in three places to denote movement, I thought that was a clever way of showing it two ways there.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

They're all painted beautifully

:'3

saetje

Kara feels like a real little girl to me tbh - and I enjoy that the soft watercolors and charm of the story make it feel from her perspective, but you get a sense of a more deep adult world, if only slightly , from her parents

MathTans the Pun Prince

Also, yes, I was worried kitty would attack, and think Pancake ended up adorbs.

joseph

Yeah, I prefer the light hearted scenes at this point in the story. So Kara and Pancake stuff. Her chilling with her mom, etc.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I really love how light hearted it is in general

and napples agrees

Nattosoup

I wanted to create a story that is relaxing and rewarding to read

Studio Ghibli stuff is a HUGE inspiration for me

🌟Draco Plato🌟

ah yeah i agree, Kara's youthfulness is super well captured

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

they are :'3

Nattosoup

and i always feel like i've been given a gift when I watch those movies, so I wanted to try to do that too

saetje

Yeah! It does feel Ghibli

snuffysam

I can definitely see that Ghibli inspiration.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I just want to protect Kara from the harshness of the world

MathTans the Pun Prince

Yeah, the soft watercolours and such give it a really unique look too.

Like her dad, Mharz?

joseph

Surely humans will treat her right. Our history has shown we always treat different things well. </sarcasm>

Nattosoup

that's something I know I'm going to struggle with in the future, because some bad things do happen to Kara, but I don't want to completely alienate the readers

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I'll still let her play outside at least

Nattosoup

don't worry, it all ends well! /spoilers jk

Tenor

But a bird could eat her

she is perfect bird-food size

snuffysam

One has treated her right, so far. And she's presumably one of the ones moving in, right?

MathTans the Pun Prince

I'm guessing Kara's gonna hear it from her parents when she gets back.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

swats the birb

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Pancake coulda eaten her, but Pancake probably appreciates his new friend who can scratch his belly in all the right places

Nattosoup

ehehehe

snuffysam

she's also missing a bag

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Pancake is so nice

Tenor

Pancake is cute~

MathTans the Pun Prince

Pancake has amazing expressions for a kitty.

Nattosoup

that's probably something I should cover (maybe in the Q&A) but Pancake thinks she smells human enough

Tenor

And I predict Kara's mighty steed in training /shot

Nattosoup

:3

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

:' D

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

I think you're prooobably pretty accurate on that guess,

Tenor

CAT RIDING

ALL THE TIME

we need more cat riding promo art

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's totally fun

MathTans the Pun Prince

I liked how Kara was compared to fairies and whatnot, seemed a good explanation for not running to parents or anything with her.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Kara compared brownies to fairy tales

iirc

joseph

If I were a little kid, I wouldn't have shown my parents. I would have shown my friends.

Ala Stranger Things.(edited)

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yis

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

that reminds me that i thought it was adorable kara compared cats to tigers XD partly cause of imagining her meeting a real tiger.

MathTans the Pun Prince

I guess it depends a bit on whether you think it's cool or scary.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

urp

yeah

no

Kara

Nattosoup

the real Pancake.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Tigers will legit eat you

Nattosoup

(actually Bowie)

saetje

Omg awww

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

hi kitty

I like that shade of gray

MathTans the Pun Prince

Time to get the syrup.

Tenor

kITTEN

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

LOL Math

Nattosoup

so basically all of Pancakes expressions are stolen from Bowie, with big ugu eyes, b/c he has lil beady boogery eyes

saetje

Haha

Nattosoup

he is a cat who likes kids and is terrible at hunting (he tries to befriend squirrels)

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I love how you painted Pancake's eyes

they're so vibrant

:' D

Nattosoup

thank you!

MathTans the Pun Prince

How long does it take to paint a page? O.o

Nattosoup

and i'm SUPER excited about upcoming chapters b/c there is A LOT of pancake

ah! haha, so i paint in batches of 2-6 pages

saetje

Yisss, being on the pancake screen time

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

https://7inchkara.tumblr.com/post/158514432002/chapter-2-page-6 Also, this page. "Not agaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaain" I recall bein' like that as a kid. "nooo no more meatloaf mooooooooooooom"

Nattosoup

and it can take anywhere from 3-6 days, depending on the weather

yall are super lucky i didn't have Kara do what I would do as a kid

i'd shove a bunch of food i didn't like in my mouth, try to washi ti down with milk

joseph

I think when you make a character bio page, grass should be on there too, because it's in like 70% of the panels :p

Nattosoup

then start gagging

grass is all I know how to paint

Jonny Aleksey

I'm late. I like the watercolors.

Nattosoup

thank you!

MathTans the Pun Prince

Wow. Though that makes sense. (the time, not the food)

Nattosoup

ahah the food makes no sense, for sure

yeah, i used to be faster too, but as i've been painting pages, they've gotten more detailed

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I absolutely admired the effort you put through this

Nattosoup

this is from Chapter 6

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

more people should read it

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Hey y’all, just peeking in again~

Nattosoup

thank you so much Mharz, that really means a lot to me, esp from you

Tenor

Awh~

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Also omg that looks awesome!

MathTans the Pun Prince

That's watercolour?

Nattosoup

yep!

Tenor

How far ahead are you?

Nattosoup

i actually have a tutorial video i recorded for that

i am...painting chapter 7 rn

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i really like the cover art all around. the depictions really suit the story tone and i just like some of the object details.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

It's actually insipiring me to practice more watercolor and traditional media in general(edited)

joseph

That's basically, Becca, except in her studio, and surrounded by art supplies.

Nattosoup

and current chapters 5, 6, and 7 all run 20+ pages

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Seriously that watercolor is gorgeous

Nattosoup

so they're twice as long as the first volume

Jonny Aleksey

Will the little people use the doggie door to get in?

Tenor

Daaang but nice! :D

Looking forward to it!

MathTans the Pun Prince

Wow, so much stuff in that picture that you wouldn't have necessarily had to include, like the drink and all. Well done.

electricabyss

I love seeing how far you've taken the painting in the story! It started out great and now you're just killer

Nattosoup

@Jonny Aleksey I really really really wish I'd thought of that.

seriously.

MathTans the Pun Prince

Kitty door. ^.^

joseph

I think she was considering stopping doing covers when she stopped releasing physical individually issues at issue 4, but it makes sense to have them regardless.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Kara door

Nattosoup

unfortunately no, b/c there's a brass kickplate on the door, but i really wish I'd thought of that >.<

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Crap I can’t paarticipate on my iPad, my Discord is lagging from all the messages

Nattosoup

ahaha maybe i can add them installing one at the end though!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

there should be a mini door in the middle of the kitty door

Jonny Aleksey

There's always future chapters

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Lol

MathTans the Pun Prince

Pancake demands a door.

Mharz: Door-ception.

Nattosoup

making a note of that RN

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yis

XD

Nattosoup

ahahahaha

oh noooo so cute

have you guys seen fairy doors?

joseph

I've never seen a cat door in LA, but I've seen some dog doors.

Nattosoup

https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=fairy+doors&FORM=HDRSC2

MathTans the Pun Prince

I have not.

Nattosoup

it's basically a fake door BUT

i'm sure someone who's handy could install one

Tenor

fFF Those are cute omg

Jonny Aleksey

http://cdn6.bigcommerce.com/s-n8fmp/images/stencil/750x750/products/7104/9576/17363__79902.1488526602.JPG?c=2

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

Nattosoup

yeah!

Tenor

I'd just make a lil rope ladder and crack a window lmao

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Imagine a regular door with that kind of small door at the bottom

Nattosoup

oh man not in Louisiana though, MOSQUITOES

joseph

It's like a mix between doors from Germany and Lord of the Rings.

MathTans the Pun Prince

Kara trying to open door: It's broke.

Tenor

FFFF

Jonny Aleksey

Put in the effort to make an elevator

Nattosoup

and i need to address that too b/c Kara should be getting eaten alive in Ch 6

joseph

7" Kara does take place kind of close to a town of German expats.

Nattosoup

a bell, a box, and a rope

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

no

Nattosoup

no i mean

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

kara

Nattosoup

sorry!

NOT LITERALLY

MathTans the Pun Prince

I was wondering what hemisphere and stuff they were in.

Nattosoup

i meant mosquitoes should be bitin her up

maybe Lilliputians have nasty blood

Northern Hemisphere

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

oh jeez the mosquitoes defnitely are huge

Nattosoup

its actually set in the house my mom grew up in

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

in Kara's perspective

MathTans the Pun Prince

Not enough blood to make it worth their while.

Nattosoup

so it's in Louisiana

Tenor

Considering how they get blood they just honestly might be too small to draw any blood out properly so they don't register on the prey scale

Nattosoup

ahaha yeah, two mosquites might drain you

electricabyss

Maybe they can catch mosquitos better, considering they'd be like birds

Nattosoup

that's still something worth mentioning in a Q&A

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

hey never underestimate mosquitoes

Tenor

...carrier mosquitos

like carrier pidgeons but louder /shot

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

oh god

and more likely to be harmful

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

they can't suck all your blood but chances are, it'll bring deadly disease

snuffysam

the venom would be pretty bad too. most mosquito bites i've gotten left a mark bigger than kara's body

Jonny Aleksey

Mosquitos are like helicopters to them.

snuffysam

well ok not most. but some

Nattosoup

yeah, that's a definite consideration

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Nah, not quite. More likeeeeeeee. One of those remote controlled drones

Tenor

eh if we go helicopter I'd rather a hummingbird. Though IDK how they'd hold on at those speeds

Jonny Aleksey

true

MathTans the Pun Prince

Now I'm thinking about vampire Liliputians. "I vant to suck your blud."

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I prefer dragonflies

Kara riding a dragonfly

Jonny Aleksey

They get to pick which flying creature they like

snuffysam

dragonflies are cute enough for that to work, sure

electricabyss

Have you ever looked at your old pages and thought "I wish I did that differently"

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

kara just riding all the flying things. starting a dragonfly airplane service.

Nattosoup

hey @electricabyss !

joseph

Tiny people definitely gives interesting perspectives on the world.

Nattosoup

ok, so yeah

launching Kara as a webcomic this year was really hard for me, b/c those old pages are kinda ugly by comparison

MathTans the Pun Prince

Kara might be grounded soon though.

Nattosoup

and i had to just sorta bite my tongue and post them anyway

Tenor

Math.

No.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I think they look great still, Becca(edited)

Nattosoup

Thank you!

i'm also totally biased b/c I know what the current pages look like

🌟Draco Plato🌟

they looked good to me~

Jonny Aleksey

It's better to post it that keep it in perfection limbo

Tenor

How old were those pages when you posted them?

Nattosoup

2012

so...five years

Tenor

Daaang.

Nattosoup

in fact, the print volume 1 had been out for like three?

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

wow

:0

Tenor

I UNDERSTAND THE FEELING But I agree with Jonny, better to post than remain in limbo

And we get to see how far you've come! :D

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I love seeing how everyone's art evolves

Nattosoup

what helped with that was Ink Drop tbh

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

yeah theyre still gorgeous pages regardless. not to say there isnt noticeable improvement in some respects but thats how art should work.

Nattosoup

b/c to be a full member, i needed a webcomic, so it was a good push to actually PUT THOSE PAGES OUT THERE

Tenor

YAY!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

We're very happy you did

:' D

Nattosoup

oh yeah, when it comes to other people's pages, I love seeing evolution

snuffysam

it was a good call, yeah

Nattosoup

so I just had to keep in mind that other people feel that way too, and it's part of having a webcomic

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yep

joseph

Do you think Bowie dreams of this happening to him one day? http://Nattosoup.com/comic/54

Nattosoup

you know for a fact! that bowie was used as reference for that

with one of my mini dolls

if i went digging, i could show yall the reference photo (maybe)

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

really?

joseph

Yeah, but he's always in your lap, do you think he wants you to be in his lap?

