VALENTINE’S DAY VOTING INCENTIVE IS HERE!
I take no responsibility for this one. This is a concept hatched by one of my fine patrons on Patreon and then promptly seconded by a few other fine patrons, so I felt compelled to draw it. I totally did not actively choose to draw this image due to its inherent fun factor. And the fact that I wanted to draw it. Totally nothing to do with me.
As for this comic…
Hey look! Puck appears in her eponymous comic for the first time in weeks! And Colin appears for the first time since … jeez, August? Long time no see, buddy.
So, what we’re saying is, at worst it’s only slightly illegal?
The horror!
😉
Truly. Horror doesn’t come much deeper.
At least it’s not in Riverdale. Ugh, those two sharing a malt at Pop’s malt shoppe.
Let’s not think of such things. Shudder.
Yes, much worse than than illegal stuff. They’re going to talk about feelings…
Wait, I’m an introvert, that does sound scary.
I swear Daphne has just been getting cuter the longer this arc goes.
I’m glad I’ve won over some of the Daphne haters. Or at least won over some of the Daphne-ambivalent.
I’ve dug Daffy since she first appeared.
You’re one of the only ones then!
By the way Gecko, for the past few weeks, month maybe, I’ve been posting from my phone. Every time, I get something that says 520 error. Can’t hit the back button. I’ve had to close the Browser and reload from the bookmark or just using puckcomics.com to get back to the page.
Yeah, that’s everyone including me. For what it’s worth, usually hitting refresh a few seconds later will call the site up no problem after getting the 520. It started happening after my site got forcibly upgraded to a different php level. I have no idea what causes the issue, nor do I have any idea how to fix it. I’m foolishly hoping it eventually goes away? It really only seems to impact commenters.
It’s been chucking that up at me too after I comment. If I just “retry for a live version” and resend my data, it says “You’ve posted that already” and brings me back here.
If you post a comment, it posts the first time. It’s just like the site goes into a state of pause or shock for about five seconds after the comment, but if you hit refresh after that, the site will pop up and your comment will be there. Again, wish I knew how to fix it.
Considering our usual comments, are you surprised that the site goes into shock? ; )
Heh. No, I suppose not.
Real talk, though: I feel like the comments section on this comic is one of the smarter, funnier and more observant comments sections in existence. And it’s a big reason why I love doing this comic. Readers are witty, observant, and largely pretty tasteful. It’s always fun to read through the comments section on a comic here, and I can’t necessarily say that for a great many other websites.
@maarvarg
I get Duplicate comment detected; it looks as though you’ve already said that!
IT’S TRUE !
sob sob sob sob
My comments are invariably tedious repetitions of thoughts I’ve penned hundreds of times before, or simply outright plagiarism of those more talented than I.
Now, now. Good artists borrow; great artists steal. Revel in your greatness.
Starknight_One is a nice person.
😛
Puck is such a great mom!
Been away a while…
love to have returned…
surprised how little time has passed for Puck & co.
took almost 6 hours straight to read entire comic (with comments).
Love Daphne finally getting what she has earned.
Obviously, Gecko has dealt with the ‘visually challenged’ before.
Truthfully, their other senses are not sharper…
They are just more focused on those senses.
This one evening has ben going on for … I don’t know how long. A year? Crazy. But six hour WITH comments? That’s a fast comic dash! I salute you!
@Valkeiper2012
A fresh re-read is always fun.
Did you notice, as I have, every few episodes there is a Newspaper, casually lying about, headlined “MYSTERIOUS MURDERS CONTINUE” – Corpse chewed and partially consumed.
Monkey Bears and Puck are sinister symbiotes.
If only I were clever enough to work something devious like that into the comic.
@EG
You have the drawing tools to do it.
heh heh
A devious cartoonist could create an alternate universe.
The earlier “College” comics could have a newspaper.
Later episodes a news feed on a phone, computer, or TV.
Add in a pile of laundry, spattered red. Robin washing blood off her hands… In other words, hints.
What makes it even easier is no facial expressions need to change.
I always thought Robin capable of such things.
A thin veneer of civility, indeed.
I thought Puck was going to stop listening on the account of deniability
Haha 😀
Well, that too.
The end of whatever she’s got planned might be the perfect time to disown her.
