(MOGS) Working on a Real Post...
...but in the meantime, here's a few quick words on some things I like that you can find out in this wasteland we call the internet.
Oh yeah, and Happy 4th of July!
First of, webcomics: At a later date I plan on writing a fullblown post on this phenomenon. For now, let me just give you some little points to ponder - why are the vast majority of webcomics "gamer comics?" "Why are mainstream publishers, especially newspapers, so exceptionally hostile to webcomics in general?" ...chew on these for a while as you peruse, at your leisure:
Dork Tower : What's always been disturbing to me about this particular gem is how freakin' true it is. 
The exceptionally well written tongue in cheek part tribute part expose` of the various types of "fandom" out there is accessible enough for mainstream readers and at the same time hits all the required geek inside jokes. The recent strips on "Return of the Sith" were spot on (anybody catch the subtle "Peanuts" reference?)
PvP : Scott Kurtz proves he understands how guys think. Not just geeky guys, but regular guys. It's probably why this strip, out of all the webcomics I know of out there, actually made it into syndication (several smaller newspapers in Philly and Kansas City, amongst other locales) as well as get picked up by Image Comics. As far as accessibility to non-gamer types this strip is about 50/50. Kurtz knows his core audience and doesn't really try to "crack the code" for non-gamers all that much. Further more, he's not afraid of a little controversy here and there.
Questionable Content : aka THE Indie-Rock-Snob Comic. To the uninitiated, this one can be as dense and obscure as the gamer stuff. However, there's also some running relation-ship based plotlines that can help the new reader figure out why they should care about bands like Pavement or Dinorsaur Jr (first three albums just re-released kiddies!) I also like it when punk bands play sped up covers of old songs.
Sinfest : Check it out for the artwork. Stay for politics, religion, bad beatnik poetry, merciless attacks on pop culture, porn script readings, sociology and the battle of the sexes.
Chopping Block : Hehe. Hehe hahaha. Heeeheee.
Wapsi Square : Umm. I like if for the artwork and character design. Yeah that's it.
Sluggy Freelance : Two words. Bun Bun.
What I like about webcomics is that the really good ones can get away with things that guys like Trudeau and Breathed have only dreamed about, garbage like Cathy or Garfield wouldn't even try, and would make the folks behind Family Circus or Nancy have a heart attack.
A few cases in point:
Yirmumah : WARNING: Reading this comic is probably enough justification by itself to send you to hell. Straight to hell. Do not pass go, do not collect $200.00
You Damn Kid : Hopefully for the sake of the planet, I never reproduce. But if I do, then I hope the little tykes turn out just like this :)
In His Likeness : Yup. Straight to hell. I got a parking spot and everything already picked out.
And finally, the absolutely best, angriest, funniest, most-right-on thing I have ever seen featuring a squirrel, Foamy.
Penny Arcade is the id of the videogame world. These guys say the things that everyone is thinking, and few have the cajones to actually say out loud. Like they say, the braying and neighing of barnyard animals follows
Cheers,
MOGSY
Stumble It!
Hello, my name is JJ. I was looking through some blogs and I think you might like a blog I am starting up. It’s called The Human Quilt. The Human Quilt has a goal of sharing the lives, expressions, emotions, memories, secrets, and desires of people across the globe. Share your story in a square. Each square tells the story of a life. I would greatly appreciate it if you take a look and give me some input. Thanks a lot. http://humanquilt.blogspot.com/
Posted by: JJ | 04 July 2005 at 13:33
Hey there - just wanted to say thanks for the link and the praise. Keep up the good bloggin'
Posted by: James Hatton | 13 July 2005 at 17:21