Nattosoup

(idk if i still have it)

yeah!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's very interesting

Nattosoup

I think Bowie woudl totally let a mini person snuggle up with him

although he might try to groom their hair off, like P-cake did in Ch 4

saetje

Oh yeah definitely, I think the evolution of peoples skills throughout time is part of the charm with webcomics! I really enjoy seeing how far you’ve come from your first pages

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i wonder if kara is going to be confused if shes ever shown an actual pancake the food. and be like "well this is totally different than the other pancake"

Jonny Aleksey

Honestly most of the time old pages aren't that for readers. It's that we made them so we feel responsible.

joseph

Looking back through, you did a great job having Kara and Naomi sitting on the floor/ground a lot. I definitely did that.

🌟Draco Plato🌟

lol i wondered that too rebel

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

@Nattosoup do you have a recording of your page process? I totally wanna see it.

Nattosoup

ahahaha, hm, I wonder if naming pets after foods is a universal?

and she'd be like, oh, my pet mouse when i was little was named Acorn

i dont actually know! that's something to think about!

electricabyss

I think so

joseph

Particularly this page: http://Nattosoup.com/sites/default/files/styles/max_2600x2600/public/2017-09/011_Page10.jpg?itok=H3_CS4Qu

Nattosoup

I DO!

lemme grab a couple links

Jonny Aleksey

@✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨ She might freak out thinking they cooked the cat.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I'm like no pancake

Nattosoup

;;;;_;;;;; OH NO

that would be kinda hilarious

i'll make an ote of that

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

omg thatd be awful

MathTans the Pun Prince

"We're having pancakes" "There were more of her?"

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Kara saw pancakes like this

Nattosoup

it's all ok if Pancake pops his head over the table and tries to steal one

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

and thought how did the cat became like this

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

OH NO. Pancakes for breakfast, doused with maple syrup

MathTans the Pun Prince

It's like Pokemon. That's the first stage of evolution before the sentience.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

meanwhile, the cat's sleeping soundly on Naomi's bed

Nattosoup

A tutorial on painting a double page spread (from Ch 6): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVPiiP_wcDM&t=30s

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

QUESTION 2. The Lilliputians live interesting lives given their small stature compared to the scale of many objects around them. What aspects of their life did you find most interesting in regards to how they interacted with the world? What other things are you interested in seeing in regards to how they live their lives (whether its Kara’s family or Lilliputians in general)? Why do you think the Lilliputians choose to use human sized objects in many cases instead of making their own smaller sized objects (for example, candles)?

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

oooh

Nattosoup

A tutorial on painting a small batch (2 pages) from Ch 6: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi4MzCNYVkM&t=29s

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

will watch that later

:3

Nattosoup

yaaas please answer this b/c I always want to know what people want to know about that world

joseph

Back on favorite scenes, I really liked this Pancake slink scene:(edited)

MathTans the Pun Prince

I'm wondering a bit about that love interest Lilliputian guy. Who seemed to come from an area opposite to the nearest settlement. How many of these places are there and how long does it take the guy to travel?

Nattosoup

I did my inktober on Lilliputian professions, and I have a worldbuilding doc handy if anyone is SUPER nerdy about Lilliputians

electricabyss

Oh, has Kara seen a tv yet? That would be a cute scene

Nattosoup

So for humans, that would be a five minute walk- there's a small park across the residential street where there's a small village

but for lilliputians without transit, that would be a couple days

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

the lilliputians seem to have different perceptions of humans

Nattosoup

Tanner and his father are both messengers, and later in the story, Tanner moves from apprentice to full fledge apprentice and can bring his squirrel, Peanut

(yes I like food names)

MathTans the Pun Prince

Just crossing the street would probably be a huge issue. (Do they tightrope on power lines?)

Jonny Aleksey

Do they have carriges at least?

MathTans the Pun Prince

Hah, Tanner has a squirrel? Can he ride it?

electricabyss

I would think they'd use those storm drains under the street

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

like her dad being scared and away from them but the mom wants to be near humans

MathTans the Pun Prince

electricabyss: That does make more sense.

Tenor

2: More about their food culture. It's clear those without human interferance have to harvest and store but how much of that is similar to the old human ways? Do they need meat? They can't store berries properly and don't seem to have access to basic preservative techniques - oh god ant invasions if they didn't time their food rotation right :|

Nattosoup

gimme a sec and i'll answer all these

MathTans the Pun Prince

I think the mom just doesn't want to move. She doesn't necessarily want to be near them or not (though had good experiences in the past).

Nattosoup

1. in Louisiana, there are a lot of drainage culverts and ditches, so you could cross safely if you use a culvert, so long as there's been a dry spell

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

The Dad was fishing in the early chapters

Nattosoup

2. there are also a lot of trees that cross over the street, so if you can climb or have a mount, you can take the trees

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

omg i never considered an ant invasion. thatd be terrible

Tenor

(I can't help but imagine dad himself is the bait)

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I'm curious if they have a transpo system

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

cause ants do go for food

Tenor

(That's enough to feed a village right there)

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

mini buses

Nattosoup

there are carriages, and different types of mounts, including cats, rabbits, squirrels, and turtles

but for an isolated family like kara's, it's almost all hoofin it

regarding food, yes, it would revert to old ways

joseph

Using yourself as bait is called noodling.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

pft

Tenor

..omg srsly

Nattosoup

I'm hugely inspired by pioneer living, and watch a lot of stuff on substenance and survival living

joseph

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/3f/Noodling_champ.jpg

Tenor

OMG

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

omg

Nattosoup

there's a foraging class in Nashville that I'd like to eventually take, so i can actually talk about foods in great detail

i would LOVE to do a lilliputian cook book

joseph

Actually, I think they hold meat or something. I've never done it, but people in LA sometimes do.

Tenor

Ooohmg yes plz. :D I love themed cook books!

Nattosoup

but that means actually utilizing the foods they'd utilize, and working in the quantities they'd use

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

oooh

yes

I wanna see that

Nattosoup

there's a couple YT channels that do mini cooking that are huge inspirations for me as well

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I've seen a couple of those

Nattosoup

yes, Lilliputians eat meat, but they're also likely to eat insects, minnows, ect

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

it's adorable

XD

Nattosoup

since mice are frequently kept as pets

Tenor

(My favorite to those small chef shows are the reaction videos)

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's a pretty big pet

MathTans the Pun Prince

I wonder, if the human girl searched on the web, would she find some sort of secret website of conspiracy theorists who believe in Lilliputians?

Nattosoup

miniature cooking channel with real food): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTFT5NbDl0Fa_fE9Cz_yOAA

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

omg math thatd be adorable

in a weird way

Nattosoup

i really want to buy their kit and actually come up with some recipes one day

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

if there was like all these believers out there

had their own little forum

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

all of the things they use to cook are tiny too, right?

Nattosoup

@MathTans the Pun Prince that's a great question and is going to come up in probably ch 8 or 9

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I mean that youtube channel

Nattosoup

@Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨ I believe so!

MathTans the Pun Prince

Possibly the forum would have a cooking section.

Nattosoup

they cook on top of like candles and sternos

actually I found out this year that Giant Tiny is a big deal on Tumblr

and not just in like...adult ways

so i bet there are already forums like that

joseph

Yeah, sometimes they use small things like the big (brussel sprout vs lettuce) sometimes they just cut it small (a chicken breast cut tiny).(edited)

Nattosoup

if i had known about it as a teen, i would've RP'd it, b/c I've always been interested in minature living

MathTans the Pun Prince

Then there'd be a bunch of trolls too, saying no to Lilliputians, huge Sasquatch are the only real supernatural beings.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

lol math(edited)

electricabyss

Giant tiny? Like.... Giant tiny things? Things that are actually small but made big?

joseph

So after 7" Kara chapter 29 comes 7" Kara XXX, right?

Nattosoup

no like humans are 'giant' and lilliputs are tinies

MathTans the Pun Prince

Like jumbo shrimp. ^.^

snuffysam

NO

saetje

I think it’s the interaction between giant and tiny people

Nattosoup

although sometimes humans are tiny and giants are giants

yeah!

Tenor

(( https://ink361.com/app/users/ig-19190987/iamzoie/photos/ig-1501756351620969272_19190987 Someone reacting to tiny food getting made it's cold I lOVE IT))

Nattosoup

yeah there are a lot of people who are interested in that

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

Nattosoup

omg that tiny sammitch though

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

what im most curious about is more of the overall view of humans by the lilliputians. since the fact that they acknowledge the humans made a lot of the stuff in the world kind of makes the humans seem god like.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

it's adorable

Nattosoup

in the future, even if it's just bonus comics, I really want to explore more lilliputian living things

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's a good point Rebel

Nattosoup

SO Kara's family is an outlier

they're Traditionalist, which means they dislike humans

well, her father is, and he's sorta...pushed the rest of them into it

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

:0

MathTans the Pun Prince

It's true, but I think they see the stuff they get as "castoffs" more than being made for them, Rebel.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

awww

Nattosoup

in general, Lilliputians who are not Traditionalist see humans as a resource

they recognize that humans are generally dangerous to tiny people

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I wonder if he had a bad experience with them

joseph

So they're closer to TEOTWAWKI people in our society?

Nattosoup

but they have no problem adopting human materials and technologies

there are even mall lilliputians

@joseph yeah!

saetje

I think that would be wonderful to explore more day to day life of Lilliputians in a side comic! I’d love to learn more about how they live

Jonny Aleksey

I got the impression that they know humans built everything but don't worship them. They're just another people.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

"Human, your fabrics are convenient. Also flexible. Please, provide me with more of this... elastic."

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I suppose there are people who think they're pests?

MathTans the Pun Prince

What would Kara think of the movie "Ant Man"? O.o

saetje

Ohhh mall Lilliputians?

Tenor

Oh god mall Lilis. :( Monthly pest control must be annoying. Or! Villiage field trip

Jonny Aleksey

The "myth" was just to protect child from going to them.

Nattosoup

like Kara is weird b/c her parents lied to her

and she bought it

most Lilliputian children know about humans, and also know to give them a wide berth

like we would live electrical wires

MathTans the Pun Prince

That's not so weird though. Think tooth fairy.

Nattosoup

I actually haven't seen Ant Man, so I don't know!

she'd probably enjoy it, b/c she's never really seen TV hahaha

MathTans the Pun Prince

(Actually, do Lilliputians have dentists they go to regularly?)

saetje

Do they get different mannerisms and slang depending where they are based? Like would the mall Lilliputians pick up on human teen slang more?

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I think so?

Nattosoup

YES! they do!

Jonny Aleksey

Lilliputian Medical School

Nattosoup

different groups will develop even sub languages, like cajun patois

MathTans the Pun Prince

I was thinking with "Ant Man" how his punch packs the same force as when he's large. I can't see a Lilliputian punching out anyone. ^.-

saetje

Cool!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

pretty much they almost live the same way as humans

Nattosoup

and lilliputians who live in closer proximity to humans will pick up slang from tv and human proximity

ahaha no, they can't

Lilliputians are stronger for their size than a human would be, but not to ant capacity

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

omg tv slangs

Jonny Aleksey

Liliputinas would use the enviornment to fight.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

How long do liliputians live in comparison to humans?

Nattosoup

but that's not even something Kara would realize

MathTans the Pun Prince

Wait, if there's professions and stuff, there must be an education system. So I guess Kara is home schooled?

Tenor

This is why I can't enjoy nice things. I'm just stuck in "All the ways a tiny person can die" mentality OTL

Nattosoup

ahaaaa the saddest question

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

do they have a different life expectancy and perception of time?

