University of South Carolina Libraries
Web offers diverse comic strips BY ELYN BLACKMAN THE GAMECOCK When most of us think of comics, we think glossy $3 maga zines produced by a handful of publishers or the ones in the Sunday paper. When we consid er them that way, the art form doesn’t seem incredibly accessi ble for those who wish to produce niche or specialized comics. Of course, like many other forms of art and representation the World Wide Web is creating opportunities for distribution that never existed for small comic artists a decade ago. In the last several years online comics have grown in popularity and made a real splash in the on line, world. The reality is that short format comic strips are per haps one of the most perfect ap plications of the Internet because they deliver entertainment in the bite-sized pieces that we so often demand in the information age. Here are a few examples of such comics that are making a mark. www.dieselsweeties.com This strip, created by Rich Stevens, is a behemoth in the on line comic world. It features some times nonsensical hut always apropos storylines that follow the lives of (or at least the witty come backs of) a unique group of char acters. The major ones include Maura, an ex-porn star, and her boyfriend Clango, a robot. Other flesh-based beings are indie-rock Pete, who everyone loves to hate; Lil’ Sis, Maura’s easily excitable (you guessed it) little sister; and metal Steve, the most pursued vir gin in the world of loud rock. But the characters that engage in cellular respiration aren’t even the most interesting of the pack. In addition to Clango there are several other robots such as Red Robot #C-63 of explodingdog.com fame as well as Menace 11, the to ken gay character. Some of the slightly less so phisticated technology that plays a role in Diesel Sweeties includes Johnny Toaster and Uncle Grandpa, an Apple HE that is a distant relative of Clango. With such an eclectic assort ment of characters it isn’t sur prising that the simple, pixel based, four panel comics rarely fail to produce a laugh. The subject matter is rarely significant or worldly. Sometimes it comments on politics or popu lar culture, but more often it dwells in the world of the Diesel Sweeties characters exploring everything from their sex lives to their bowel movements. Updates every weekday. www.penny-arcade.com There isn’t a whole lot that seems dorkier than a comic strip that revolves around the lives of two obsessive video game fans. SURFYOURSELF Explore the Web comic world by visiting www.dieselsweeties.com www.penny-arcade.com www.keensport.com www.dumbrella.com Somehow though, this autobi ographical strip by two real-life gamers, Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik, carries enough wit and punch that even on the days when the humor goes over your head, you still find yourself coming back for more. Luckily, the comic doesn’t just focus on video game commentary and often delves into the more pro found issues of life such as bal ancing a relationship with a full time video game habit, trips to the doctor and consumer electronics. The comic has a slick and some times varying art style and is ac companied by a weblog that is al most as humorous as the comic it self. Updates around three times weekly. Of course, Diesel Sweeties and Penny Arcade are just the briefest glimpse into the thriving online comic community. The best place to start is one of the major comic hosting Web sites such as www.keenspot.com or www.dum brella.com, which house dozens of the quirkiest and most talented comic artists that you’ll never find in the Sunday paper. Comments on this story?E-mail gamecockmixeditor@hotmail.com State of the art Fitness Center Multi-station Computer Lab Fax and modem station linked to USC campus Study area Two on-site laundry facilities Spacious 1,2, & 3 bedroom apartments Swimming pools Tennis courts Catering to students Lounge area On-site 24hr maintenance