SORRY I ASK THE WORST ONES

Nattosoup

about a quarter lifespan, although that's not something i'm going to go into in 7" Kara, probably

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Hahaha

Nattosoup

time moves faster for them

Tenor

Kabo: AT LEAST YOURS ARE NICE QUESTIONS ABOUT DEVELOPMENT

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

awww

Nattosoup

if you study small mammals, that's apparently true for all types of small mammals

shorter gestation periods

shorter lifespans

Tenor

I'm over here like: Oh god some poor bastard getting stuck in a human contraption

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

How often does Kara's mom sass Kara's dad?

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's so sad

Nattosoup

Erry day

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

GOOD

Nattosoup

that's going to come up too actually haha

among other Lilliputians, she's seen as uppity

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

MathTans the Pun Prince

If there's schools, is there a course in "Humans"? That Kara's parents convenently skipped out on?

Nattosoup

Kara's been homeschooled, but there are village schools, and most definitely

reading, writing, hoomans

Jonny Aleksey

Kara would be an old lady before Naomi gradutates middle school

joseph

I feel like you've undermined the dad, Rowan, too much. Dude just wants to leave, no one is listening, and he's laid up.

Nattosoup

ahaha true

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

:c

Nattosoup

he's actulaly not a bad person

there's going to be more conflict between him, Kara, and his wife

MathTans the Pun Prince

Dad just wants what he thinks is best.

Nattosoup

he's a good person, but he acts on his upbringing

yep

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

oh

Jonny Aleksey

@joseph That'll probably come back to bite them all later. Drama!

snuffysam

how big is the scope of their society? like, are there lilliputians all over the world? just in Louisiana?

Nattosoup

he really loves his wife and daughter and wants whats best for them based on what he thinks is best

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that would be a very far travel already

Nattosoup

the fact that they live in Meldina (kara's mom's)'s parents house is already a huge sacrifice for him

MathTans the Pun Prince

I got that vibe from him. But he can't shelter them forever either.

joseph

@Jonny Aleksey yeah, the whole story is about the consequences of not listening to daddy.

Nattosoup

anywhere there are humans, there are lilliputians

like rats

and there are different ethnicities as well

like humans

snuffysam

oh wow ok. so there are quite a few societies who could never reasonably travel to each other

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I wonder if they'll modernize in the future

Nattosoup

right

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

like having mini phones and such

joseph

We need a venn diagram. Humans, Lilliputians, and both. Plot EVERY activity.

MathTans the Pun Prince

I hope the Lilliputians don't have racism. :/

Nattosoup

there are some groups that have like mall lilliputians, or library lilliputians

Jonny Aleksey

Wonder how different lilliputains who live in a big city are to the one's in the backyard of a small town.

Nattosoup

there are even lilliputians who use scavanged technology

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Imagine, a Liliputian with a tamagotchi.

joseph

Like Blackberry phones?

Nattosoup

realistically, they probably do, but i hope so too, @MathTans the Pun Prince

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yesss

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

so are there lilliputians in australia? with all the deadly gonna eat you creatures

Nattosoup

since they live in fairly small groups, everyone has a role and purpose, so hopefully everyone is valued

Tenor

Liliputian Australians fear nothing.

Those clock spiders? They breed them. They are mounts.

Nattosoup

there are probably lilliputians in australia with crazy pet scorpions

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

they defnitely have adjusted to their environment

Jonny Aleksey

oh god

joseph

Tiny igloos in anartica.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

ah yeah i 100% badass australian lilliputians

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Oh man

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

who just ride deadly snakes

Nattosoup

I'm really likin' that idea

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

tiny igloos

Nattosoup

i'm going to have to draw it

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that sounds adorable

Tenor

One that managed to befriend a baby Joey so gets to ride on his head once all grown up

MathTans the Pun Prince

Mermaid Lilliputians?

Nattosoup

OMG YES

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

all of them wearing eskimo outfit

Jonny Aleksey

Lilliputains' round the world

Nattosoup

yall should totally help me out and draw these things

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

joseph

Ooooo creators aren't supposed to ask for Fanart.

Nattosoup

that doesn't count haha

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

LOL

Nattosoup

I don't own the concept of tiny people (TM)

joseph

Unless you're Southpark.

Nattosoup

so if someone was like, hey, i wanna do a mini comic about that aussie awesome lilliput

Jonny Aleksey

Imma draw a New York Lillputains riding the train to work.

Nattosoup

i'd be so jelly, but also so into it

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

:'3

Nattosoup

YAS

subway lilliputians have to be a thing

there's food

shelter

warmth

opportunity

snuffysam

rats

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

ah man i wanna draw ancient egyptian lilliputians

Nattosoup

MOUNTS

Jonny Aleksey

They befriend Pizza Rat

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

they have those toy size trains

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Epic steeds to ride!

Nattosoup

that's what's so fun about the lilliputian concept and what drew me to it originally is there's a lot of play

a lot you can play with

i could probably play in this sandbox forever, too b/c i mean suburban lilliputians? that's pretty tame

MathTans the Pun Prince

Random realization - Lillputians don't use the metric system, because 7". I guess the idea of a "metre" would be much longer for them.

Nattosoup

ahaha

joseph

Kara open world adverture.

Nattosoup

you know honestly they probably have their own measurement system

probably based on the old english system of using whatcha got

thumbs, forearms, feet

MathTans the Pun Prince

Probably do, makes sense.

Jonny Aleksey

But don't they have 5 fingers?

MathTans the Pun Prince

Cubits and whatever.

Nattosoup

i'm just the absolute worst at titles

yes, they do

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Then you have a few that take advantage of metric and errything is millimeters.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

wait so do lilliputians have system of governments? is there a king lilliputian somewhere O_O

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

"You better stay within a meter of the house at all times, young lady!"

Nattosoup

no

its all small groups

i've thought about that one a lot

MathTans the Pun Prince

They call him "King Lilli" for short.

Nattosoup

so small villages is about the max an area can support

large groups would attract attention

maybe in forests there'd be larger groups that've kinda merged

but they're ruled by a council of village elders

and it's not a position anyone jockeys for

joseph

What about nomadic lilliputians?

Nattosoup

you've got a village of capable, fairly shrewd individuals

MathTans the Pun Prince

Tarzan Lilliputian.

Nattosoup

they're gonna call you out on everything

there's definitely nomadic lilliputians

and nomadic professions like merchants

who ride tortoises

Jonny Aleksey

That seems like a slow business

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that would be a slow transpo

MathTans the Pun Prince

It's a shell game.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

ah that sounds adorable. them riding tortoises

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

t!cookie @MathTans the Pun Prince

Nattosoup

Bards are nomadic: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba5a_g8DbE6/?taken-by=Nattosoup

Huntmasters: https://www.instagram.com/p/Ba0JdGrjGRD/?taken-by=Nattosoup

who usually go after larger problem animals like cats, coyotes, owls

MathTans the Pun Prince

Tigers?

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

I imagine the surface area of the shells of tortoises makes them really good for carrying tons of stuff too, though

Nattosoup

some musicians are nomadic: https://www.instagram.com/p/Bap7thaDZbd/?taken-by=Nattosoup

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

but owls

Nattosoup

i wonder if a tiger would even bother with a lilliputian though?

that'd be some starvation tactics

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

you can ride owls

Nattosoup

you can

if you raised one from a chick

it wouldn't be an issue

i'm thinking wild owls though

MathTans the Pun Prince

Those owls, throwing their wild parties.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Wait, wait, you know how some parakeets end up in the wild and thriving?

Nattosoup

hunters are typically nomadic, and provide meat: https://www.instagram.com/p/BakjTHSjh-3/?taken-by=Nattosoup

omg

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

ah man id be interested in hearing what their bard music is like. and what kind of jaunty tunes htey have

Nattosoup

i'm SURE some Lilliputian has capatilized on that

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Would a Parakeet be an exotic pet for a Lilliputian?

plus, they can sometimes learn to talk!

Nattosoup

i like that, @Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that would be adorable

XD

Nattosoup

gonna have to draw that

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Ever wondered where your parrot was picking up odd phrases? Well, it's from lilliputians hanging out in your house, of course!

Nattosoup

@✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨ probably something like this, generally: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S03i1PPKuEo

at least for more isolated areas

i'm sure with proximity, their music becomes more like pop and rock

now i want to hear that :3

@Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle omg YES

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Lilliputians rock band

with tiny guitars

and drums

Jonny Aleksey

Small people, big bands

Nattosoup

big sound

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Kara's future career as a pop star is comin' up

MathTans the Pun Prince

They perform standing on a shoebox.

saetje

Gosh, the idea of Lilliputians is so cute. Everything’s so much cuter when it’s smaller haha.

Nattosoup

RN Kara wants to be a messenger, or a squirrel/rabbit breeder, or a merchant, or a storyteller

Jonny Aleksey

They need to make tiny vinyl players first

MathTans the Pun Prince

Must be hard, getting squirrels to breed with rabbits.

Nattosoup

Merchant: https://www.instagram.com/p/BaCe8-XjhWN/?taken-by=Nattosoup

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

do Lilliputians have a circus?

saetje

Aww, once again that’s very much like a kid! I think you capture that energetic enthusiasm well with Kara

Nattosoup

I actually haven't thought about that yet, @Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨ , but i bet they do

and that'd be cute

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

QUESTION 3. One notable relationship conflict occurs between Kara’s mother and father. While her father insists they move to the forest as quickly as possible, Kara’s mother wants to stay put. Whose argument do you find more compelling and why? Is Kara’s father’s concerns purely derived from being old-fashioned, or do you think he had a bad experience with humans? Do you think Kara will be forced to move or not? If they move, what do you imagine the Lilliputian village is like?

Nattosoup

huhuhu

joseph

I think they should move. I wouldn't trust a bunch of giant people moving in around me.

MathTans the Pun Prince

I think there's more to the story than we know. Including why the humans moved into this house too.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I was curious if something bad happened to Kara's dad

Jonny Aleksey

I'd stay and fight. No one's kicking me out of my home!

snuffysam

well, if kara can show that her human friend is trustworthy, that could help her case...

Respheal

That's my guess @Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

saetje

I’m more on the side of the mother? Personally? Lilliputians obviously have this symbiosis with humans so as I think as the mother points out in the comic, it’s also advantageous for them

Respheal

But I generally assume that people have a reason for not trusting things, even if it isn't always the reality(edited)

Nattosoup

:3ccccc

Jonny Aleksey

@Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨ I don't want that to happen but it probably will.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

I'm siding with Kara's mom. She's the one making the money, and has a stable and necessary career. Has her father considered the damage it might do to the local community? Then again, Kara might have more friends in a village.

MathTans the Pun Prince

Kara's dad once fell in love with a human, only to discover that she was a department store mannequin. Broke his heart. He can never be around humans again.

Nattosoup

Yall are assuming they'd move to a village :3

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

LOL Math!

XD

joseph

I think the Lilliputians are going to set up a Home Alone-style trap system to stop the humans from moving into their new home.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

somehow if the Dad insists Kara will run away

snuffysam

that seems quite difficult

Nattosoup

@joseph how dare you have better ideas than me!

Jonny Aleksey

yes!

Nattosoup

where was this when I was coming up with the initial synopsis?!

Tenor

3. As a protective mother: I side with the father. MUST PROTECT MY BABY AND FAMILY RAWR. As a semi-reasonable parent; I side with the mother because stability and security are incredible security blankes. As a reasonable adult: I scream neither have found a middle ground yet I'm sure they knew this would happen eventually. As a human: Oh hell no I side with the father have you met kids many of them are fucked up let alone other humans could and would cause danger to them RUN AWAY LITTLE ONES BE SAFE AND FREE.

saetje

For hundreds of years you’ve had Lilliputians doing just fine in human-infested areas like cities and malls, I don’t see how one suburban house could ruin all this tiny family has! I think the Dad must’ve had a bad experience and I don’t think it helps he doesn’t have an attachment to the house like the Mom. But I don’t see him as bad, he is genuinely concerned

Jonny Aleksey

There should be Twitter poll or something about this

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

He's not bad. He really just wants his family safe based from what I've seen(edited)

joseph

Choose your own tiny adventure.

Nattosoup

What Should Kara's Family Do: MOve to the swamp Move to a Village STAY AND FIGHT Befriend humans and steal all the good stuff

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i feel i side with the mother more but i feel they should perhaps change location. cause their current living situation is not that hidden. but i think they can only benefit from the human proximity if they just secure their living situation better

Jonny Aleksey

Like a point-n-click advenutre game

MathTans the Pun Prince

They should become nomads and hang out with Tanner.

Jonny Aleksey

Maybe Naomi would take the house and put in her room as a "doll house" to protect them.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

a likely scenario

MathTans the Pun Prince

More seriously, I think time of year plays a part in this too. Dad might be more willing to listen to reason if it wasn't fall, with needing to be somewhere with provisions soon.

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Ok I'm here

saetje

That’s a good point @MathTans the Pun Prince

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

now I'm concerned their house might get buried in snow

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

but is that a good thing? i feel "protecting" them by taking their house somewhere else is inevitably going to make their discovery more likely

Nattosoup

snow isn't an issue in Louisiana

BUT!

that is probably something i should mention explicitly

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I like snow tho

Nattosoup

and in comic.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

:0

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

it looks pretty but not when you have to drive over it

MathTans the Pun Prince

Snow didn't use to be an issue in South Carolina either.

joseph

I hear Tiny homes are popular right now. They could get one of those.

saetje

Oh right! Yeah I skimmed over that in the chat

Nattosoup

yeah that said, it's b/cing more of an issue in LA

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yeah but if you're less than a feet tall living in a small house snow will be a huge problem

Nattosoup

which is something i'm wondering if i should shoehorn in b/c that would be REALLY relevant to tiny people

who've never dealt with it

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

to justin

joseph

Yeah, it snowed like 6 inches a month ago in the Luling area.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

urp

MathTans the Pun Prince

Hm, Lilliputians work on the barter system, right? Kara would probably find the idea of money a bit weird.

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

jesus

Nattosoup

they do!

for either objects or skills

and yeah, that would be...a weird concept to try and explain to her

might be interesting to cover :3

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Very :3

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

;3

joseph

What type of booze do they brew?

MathTans the Pun Prince

"You don't just keep these round shiny objects as pictures?"

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

oooh

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

OMG They have to have mead

Nattosoup

"take this paper thing in exchange for...well that thing you have that i want.'

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

they MUST.

Nattosoup

Brewer is a profession!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ2gHnDjQDA/?taken-by=Nattosoup

MathTans the Pun Prince

They're all from Milwaukee.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

LOL

Nattosoup

not only do they make alcohol, like small beers and meads, but they also ferment foods

Jonny Aleksey

She took the fact that humans exsist pretty well. Maybe explaining things to her isn't that diffiuclt.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

one of those brewers looks a lil' familiar

or maybe both of them XD

Nattosoup

two of them should

Kara's always wanted humans to be real

but that's probably something worth mentioning!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

wish granted

Jonny Aleksey

Oh yeah. Didn't think of that.

Nattosoup

just like some of us probably always wanted fairies or lilliputians to be real

probably a lil weird, but also really awesome

MathTans the Pun Prince

Maybe Dad also wanted them to be real at some point, and had his dreams cut down.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

would totally love to make friends with doll-sized people

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

they'd make excellent models

joseph

They'd make the cheapest dates.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

I'd give them tons of the weird fabrics I have

Nattosoup

the issue is, we're so much bigger and stronger than them, we might unintentionally hurt them, or allow them to come to harm

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

haha math that makes me picture the dad all young and starry eyed staring at humans. how dare you give me adorable mental imagery.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that is true(edited)

MathTans the Pun Prince

Hee.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

I feel like it's more likely that Kara's mom is the starry eyed one XD

But, it would be super cute to see her dad being like "Oh look isn't that incre-- I mean, Kara, don't go over there. That's a bad idea"

Nattosoup

ahaha that would be really cute

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Kara's mom: more humans, more resources

MathTans the Pun Prince

Like pancakes.

Nattosoup

of both varieties!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

can totally live off the crumbs that falls on the floor

Nattosoup

do you think Kara's dad would use Pancake on hunting trips?

or to help him haul things?

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

OMG

His helpful cat

Nattosoup

Kara's mom is a seamstress, Pancake could hel deliver clothing

covered in massive catfur

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

well he has to trust the cat first

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i dont know if i think thats likely but i vote yes to this happening

Jonny Aleksey

No cause Pancake would just lick him the whole time

Nattosoup

ahahaha

the WORST delivery cat

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Ever wonder why some cats that should be feral are friendly? Lilliputians.

Nattosoup

OOO MAYBE SO

maybe Kara's dad takes to Pancake immediately

b/c he'd known feral cats when growing up in DA SWAMP

like BOBCAT KITTENS

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

how many tiny people does a crawdad feed?

Nattosoup

a family

MathTans the Pun Prince

Now I'm thinking of Ghibi's Catbus.

Nattosoup

of three

MathTans the Pun Prince

I wonder why Dad and Mom only had Kara? Didn't want a large family I guess, could be problematic.

Nattosoup

maybe Rowan woudl always bring a treat for Pancake

thaaat is not intentional

most lilliputian families have at least two usually more

its not for lack of trying

MathTans the Pun Prince

....

Nattosoup

which is probably spoilery, i'm sorry

its something i've thought about a lot, but was never sure how much i wanted to bring up in the story itself

b/c how much of that would Kara herself know?

MathTans the Pun Prince

No, no, it's fine, I'm just picturing Lilliputian sex now.

Nattosoup

she'd know other families have more kids

and that she's lonely

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Kara is adopted

Nattosoup

ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

o_o

Jonny Aleksey

not for lack of trying

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

rip now im sad kara doesnt have like a cute little brother

MathTans the Pun Prince

Like, if you thought human eggs were tiny...

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

there's always tanner

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Oh wait is it the point in the story where we get to make crazy theories?

erm

MathTans the Pun Prince

He does seem to have a thing going there. I wonder if they played together at all when Kara was young.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

chat.

not story

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yus

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

the chat is just the story of life O_O

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Ahahahaha.

MathTans the Pun Prince

I already theorized that Kara's dad was in love with a mannequin, crazy theories can come at any time.

Nattosoup

it's also the point in the story where you can make crazy theories

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

That's true! XD

🌟Draco Plato🌟

oh my gosh math XD

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Kara's dad had a bad romance. cue music

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I theorized Kara is adopted

MathTans the Pun Prince

Mharz: That's an interesting one.

🌟Draco Plato🌟

lol what XD

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Tanner amd Kara might be siblings(edited)

🌟Draco Plato🌟

kara looks just like her mom tho

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Kara got adopted so her mom could have a kid to apprentice?

Jonny Aleksey

Don't forget all the lilliputains we made up

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

but what if Kara is like... her mom's neice and there was a TRAGEDY

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Draco it's called crack theory

MathTans the Pun Prince

Maybe all female Lilliputians look like Kara. We don't know.

Nattosoup

ahaha oh man

haha i like that last one

Jonny Aleksey

But not here dad

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Well, her dad might have had an affair

Kara is Jon Snow

and knows nothing.

Jonny Aleksey

tiny affairs

Nattosoup

ooooo

MathTans the Pun Prince

The only kind they know.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Small dalliances, really

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

says he's going fishing but went somewhere else

Nattosoup

i really didn't know people were gonna be that intersted in her parents, but i'm glad

Jonny Aleksey

so it's not a big deal then!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

gosh dad

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

"Fishing"

Nattosoup

bc i have a scene i'm toying with

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

7" Kara, started as a cute ghibli like story, becomes a soap opera where everyone is cheating and dying

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

HEY YOU NEED TO WRITE THAT SHORT

Nattosoup

and i was like 'is this really necessary?'

🌟Draco Plato🌟

all this hate for kara's dad

MathTans the Pun Prince

"Fishing" is what the kids are calling it these days.

Nattosoup

omg

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

no, Kara's dad isn't hated -- he's just flawed

and therefore interesting.

Nattosoup

^^^^^

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

we're not hating Kara's dad

🌟Draco Plato🌟

he's cute

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

xD

🌟Draco Plato🌟

cute flaws

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Draco really likes dads. XD

Nattosoup

argh now i wanna show yall spoilers

haha

🌟Draco Plato🌟

who doesn't like cute dads

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yus

Nattosoup

WAIT FOR CHAPTER FIVE YALL

Jonny Aleksey

We're just suspisous

Nattosoup

THERES DRAMA AND ROMANCE

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

OR YOU COULD BUY THE CHAPTER

is it still on gumroad

MathTans the Pun Prince

Kara's dad was a human in disguise all this time.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

oooooohhh

Jonny Aleksey

Kara's dad had an affair with Draco

MathTans the Pun Prince

Malfoy?

Nattosoup

so THATS the human who broke his heart

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

rip

Jonny Aleksey

Mystery solved

Nattosoup

Where to buy Chapter 5: https://gumroad.com/l/QsPjz

that's true, haha

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Iffin' ya wanna spoil yourselves XD

Nattosoup

its fine if not, yall just have to get through a bonus comic, and then a bonus Q&A

Jonny Aleksey

the smashing of the onion is symbolic

Nattosoup

then CHAPTER 5

its an acorn haha

to make acorn meal

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

MathTans the Pun Prince

A cornmeal?

Nattosoup

close!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

LMAO

Nattosoup

to make acorn meal, you boil the acorns to draw out the tannins, allow them to dry out

mash them into a fine paste

apparently they are not that tasty, they're supposedly very bitter

MathTans the Pun Prince

All that southern food. Probably why Dad doesn't like humans, didn't like the grits they served.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Ooh, you know, the tannins probably make a good dye

or well

tanning solution.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's how Tanner happened.

Nattosoup

they do!

ahaha whoops

a big acorn gingerbread boy

MathTans the Pun Prince

Tanner came out of an acorn?

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

you know that is an advantage to being small. they dont need the same industrial quantity to make certain things. like one flower would make so much dye for them.

Nattosoup

like Peach Boy

but for Lilliputs

Acorn Boy

MathTans the Pun Prince

Oak-ay.

Nattosoup

ahaha

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

I want to give out cookies for puns but aaaaaaaah

the chat would be so spammed.

🌟Draco Plato🌟

haha i did think that's nice that a little goes a long way when you're small

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Math will get all the cookies

yeah less resources to use when you're tiny

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

QUESTION 4. Despite all the warnings, Kara steps out into the world and winds up succeeding in her goal of meeting a human. The two do not have a lot of time to interact, but Kara promises to come again. Do you think Kara will be able to keep her promise? Will she be forced to sneak out or will she be able to earn the approval of her parents somehow? What sort of interactions do you think Kara and the human will have and/or what interactions are you looking forward to? What do you think is on the horizon if the human tells other humans about Kara and the Lilliputians?

MathTans the Pun Prince

I think Kara's grounded.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

She's gonna have an argument with her dad

snuffysam

her father would definitely not approve

Jonny Aleksey

It's time for big drama scenes

MathTans the Pun Prince

Actually, hm, wouldn't the human's voice be pretty loud for Kara's eardrums? I'm guessing it'd need to be a soft conversation, could be a problem if they ever argue.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

But will Kara's dad find out?

Jonny Aleksey

She never told Naomi not to tell people about lilliputains

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

for sure Kara's parents are super worried that she was gone an entire day.(edited)

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Kara becomes a snapchat star

MathTans the Pun Prince

I feel like Kara won't be able to keep it quiet.

Jonny Aleksey

That's probably not good

Nattosoup

@MathTans the Pun Prince I considered that, but tbh i hated that the americanization of Arriety did that

i hated Sean's voice

MathTans the Pun Prince

Oh, yeah, forgot about that with Arriety.

(I used to watch the Littles btw, I got that reference.)(edited)

Nattosoup

so humans are very loud, but not necessarily deeper

but in reality they'd be much deeper, and lilliputians would be so high pitched and soft, you wouldn't be able to hear them

or it'd be like mouse squeeks

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

omg

MathTans the Pun Prince

We're a pretty shallow bunch.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's definitely cute

XD

Nattosoup

with this sort of topic, there's so many things you can do, and so many ways you can go!

MathTans the Pun Prince

As long as the human doesn't bring Kara for show-and-tell, we shoudl be okay.

Nattosoup

one of the fun things is seeing how different media cover tiny people

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Kara and Parents squeaking when arguing

Nattosoup

OR DO THEY

MathTans the Pun Prince

They cover them. With small rugs.

Jonny Aleksey

high pictch the more anger thet get

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

she'd be instant celebrity

MathTans the Pun Prince

Lead singer of that pop band.

Nattosoup

did you guys ever read The Indian in the Cupboard series?

the tldr is tiny people get shoved into a pocket and brought to school

and of course that causes consternation and fighting

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I haven't heard of it

MathTans the Pun Prince

I didn't, no.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

:0

Nattosoup

the plus side is that Naomi is right at that age where people are proud to believe in nothing at all

right on the cusp of adulthood, so she's ready to still believe in things

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I feel like Kara will argue with parents and then runs away and gets into trouble.

Nattosoup

:3c

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

>.>

<.<

MathTans the Pun Prince

Pancake to the rescue.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

i think an argument is inevitable at least. i doubt she can hide humans long cause if i was a kid thatd be my first choice of argument for why we should stay. "but dad i met a human just now and it was fine"

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Pancakes throwing pancakes

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

and then the dad is like

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

"WE ARE MOVING TODAY."

MathTans the Pun Prince

Rebel: Truth.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Humans are nice dad!

No

Nattosoup

omg too real

haha

too real to life for sure

MathTans the Pun Prince

"I met a human. It was black with fuzzy ears and licked me."

🌟Draco Plato🌟

looooool

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

loooool

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

"I also met a pancake!"

Do Kara's parents know what pancakes are?

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

You're grounded Kara

Nattosoup

forever grounded

Jonny Aleksey

That the dad would just think she doesn't know the diff betwenn humans and cats and her secret is safe

Nattosoup

so what do you guys think Grounded means for someone like Kara?

can't leave your room? extra household chores?

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Stuck in the house more than normal.

Jonny Aleksey

He's fine with cats, probably

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

you're not allowed to go more than 10 centimeters away from this house.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Extra chores.

HAH

joseph

Yeah, more manual labor.

Sweep the chimney.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Also, you HAVE to help your mom out more.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Or maybe she gets sent off to Tanner's

you know, to be with a proper family for a bit.

while her parents pack up.

MathTans the Pun Prince

Possibly taking away her art materials. That'd be effective, because she likes her drawing, even took it with her when she left. Would want those back.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

awwww

joseph

I think Kara likes indoor and outdoor stuff, so she's probably hard to punish.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

No, Kara gets the dreaded "I'm disappointed in you" talk.

Nattosoup

ooph

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

YOU KNOW THE ONE

Nattosoup

I DO

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

id assume more chores tbh. so many chores she cant leave the house anyway. best of both worlds. tho given the circumstances i would not assume grounding. i assume theyd just tell her to pack theyre leaving even sooner.

joseph

She has to make ice cream, but can't eat any.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's pure torture

Jonny Aleksey

That's too much

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Acorn mash for a week.

Jonny Aleksey

Wait, do lilliputains have ice creams?

Nattosoup

my poor baby child

MathTans the Pun Prince

One good churn deserves another.

Nattosoup

they have fruit tarts

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

why not

ice creams are great

kara should be able to taste ice cream

Nattosoup

I'm sure she'd love ice cream if she ever got to have it

🌟Draco Plato🌟

made me picture her putting ice cream in a raspberry

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

on a scale of 1 -> "oh god why" how lactose intolerant is kara

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

lol

Nattosoup

who could resist feeding adorable tiny people different delicious treats?

Jonny Aleksey

She jumps into a bowl of ice cream

Nattosoup

she's probably oh god why

MathTans the Pun Prince

Made me picture swimming in melted ice cream. I'm weird.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

welp

Nattosoup

eats it, its delicious, then regrets life

🌟Draco Plato🌟

do they have human life spans?

Nattosoup

sadly no

it's about a quarter

they age faster at least

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yeaah

Nattosoup

so it's not like DIES AT 30

but that's not something i'm going to go into in 7" Kara i think

bc as a kid, i would've cried and cried to read that

🌟Draco Plato🌟

it makes sense tho it'd be that way

Nattosoup

I read the Witches as a kid, and the boy is turned into a mouse

and it about killed me, i was so sad

🌟Draco Plato🌟

omg that book is terrifying

Nattosoup

b/c he mentions mice only living like 3 years, but that being ok, b/c grandma only had three years in her

like OH NO

Jonny Aleksey

It scared me too

🌟Draco Plato🌟

was really mad he chose to be a mouse, lol. child don't choose to die in three years

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

but mouse

MathTans the Pun Prince

I wonder if magic sort of exists in the world? Because tiny people exist, so maybe fairies and magic too?

Jonny Aleksey

or just evolution

joseph

Voodoo stuffs would make sense given the region, but I don't know if that's going to be explored.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

that is a decent question. do fairies exist O_O

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I really think they're just humans only very small

Nattosoup

there's no magic elements in 7" Kara

yeah, they're just a different branch on the same tree

🌟Draco Plato🌟

i like that there's no magic really, it makes it seem really grounded in reality

Jonny Aleksey

It's a very scientific comic

Nattosoup

so Kara isn't gonna meet her doppelganger with wings, although that'd be cute

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Now I'm curious how they originated

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

That would make for a neat AU.

Nattosoup

it would!

a cute side story

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

wait

I heard

ice cream (edited)

MathTans the Pun Prince

Maybe if they put on a play, and had fake wings.

Nattosoup

Midsummer Night's Dream

Midsummer Night's Nap

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

I was promised ice cream

Joichi the Comic Artist

Hi hi i'm here for the Kara talk

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

ah i want to see a lilliputian play. cant wait for them to do hamlet

MathTans the Pun Prince

Better than MacBeth.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

hi Joi!

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Jey Koi!

MathTans the Pun Prince

Hihi Joichi! Got a fave scene?

Nattosoup

I don't know enough about evolutionary science to be able to reason that out @Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨ , but I'd be interested in it too :3

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

*Hey Joi!

Nattosoup

if i ever come across some legit thought on that, I'll letcha know

hey Joi, good evening!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

yeah I want to see a play too!

Joichi the Comic Artist

Ello, what's the topic currently so I'm up to speed?(edited)

snuffysam

hi!

evolution

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Just talking about little people and how magic isn't necessarily a part of the story :'3

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

hi joichi~!

Jonny Aleksey

The science of liilputains

Nattosoup

RebelVampire - Today at 8:30 PM QUESTION 4. Despite all the warnings, Kara steps out into the world and winds up succeeding in her goal of meeting a human. The two do not have a lot of time to interact, but Kara promises to come again. Do you think Kara will be able to keep her promise? Will she be forced to sneak out or will she be able to earn the approval of her parents somehow? What sort of interactions do you think Kara and the human will have and/or what interactions are you looking forward to? What do you think is on the horizon if the human tells other humans about Kara and the Lilliputians?

MathTans the Pun Prince

We're all over the place. Last question was what might happen between Kara and Parents (or Kara and Human).

Jonny Aleksey

on the History Channel

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Also: theories about Kara's parents and who they might have been in love with

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Oh yes

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

including Kara's dad -> a mannequin

Nattosoup

I didn't realize my comic could inspire crack shipping, but i'md own with that!

Jonny Aleksey

Kara's dad -> Draco

MathTans the Pun Prince

That's a crazy theory, I dunno who'd suggest that.

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

you have adult characters. ergo: shipping.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

I'm totally curious how did they become so tiny

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

oh, also Kara could possibly be adopted

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

(edited)

keii4ii

Mharz, maybe the question is how did humans become so huge!?

Nattosoup

the problem with that is modern humans are a fairly recent evolution

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

Nattosoup

so for lilliputians to be like humans but tiny, means they'd either come before

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

the rule of the internet is that shipping can always be done. if its a story, the ship will sail

Nattosoup

or after

but there isn't really enough time

Jonny Aleksey

the missing link

Nattosoup

yep!

there we go!

maybe lilliputians weren't always SO tiny?

MathTans the Pun Prince

Who ships Pancake with Tanner's squirrel?

Nattosoup

maybe they were originally short humans, and were isolated as a group

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

wait so did lilliputians have like a stone age where they were like making little tiny stone arrowheads

joseph

Pancake could de better.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

maybe they're larger than humans before(edited)

Tenor

4. So that thought process went a little dark in my head BUt I do believe Kara would be able to keep her promise, question is 'how long will the ruse keep'. And I'm sure there's a huge fight ont he horizon with her parents because dad's that paranoid fff-

Jonny Aleksey

@MathTans the Pun Prince What the f---?!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

gdi mobile typing

Nattosoup

and is she the only one keeping up the ruse?

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Pancake and a squirrel could be bffs :3

Nattosoup

an 11 year old is decent at lying, but kara's never really had to lie. but the stakes are pretty high

and it seems like Kara's mother is pretty close to her daughter

joseph

11-year-old in lilli-equivalent years.(edited)

Jonny Aleksey

What if there WERE giants before they dissappeared.

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Giants?

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Mom might have figured it out and went along with her

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

dark twist: the mom sides with kara and the rest of the story is about her parents getting divorced

Jonny Aleksey

Lillis and Humans are all that's left

MathTans the Pun Prince

Rebel: O.o

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Suddenly this becomes a story about dealing with families splitting up

MathTans the Pun Prince

I don't think Dad would let that happen though. They'd find a compromise.

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

so many screams that cant even make it into the archive so sad

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

like mom would let kara secretly meet the girl

Joichi the Comic Artist

hmm I imagine the human will be bringing Kara around in her apron pocket. It would be cute to bake tiny cookies to bring home with? If she has a human friend, imagine that she can help her reach higher shelves!

Nattosoup

oh man then its one of those super sad kids books you see in like dr offices

When Mommy And Daddy Divorce

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

scream

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

Why the feels

Jonny Aleksey

I like how that title isn't even subtle

Superjusting of ✨Time🕑&Space☄✨

also yes cookies

< 3

Nattosoup

I'm awful at titles, haha

both real and imaginary fake kids books

that reside in dr offices

i honestly should've just named it Kara, it would've been fine

but nooo

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Nah I think the title is great

MathTans the Pun Prince

Maybe Kara's experiences with humans will inspire her to start her own comic drawings. Very meta.

snuffysam

i love the title!

Nattosoup

thank you

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

makes you think why 7 inches?

snuffysam

except i guess you'll have to rename it for the kids in metric countries

Joichi the Comic Artist

the only thing I'd be really scared about.. because I think of Don Bluth kind of films.. is like her mom was trapped in a Lillputian built cage. So Kara has to go rescue her, then it turns into an adventure story where the Human friend will overhear about poachers

Nattosoup

i've gotten some really weird innuendos at cons

oh man that's gettin dark!

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

urp

Nattosoup

that is pretty don bluth too

Kabocha, Marquess of Sparkle

Kara's mom is Mrs. Frisby confirmed

Nattosoup

very secret of nim

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

XD

Nattosoup

WHOOPS YALL ARE ON TO ME

MathTans the Pun Prince

All the countries are metric countries. With a couple exceptions. (We still have to deal with imperial when building stuff though.)(edited)

Joichi the Comic Artist

haha I'm thinking too much

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

and kara has to go see the spooky scary wise owl

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

american measurements are weird

Joichi the Comic Artist

while talking to crows and also riding her cat.

Jonny Aleksey

yes, they are

Nattosoup

17.78 cm Kara

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

that's too specific

Nattosoup

i literally looked it up for this ahaha

18 CM kara

MathTans the Pun Prince

The Kara formerly known as 7" Kara.

Jonny Aleksey

The second season would be 8' Kara

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

Kara will get taller

Joichi the Comic Artist

lmao, she will be growing taller in each sequel?

MathTans the Pun Prince

Or maybe 6' Kara. She's shrinking.

Lady Mharz of ✨Pretty Women✨

for 5mm

✨🐱 RebelVampire 🐱✨

Unfortunately, the scheduled Comic Tea Party is now complete~! Thank you everyone so much for joining this week’s chat~! That being said, if you would like to continue discussing the comic, we encourage you to do so~! We want to give a big thank you to Nattosoup/Becca Hillburn, as well, for volunteering 7” Kara for our reading queue. If you liked the comic, please be sure to support Nattosoup/Becca Hillburn’s efforts. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions about CTP, please feel free to PM me, or e-mail me at rebelvampire@startfaire.com.

With that said, next week’s Comic Tea Party will focus on Chronicles of Fenaur by CalimonGraal. Please use this week to read as much of the comic as you would like. Hope to see you next Thursday (January 18th) from 5PM to 7PM PST~! Until then~! Comic: http://chronicles.fenauriverse.moe/

[comicteaparty]

June 15th, 2017 CTP Archive

The archive for the Comic Tea Party chat that occurred on June 15th, 2017, from 5PM - 7PM PST.  The chat focused on Candour is Going Mad by Phenylketonurics.

Featured Comment:

Chat:

RebelVampire

Good day everyone~! This week’s Comic Tea Party is now officially beginning. Today we are discussing Candour is Going Mad by Phenylketonurics~! (https://tapas.io/series/Candour-is-Going-Mad) For those new to CTP, discussions about the comic are freeform, so please feel free to bring up whatever you wish. However, every 30 minutes I will be dropping in a discussion question to help those who would like a prompt. These questions are totally OPTIONAL to answer so pay them no mind if you wish~! Remember, constructive criticism is allowed, but the primary focus here is to have fun and appreciate the amazing comics that the community makes~! Each chat a top comment will be picked and featured on an ad for this chat, so let’s have a great discussion~! With that said, let us begin with this first question~!

QUESTION 1. What is your favorite scene in the comic so far and why?

DracoPlato

I really enjoyed the scenes with their father, his personality mixed with the personality of his kids was a really nice contrast

plus that got a good laugh out of me

plus i'm a sucker for family scenes

RebelVampire

yes that was still the best meta joke in the comic. cause with all due respect to pheny i do have to look up things in TNSTAJ sometimes. so its kind of refreshing to see that the vocab is pretty advanced. XD

i think overall i enjoyed their family dynamic

i was particularly fond of the line about how the dad will side with avvy if brian doesnt choose oatmeal so brian replied that he "loves hot water and oats"(edited)

DracoPlato

hahah I enjoyed that too XD

maybe i'll call oatmeal that now too

I'm also enjoying learning about the school

and it's atypical set up and treatment of teacher to student ratios

RebelVampire

lol i get distracted by thinking about their poor education and wonder if theyre even learning anything.

DracoPlato

haha i did wonder that too, and thought well that can't be cost effective

oh i liked the scene with brian in the shower too

RebelVampire

LOL i liked that scene but mostly cause i enjoy his interactions with rah the bird

they have a very strange and interesting relationship

i think my favorite scene was with Kamm though where shes inventing a language and playing with little aliens. like this was a moment that just really connected to me as a writer

DracoPlato

LOL I actually thought of you when reading that scene XD

I guess because it was very much like a writer, i did enjoy that too

i'm really interested to learn more about Kamm, she seems like a really interesting character

and their little alien finger puppets

RebelVampire

i like that the scene confused me at first a bit too. cause at first i honestly wondered if wed switch to some girl who was an alien invader in candour. and then i realized imagination is a thing.

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Hmm This is not my usual cup of tea for comics. I find I keep feeling like I am not immersed enough.

DracoPlato

Oh I know what you mean Feather, I always felt a bit detached from the story for some reason

like i was watching it but not "part" of it

i thought that too rebel, haha

I think the detached issue comes from not being immersed enough in the character's mindset perhaps, or where it's coming from. I was actually getting really immersed with Brain since we focused pretty well on him in the beginning but it lost me when we found out his boss was a talking bear since it made the story seem less serious and on a level of realism. So that took me out of it, also the PoV shifted away from brain to characters i cared and knew less about

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

This is the type of comic I would have dropped right at the prologue and reading chapter 1 really is hard for me

I think it was the Story style too

DracoPlato

yeah the story style is a bit rough since it's hard to tell where it's going or what i should be looking for or why i should care

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

It's paced a bit too slow with the idea and it's direction is slightly awkward for me

I think this might be one of those it gets better later comics but it can't hook me in the beginning to get to the good part

RebelVampire

haha oh dear. i am on the lone side since as i told draco earlier, i actually prefer candour to pheny's other comic, TNSTAJ.

but

admittedly when it switched away from brian i felt that a bit jarring

cause madon and roan were new. but i think madon is adorable so that kind of made up for it.

SirDelta God King of Mecha

oh right, thats now, whats going on

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I'm just reading it now

Rip

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I did one if those skip to the middle and try reading and still I can't.

DracoPlato

I agree with Feather that it actually lost me after the prologue and i had to stay committed to it

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I like the character designs, I think they are interesting.

DracoPlato

but i enjoyed it after staying committed, but that hump to get into it was a bit hard

Yeah i think the character designs are great

RebelVampire

i believe in you mharz

SirDelta God King of Mecha

i'm suprised pheny isn't here like last time

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

It could be the audience it's geared towards. It seems to be a brooding type of story while I enjoy wacky adventures or lots of humour

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Rip

RebelVampire

pheny did drop in and out last time so could be connection problems. or just busy. it happens.

DracoPlato

i feel like it's for people who had a goth phase

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Exactly

DracoPlato

I never had that so it's hard for me to relate to anyone but the father atm

RebelVampire

i wouldnt say the story is brooding, but it is serious. so yeah its definitely not the wacky adventure story

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I like serious stories but it should have the premise for it too

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

that wallpaper pattern is distracting me quite a bit...

DracoPlato

like centipedes

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Okay, That is what the kids these days call "#hash tag edgy" XD

DracoPlato

Loooool

RebelVampire

ah yeah that wallpaper was really hard for me but partly cause of the switch from color to black and white. so i was already having to adjust to the black and white as it was

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

As I say, I don't think I am in the right audience for this comic. I think it's really got potential and I hope people who go through with it get their millage worth

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

my eyes can't get rest

XD

SirDelta God King of Mecha

i couldn't really get though it, it felt like too much of a slog for me, i had the same issue with I.T. but it wasn't as bad

RebelVampire

yes admittedly i think for Candour and TNSTAJ they are slower paced and i know slower paced isnt everyone's cup of tea.

DracoPlato

I enjoyed TNSTAJ more too even though i find it more confusing, but the confusion in that is part of the fun since you're trying to figure out a mystery and there's tons of theories to make from it

plus Pheny's colors are GORGEOUS

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

it would've worked better if the wallpaper patterns are gray

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

So how are these comics picked for these party nights?

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

we submit our stuffs(edited)

DracoPlato

I really like Pheny's BW but it makes the goth tone way too much for me(edited)

SirDelta God King of Mecha

the creator submits them and they go on a waiting list(edited)

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Oh man. Alright then I don't think I will submit anything until much later haha

RebelVampire

the back list is huge

DracoPlato

yeah, hahah

SirDelta God King of Mecha

yeah...

RebelVampire

its scheduled up to november but theres a few on the list i havent added

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yeah

SirDelta God King of Mecha

Damn

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

And yes I don't normally like looking at too much of a dark tone for some comics though it fits for this setting I guess

DracoPlato

it was hard to get a feel for what the tone is of candour tho

like i thought it was going to be serious but then random talking bear(edited)

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Like there are some B&W that are really good because working with what you have

RebelVampire

QUESTION 2. Candour is a rather unique place with its gothic style school and talking animal residents. By consequence, the seemingly normal Fristz’s siblings stick out like the newcomers they are. Why do you think the Fristz siblings are there? Do they truly belong or will their presence stir up something at Candour High? Why do they seem so calm about everything in Candour?

SirDelta God King of Mecha

well, i don't have anything for this one

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Joke answer: Because everyone is on drugs. [Don't do drugs] And I seriously think that also really bugs me is that particulary

DracoPlato

Are they calm? XD Roan wasn't that calm, lol

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I think my brain is being dumb at this point(edited)

DracoPlato

Madon was surprised but she likes the macabre so she was enjoying it(edited)

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

probably becos I just woke up

but... I can't pick up the story. LOOL

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I don't like the idea going there. Like is everyone suffering 8th grade syndrome, or is this talking about a mental disorder because a lot of comics I read usually use seeing things you don't normally see as a symbol of a disorder

DracoPlato

it's okay Mharz, haha

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I don't understand why is he talking to that weird bird

DracoPlato

i don't think it got that far into the story

RebelVampire

roan was calm considering. i mean idk about you but i dont just calmly look at a talking animal and go "oh wow thats weird." and then focus on a different topic

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Same Mharz, I could not get into it, I tried jumping around to get myself more into it but I cant

DracoPlato

well damon would

Krazydog

Not to barge in but from what i can gather, i dont think i would read much into the comic of this topic

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

oh phen changed to toning in chapter 2

DracoPlato

not reading it is also a valid opinion on it

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I mean not chapter 2

DracoPlato

since there's reasons for that too

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

but the second half of chapter 1

RebelVampire

yes thats valid. not reading and or finishing it still means theres reasons behind it.

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Yeah this is a drop for me. I will like to hear what other people think who have read more of it

I think the designs are interesting though, I saw one of I think the teacher

DracoPlato

yeah i think the designs are the strongest aspect

I really like Madon's design particularly

although her character itself is so so to me at this point

i'm not particularly drawn to either her or roan

so i wish we'd stuck to brian

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

loving the car tho

DracoPlato

he's also older and i like that

yeah that car was great

i think the art is all around solid

RebelVampire

i like the whole visual style of the designs. like i think something about it captures gothic style so well.

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

too lazy to draw car myself

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

That car is slick, Seems drivable

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

no I don't really have any qualms on the art. Phen's art is really good.

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I just can't do the story. But yes I think it is an audience thing.

I am not the audience for this

Deity Cali of Speed and Dis Pear

it made me think of a pancake

the car

RebelVampire

thats fair. as a person who liked it i can see the many things people would not like about it

Deity Cali of Speed and Dis Pear

Carcake

RebelVampire

so something i want to point out is the description for candour says "Hyper imaginative kids in a hyper rural town where the residents are absurd but the fiction is quite real. "

i think they wouldve eaten it for breakfast then, cali O_O

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

he got hugged by a giant bear

DracoPlato

it lost me at the talking bear(edited)

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

what is going on

DracoPlato

i can't get over that XD

like wtf why a bear

it's so out of place

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I almost thought it's a hamster

RebelVampire

LOL

so ive thinking

DracoPlato

omg XD

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I'll try to finish it up to chapter 3

there's so much dialogue that I'm super slow

should've read it yesterday

DracoPlato

yeah there is a lot of dialogue

the french was kinda hard too

since there was a lot of it

and it's not something my brain is going to attach to since it doesn't understand French

RebelVampire

since the description describes the kids as hyper imaginative, what if the animals just arent real in a sense. cause brian even said rah was supposed to just be a figment of his imagination, so what if the bear and corbin are real people but not actually animals. what if the kids just imagine them as animals cause thats how theyre processing the world out of boredom.

DracoPlato

oh that'd make sense

but as a reader i don't know if that's enjoyable

even if it's logical

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Oh

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Hmm.

DracoPlato

like i feel like that's putting too much work on me as a reader

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

wait they do?

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I think there is a problem I have with that train of thought

DracoPlato

to assume that

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

As what people called "hyper imaginative child" I never saw people as animals. I usually imagined them as an imaginary friend

when you start seeing people as things they are not

As I pointed out before usually other comics use it as a symbol as a mental disorder or something is wrong with the MC

Like in stories and books too

People appear as like monsters

But reality is the same

I don't know

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I mean I can imagine them as animals but I don't think it'll manifest physically

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Maybe I think I am going to deep into this

And like there is an actual talking bear.

DracoPlato

Oh you know what the issue is, usually when this is done and it's an imagination you're seeing from one PoV but here we switch to an omnipresent PoV

so it'd mean everyone was all seeing these things and the same way

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

yeah that's the thing

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Yeah! Good point!

DracoPlato

that's why it doesn't really work

like if it was just Brian, it worked then(edited)

that's why i was more invested when it was just brian

but when we switched and the same things are still there then it's outside of brian that these things are happening so you have to assume that's how the world is(edited)

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I can't tell if this is fantasy or a comintary about reality

commentary

Phone plz

RebelVampire

i can say with confidence reality

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

candour is a place right?

RebelVampire

pheny plays with reality vs not reality all the time

DracoPlato

yeah they do

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Ah I see.

RebelVampire

yes candour is the town they live in

DracoPlato

but i think it's their omnipresent PoV that makes it too confusing for the reader

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

admittedly I haven't read TNSTAJ

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

That makes more sense because I don't know much about the author

DracoPlato

if they picked one PoV it'd be more solid(edited)

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

really need to work on my laziness(edited)

DracoPlato

because reality can be distorted but it won't be distorted exactly the same for everyone since then it really is just the reality

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

wait what?

the bear is seeing something different

RebelVampire

i dont think the onipresent PoV is bad as of yet but i do think a more limited PoV would be better. because it would be more understandable if my idea is correct. like dont necessarily have to stay with brian, but should focus in on one character

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

that means it's a legit bear

if it can shift perspectives like that

DracoPlato

yeah that's what i think too rebel

RebelVampire

but see thats a huge part of reality debate too tho. is about whether something is real just because most ppl agree on its appearance. cause theres always going to be one person who sees something as different

DracoPlato

but if they're all seeing a talking bear then that is reality vs. it being that one person seeing it different

RebelVampire

its their reality but doesnt mean objectively how that thing is

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

so everyone is seeing different

???

@_@

RebelVampire

not necessarily seeing different

DracoPlato

maybe only the teens are seeing things that way

but again i think atm it's falling too much on the reader to decide what the world is like in story

vs. the story telling me

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

but the bear sees them as alien creature thing

RebelVampire

theyre just all agreeing on the reality of what theyre seeing in a way.

its a really hard concept to explain

DracoPlato

i guess there's no evidence that they're all seeing things the same way either

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Hmm.

DracoPlato

since we were shown mr. bear saw them different

RebelVampire

that is true cause it is omnipresent. i mean madon and roan didnt comment the guy was a bear

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Also is it slice of life? I mean there hasn't been any action things right?

DracoPlato

i was wondering if it's going to be horror at one point

RebelVampire

id assume psychological drama

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I can't nail down the genre

DracoPlato

yeah i couldn't either

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Ah makes sense

I feel so bad, I am totally the wrong person to be reading this

Deity Cali of Speed and Dis Pear

pheny likes them psychological stuffs

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Every author has their genre I guess

DracoPlato

oh yeah, and everyone has their own tastes in stories so whether it appeals to someone or not is entirely subjective anyway and doesn't make it good or bad

RebelVampire

you shouldnt feel bad tho. honestly this is part of the point of CTP. to have ppl try comics they wouldnt normally try and if they dont like them to still talk about why. cause its not like not liking something makes you disappear from the cosmos and it gives the creator a good perspective from a different PoV(edited)

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

it's too much for my brain... sorry I can't really pick it up

DracoPlato

i'd still enjoy people saying why they don't like my stories, since it may make me evaluate different routes later for it

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Understandable. It is also helpful for me

I know I am a comedy action dumb things person who does a lot of weird things. So when people are like "I don't like reading humour comics" it allows me to try to incorporate serious moments

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

O_O

sealing people at desks??

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

though I suck at serious moments

SirDelta God King of Mecha

normally i like pychological stuff

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I like psychological stuffs but I really having difficulty with this

RebelVampire

haha maybe that is the difference cause i am one of those ppl. im very particular with comedy so 90% of the time i wont like it. but serious stuff i all about

SirDelta God King of Mecha

i've gotten though the prolouge and a few pages of chapter one so i don't know much(edited)

DracoPlato

yeah, and to call this psychological is almost an assumption

since not knowing pheny i probably would think it was something else

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

like the candle mask

nice design

DracoPlato

yeah that design was cool

SirDelta God King of Mecha

shit thats cool

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Same, not knowing the author makes the hard to understand

DracoPlato

like rebel knows pheny and has read their other works so i think there may be a bias there in knowing it's probably psychological off the bat

RebelVampire

QUESTION 3. A few of the characters in the story have “pets” that essentially haunt them. While at first people assumed they were figments of their imagination, unrelated characters have suddenly become able to see them. Are the “pets” real? Are they a group hallucination? What role do these pets play and why do they haunt the characters?

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Also Rebel, at least I know you are not part of the audience I am trying to appeal to XD I normally only write comedy/action

DracoPlato

it's okay, i'm more of a comedic audience

RebelVampire

idk tho. i think the comic still hints at psychological stuff cause they all start seeing the pets and the minute ppl start seeing things that arent supposed to be real, youre probably heading in the psychological direction

DracoPlato

see that just seemed like fantasy to me

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

God if Willis comes alive I would ride him into the sunset. He is a headless horse man. I would love for my imaginary friends to exist

DracoPlato

like a magical girl esque thing

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Rebel reads anything

SirDelta God King of Mecha

i wasn't sure about it being a figment of imagination

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Also yah for Draco liking comedy :D

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

cus she does reviews too

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Oh that makes sense

SirDelta God King of Mecha

i though its was just a spooky bird

RebelVampire

yes it is true i do read anything. but to be fair doesnt mean i like everything. theres even comics ive given good reviews that personal taste wise i was like "i never wnat to read this again."

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Well ahead of time, the point is always to have fun reading comics so I am willing to give everything a try

DracoPlato

oh 3. birds reminded me of magical girls and i thought they'd need to help with some doomsday magic issue

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

well that's okay

Dichrome

Whn all the rah birds started showing up at the end I got really confused

DracoPlato

i was interested in why they were there but then it went on hiatus

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

at least you give objectiive reviews

RebelVampire

OMG Draco. this is clearly the true candour

its just madoka

Dichrome

And they are all callerd Rah?

DracoPlato

Hey maybe?

I'm all for magical boy Brian

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I would be so down for magical stuff

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I'm on chapter 3 already

DracoPlato

you're almost there Mharz~!

RebelVampire

even if i assume im off my rocker and that the psychological assumptions are wrong and the comic is what it is, id still like the comic. but im speaking highly from personal taste wise cause it hits the right amount of weird where i can still suspend disbelief and accept things are what they are.

DracoPlato

oh no i think you're right it's psychological

just if i knew nothing about pheny coming into it i'm not sure that's what i'd think reading it

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I like weird, but I guess of course everyone had different tastes for weird

DracoPlato

I love weird!

I don't like being confused XD

and i don't like being asked to fill in the blanks

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I have lots of weird stuff in everything I do but yes I agree I don't like being confused or do like "It's all up to your own interpation"

DracoPlato

yeah, but some people love it's your interpretation things

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I read to forget reality, Don't tell me to think

DracoPlato

just i'm not one of them

i got my own stories to write, don't ask me to write yours

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Feather is a dumb and likes to not think when possible

DracoPlato

figuratively that is

same feather, same

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Specially when I think too much

That's why I think I am reading too into this

RebelVampire

the way you word that feather makes me sad as now im like i read to forget reality to. and i do so by reading about reality and giving myself an existential crisis XD

DracoPlato

i usually read things based on characters

if i like a character i'll continue reading

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Hahaha XD sorry Rebel

DracoPlato

i like Brian

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

But it's true I don't like reading slice of life or anything in reality to be honest

like of this can happen in real life I don't want to read about it

DracoPlato

buuut i don't know if i like him enough to continue reading it

RebelVampire

ya know i think this is a huge part of candour thats going to be splitting. cause its not as character driven as most comics. its way more about themes and stuff imo.

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

read to the latest

O_O

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I don't like things getting too real for me

DracoPlato

yeah that's true rebel, that's a good point

it's story based so far

but you can't tell what the story is

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

True.

DracoPlato

so there's not much to hang on to atm

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

But I can handle a story if the characters are good

DracoPlato

same

good characters will do a lot to keep me reading

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I can't handle a character being bad with a good story

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

okay

uhhh hmmm from what I read it's kids with weird imagination just going on their own lives

RebelVampire

waits on bated breath for mharz

DracoPlato

so in a story you're either invested in the characters or the story or both

but this didn't catch me really on any that strongly

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I assume everything they imagine will be real for everyone?

DracoPlato

i dunno

RebelVampire

its possible. its hard to say cause a lot of the things were seeing arent necessarily being addressed

like

what if im the crazy one

what if as the omnipresent story reader i see the bear but the characters in story dont see the bear

DracoPlato

right, this is one of the things we took issue with

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

cus the bird thingies starting to appear so I get the sense that's the direction they're going?

DracoPlato

but the bird always appeared to him alone

so we don't know if nobody saw them before

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yus

RebelVampire

although didnt avvy seem to imply theyve seen the bird before

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I wish to flip a table

RebelVampire

so its more ppl outside their family suddenly seeing them

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

sadyly I'm not invested in the characters

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I forgot how to flip table

DracoPlato

yeah, she'd seen the bird

RebelVampire

or at least roan is seeing them

DracoPlato

but i don't think brian knew

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

/flip table

Darn

RebelVampire

tableflip

slash is right tho

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

/tableflip

DracoPlato

avvy may have never seen the bird around others either for all we know

RebelVampire

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Fhrcjodssjfjdoxd

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

//tableflip

DracoPlato

the assumption is others couldn't see them

but it's an assumption

RebelVampire

you have been denied the table flips

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

/table flip

Cries

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

honestly it's hard for someone who has a simple brain like me

SirDelta God King of Mecha

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Flops over Why

DracoPlato

yeah that was our issue is it's asking readers to work too hard

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I just wanted to make a joke and it doesn't let me

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Rip

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

/tableflip

Why what am I doing wronf

RebelVampire

i really wish the comic hadnt gone on hiatus cause where it leaves off with the pets is really...troublesome as far as understand whats going on.

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

┬─┬ ノ( ゜-゜ノ)

DracoPlato

i think it'll be better when it's further along tho and there's more story to grab onto

yeah

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

too many flipped tables

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

This is how I feel about the comic

like I try to understand but I cant

I want to flip table but I cant

I fail either way

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I can read through stuffs but it's more of whether I can invest on the characters or the emotional feels that will make me continue reading it

DracoPlato

^^^^

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Agreed

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

and also I probably just suck at picking the story up

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Also agreed. Like if I saw this comic and something else I would not pick this comic up in general

DracoPlato

i'd look at it for the visuals

but wouldn't stick with it

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

If the prologue is the only thing for both comics

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

the style isn't my cup of tea tbh

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

at the same time I am super picky because not enough time to read everything

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

^

I am extremely picky

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Also agreed Mharz, I find the Gothic dark stuff not my cup of tea

DracoPlato

the style reminds me a bit of Jhonen Vasquez

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

has no idea who it is

DracoPlato

who did Johnny the Homicidal Maniac

RebelVampire

i really depend on the story. like for me candour has strong enough themes and supernatural elements that i can dig and get through with...not as strong characters. so i dont demand it be character driven

DracoPlato

mixed with manga

i feel like i could like the characters more if there's more story

so maybe if more is added to it my feelings will change

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

it is. but I tend to read more if I like the characters

Dichrome

The start was interesting, thought it'd be about kids who could see figments of their imagination

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I should've read yesterday with a more leveled mind

not after I just woke up

I was busy drawing pages okay

Dichrome

But its like something's affecting ther whole town...

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I think I couldn't even get behind the premise. Hit too close to my reality which means I auto nope qwq

DracoPlato

I couldn't relate to it since I was never a goth I think

and i'm way out of that age bracket now

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I am more for the imagination thing. I was never goth either

DracoPlato

i'd have liked it more reading it as a teen though

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

XD

DracoPlato

so maybe that's more the demographic

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I would hate it as a teen so as I said I was not the right audience and that's okay. I think my friend would love this comic

1

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yus

DracoPlato

yeah i know lots of people who would love this

RebelVampire

to be honest, i think part of the story's flaw as it were is its kind of expecting a certain...reader expectation for rural towns. cause if you read a lot of novels set in rural towns, at least in fantasy and horror and drama genres, they treat it like rural towns like these sleeping grounds for supernatural stuff to be normal. and i think for comics that expectation doesnt work because thats not something i see a lot in comics.

Dichrome

Is... Phenyl goth? xD

DracoPlato

oh you may be right Rebel

I grew up in a rural time

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

ah true

DracoPlato

but it wasn't like that, so i probably never get that feel from rural towns, lol

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

no it seems to be a trope

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I see

DracoPlato

we had more deer hunters than supernatural

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

at this point at least

I mean I hear supernatural lores on provinces

DracoPlato

there were a TON of ghost stories on the east coast tho

cause of the civil war

RebelVampire

this is a very specific trope in novels. like the more rural, the more supernatural bullshit happens. but its rarely treated as weird.

hmm

the more i think about it

the more i think candour reminds me of novels

vs. comics

DracoPlato

oh that could be

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I did read a book here where a guy took a vacation on a province only to find out that the residents are in a cult(edited)

that kind of stuff

DracoPlato

oh yeah that is a super common trope, rebel is right

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yus

DracoPlato

beautiful creatures was one i thought of first

RebelVampire

i thought of most stephen king novels XD

like children of the corn

DracoPlato

and shamalan

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Man i feel really old after thinking about how many things I wouldn't read as a teen because my mind was too old

DracoPlato

Lolol

i actually like things for kids best

cause they're pretty mellow

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

my physical body can't not match my mental age

RebelVampire

QUESTION 4. The beginning of the comic features Brian trying to leave his past of “future-seeing nonsense” due to almost getting hurt. What do you think happened to Brian and how does it affect the larger story? Do you think Brian can actually see into the future or is something else going on?

DracoPlato

i wondered if the students were being experimented on(edited)

and he was part of that

maybe not even as a student

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Hmmm

DracoPlato

but if nothing is real either and they're all just vivid imaginators there's really no point to wondering either

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Draco no, You literally made me think about all the metaphors

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I mean he got the thing about mandor(?) wrong unless they are lying

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

"sealed to seats" Is strapped down to a table

the teacher is a scientist

DracoPlato

will if it's fiction maybe they're just picturing their teachers torturing them

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

the bird is a coping mech

abbbbbdjcdolskxl

DracoPlato

when really the teachers are just giving them lessons

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

/tableflip

DracoPlato

but yeah that'd be way more interesting if they were actually being experimented on XD

i was hoping it'd turn into horror

but the genre was never stated that i saw

RebelVampire

maybe what happened to brian is he had a dream about a serial killer and saw the guy and went after him cause haha fun imagination. but then the guy really was a serial killer(edited)

DracoPlato

maybe brian is the serial killer

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Rip

DracoPlato

maybe it's the talking bear

Dichrome

I can never catch the references orz

DracoPlato

#DracoLetTheBearGo

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

maybe what brian sees will be the endgame

Dichrome

There's so much in the writing...

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

and it'll slowly unravel in the future

DracoPlato

it's sad my mind drifted when reading it to wondering what brian's long terms plans were now that he's graduated HS

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

too early to judge

but I doubt I'll get back to it.

draco

DracoPlato

this is why rebel does reviews, she's a far better reader than i am

are you in college brian, is working in this store your end game, maybe you could be a fortune teller

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

rip

draco

DracoPlato

what's your yearly income going to be brian

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

noooo

jeezus draco

XD

RebelVampire

haha i dont think that makes you a bad reader. i mean i said i did get distracted wondering if the kids were getting a good education with their school setup

DracoPlato

all real thoughts i had while reading

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yeah

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

I am the most worstest reader

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

but LOL those are pretty irrelevant

XD

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

that sentences explains why

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I and the super duper worsest. I can't pick up the story

Rip

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Same Mharz I get flashbacks to when people thought I had mental problems because I had imaginary frienxs

Which is why I think I am accidently projecting too much on this comic and why I can't pick it up

reality sucks

DracoPlato

:<

Dichrome

Whoa

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it's okay...

I do tend to talk to myself. OwO

Dichrome

Theree there

RebelVampire

i had that happen too in my youth. some of my family thought i was crazy cause i had imaginary friends. jokes on them i dont like that part of my family anyway

DracoPlato

Looool

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I still do LOOL I just don't show it when there's people or at least I try

DracoPlato

I couldn't even make imaginary friends i was so friendless

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Rip

DracoPlato

but i talked to myself a lot

RebelVampire

so since theres only 20 mins left, i wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on what avvy meant by when she told kamm that the invasion was coming.

DracoPlato

I thought aliens were coming

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yeah

DracoPlato

but now i'm thinking it was the birds

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

that was weird

DracoPlato

but she seemed surprised by the birds

so why would you be surprised if you knew they were coming

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I initially thought they're plotting an invasion

XD

DracoPlato

Same

RebelVampire

my current thought is maybe she knew roan and madon were coming

cause theyre the only invaders ive noticed

DracoPlato

oh that could be

and teachers could have said new students tomorrow

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yus

that's probably true

DracoPlato

who knows

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especially when the bear saw them as aliens

DracoPlato

could just be her period coming too

RebelVampire

oh wait maybe that was kamm saying the invasion is coming

Feather, Duke of Comedic Timing

Lool

RebelVampire

not that im looking at the page again

DracoPlato

invasion in mah pants- shot

aka shark week

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

tho what did brian saw that madon(?) is a prisoner??

DracoPlato

yeah and that she was 9

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but she's already 14??

DracoPlato

but looks 9

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

that got me confused a lot

@_@

DracoPlato

so maybe is 9 but lied

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

chances are they are lying

DracoPlato

she could have skipped grades

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

buut it doesn't seem that she's a prisoner

RebelVampire

honestly would not be surprised if he just dreamed and then forcibly gave the role to madon. cause its not like we saw his dream. maybe this story is about how brian is refusing to grow up and leave behind the youthful imaginings of teen life. and thats what the beginning with the laptop was about. he wanted to delete the logs and move on but since he didnt finished hes still stuck being a teen

#rebelplzstopgettingsodeepwiththis

DracoPlato

there is literally nothing this story could do that would surprise me at the moment

which is one of the reasons i can't really get into it that much

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that might work

I can't think that complex

RebelVampire

to be fair to brian tho, i have a lot of dejavu dreams. so i can see how someone would start to interpret that as having future seeing powers.

DracoPlato

yeah that'd be a neat interpretation of it

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

deja vu is normal I think

that won't make you a fortune teller

when I get dejavu it's only a wee bit fragment

like hmmm I feel that I've done this before

RebelVampire

dejavu is normal. my dejavu is more my brain will decide i remember dreaming about this exact moment happening

but

when youre younger and dont understand dejavu that well its easy to become enraptured with the idea your some future seeing seer

and i say this from personal embarrassing experience XD

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

True

DracoPlato

i think this begs the question how fantasy is the story

if the genre was stated somewhere it would have said ALOT about the story that would have helped i think

RebelVampire

its drama

if you look at the tags

DracoPlato

oh okay

wow

that is not what i would have guessed

XD

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I don't think it was fantasy

but I diidn't think it was drama either

more of a supernatural thriller???

RebelVampire

i wouldve guessed that. i just dont think weve gotten to the drama parts as much. i feel were very much still in exposition territory

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yeah

DracoPlato

it's almost more comedic than drama tho

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

really?

I wasn't laughing LOOL

RebelVampire

its not like drama is devoid of comedy tho

what

you didnt laugh at their dad(edited)

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

me and my sense of humor

RebelVampire

who has hot water and oats

DracoPlato

love that line

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

oh I didn't noticed

DracoPlato

love the dad

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Rip

DracoPlato

really loved it until the talking bear

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I'm sooo dumb

DracoPlato

like yeah i'm digging this, brian is pretty okay, cute hair, going to work, such a good boy

BAM

giant talking bear

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

I thought it was a hamster for a sec

DracoPlato

one big hamster

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yus

RebelVampire

at least the bear is cuddly

DracoPlato

but why

whhhhhhhhhhy

is this care bears

RebelVampire

maybe youre just questioning it too much. just accept that as their reality

that their gas station store owner is a bear

whats the big deal O_O

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

uhhh

it's big

DracoPlato

and i was, was like okay....well there's a uh bear

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

and it might squish me?

DracoPlato

but then the school and the talking birds

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

then I'll turn into mush

DracoPlato

and the teacher like nope can't use my name, but i have a horn and dressed like a priest

what are my expectations meant to be for this world

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

LMAO

DracoPlato

WHY IS THE DEVIL TEACHING YOU AND ONLY YOU

gawd Roan

RebelVampire

admittedly im really fascinated by this teacher who is like graduate and you can know my name

like

DracoPlato

teacher's pet on the first day

RebelVampire

does that have something to do with the horrible brian stuff

DracoPlato

i was fascinated by the teacher cause he was kinda hot

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

probably???

Idk

DracoPlato

who knows

he may just have a horn fetish and likes to play dress up

there may be a bondage room in his classroom

he may literally be the devil

RebelVampire

Teacher: It's been a whole year and you've successfully graduated. Now you can know my names. It's John.

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

draco!

XD

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Rip

DracoPlato

what am i supposed to cling to in this story

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

all that hardwork for john

I'm envious it has an average of 30 likes in every update

RebelVampire

i think thats part of the story tho. not to cling to anything. this is assassin's creed again of nothing is true, everything is permitted

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

LOOL

DracoPlato

yeah I think this story is great and will appeal to a lot of people

like feather i'm not it's target audience is all

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

Yus

RebelVampire

one is the lonliest number :"D

Queen Mharz of Buffers and Wings

it's not my cup of tea either

:' D

DracoPlato

well at least now we know Mharz, now we know

RebelVampire

Unfortunately, the scheduled Comic Tea Party is now complete~! Thank you everyone so much for joining this week’s chat~! That being said, if you would like to continue discussing the comic, we encourage you to do so~! We want to give a big thank you to Phenylketonurics, as well, for volunteering Candour is Going Mad for our reading queue. If you liked the comic, please be sure to support Phenylketonurics’s efforts. If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions about CTP, please feel free to PM me, or e-mail me at rebelvampire@startfaire.com.

With that said, next week’s Comic Tea Party will focus on The Angel with Black Wings by Mharz. Please use this week to read as much of the comic as you would like. Hope to see you next Thursday (June 22nd) from 5PM to 7PM PST~! Until then~! Comic: https://tapas.io/series/tabw