Or feel an immense sense of pride? You never know with this family.
This comic is named after and centers around Puck, but she had been sitting on her assets until Daphne came along. Puck never would have met Colin or Phoebe or had Miranda without Daphne, the pebble that started the avalanche, so to speak. Daph’s been rolling along merrily, growing up but not really changing, until now when she’s realized she wants something she can’t steal.
I have no idea how this plays out. The Hallmark Special seems unlikely.
@rewinn
I foresee a “PUCK – FAERIE O DEATH” special on Netflix.
But only if there is a subplot as Robin as a homicidal maniac, responsible for multiple “disappearances” at Niagara Falls.
Gotta’ give people wat they want.
Good point. Though some would note that anyone who says there’s some things you can’t steal … isn’t a very good thief.
The next story arc is going to have more for Puck and Colin to do, though. That much I promise.
She is awesome, ain’t she?
Hey, WESTDALE is a real place ! (I checked MapQuest).
Kewl.
Is it a village within Hamilton ?
It’s pretty much where I grew up.
Westdale Village was the first “planned community” in Canada. It was built with schools, shopping, services, libraries, etc were within walkling distance of the homes being built. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Westdale,_Hamilton
Yep. As Sigpig notes, it was a planned ‘village’ community built in the west end of town. It’s directly abutting and surrounding McMaster University (or ‘McNiven’ University in the comic), and is mostly a rich neighborhood full of doctors, lawyers and prestigious professors. (Some of the outlying parts are dangerously close to turning into student slums, but still. The main component is very posh.) Interestingly, in addition to being a planned community, it was originally envisioned as a prosperous Protestant community and initially had strict exclusion rules that said ‘undesirables’ (read everyone that wasn’t a WASP) couldn’t live there. In particular, Jews were identified as a group that Westdale didn’t want anything to do with. Ironically (and poetically), Westdale is now the heart of Hamilton’s Jewish community and the location of the city’s main synagogue.
There’s logic to my placement of Tyler’s home in Westdale. Daphne grew up hanging out with him on campus. Why was this random kid on campus? He obviously lived adjacent to the university. Also, if he was hanging out on the campus proper, he was probably an academia brat with parents who worked on campus. We will encounter Tyler’s parents shortly and more will be known.
Now that’s exciting. I guess I hadn’t realized how little I’d know about about Tyler.
But it makes sense. The self-concious act when he was little. The change of his name over something quite frankly silly. The sudden finding of self-respect. He’s middle class! I wonder how Daphne handles it. I assume she knows.
We have heard snippets about Tyler before. We’ve heard that his mother doesn’t approve of Daphne. So I assume they’ve met before.
Take II!
It’s likely true. Probable even,. given Tyler doesn’t seem like the hide-the-chick-friend type. But maybe she just doesn’t like the IDEA of Daphne. She could be one of THOSE moms and expect him to live with her into his thirties.
But that’s cliche. You’re better than that! I will admit that I’ve forgotten all that has been revealed about Tyler’s folks. I look forward to leaning it again.
I wonder if Tyler’s family is Catholic.
Tyler’s family is not Catholic. Tyler’s mom is Jamaican (probably Protestant) and his dad is Jewish.
“Tyler’s family is not Catholic. Tyler’s mom is Jamaican (probably Protestant) and his dad is Jewish.”
This is going to be fun.
I mean, both of those above points have been hinted at before. He’s talked about how his mother’s patois comes out when she’s angry. And … his last name is Goldberg. So yeah.
“I mean, both of those above points have been hinted at before. He’s talked about how his mother’s patois comes out when she’s angry. And … his last name is Goldberg. So yeah.”
I’ve forgotten more about this comic than . . .
Still excited.
I once had a friend from Thunder Bay whose dad was a professor and a lower-class Jewish kid from Brooklyn, N.Y.
Interestingly, although his mom did eventually convert, she hadn’t before he was born. So although he’d been Jewish in every reasonable way including his identification and his Bar Mitzvah, there were some people who felt he wasn’t PROPERLY Jewish and that he needed to go though the conversion process. He thought they were stupid. I agreed with him.
I find it difficult to remember the names in most comics I read, so no guilt over forgetting tiny, insignificant narrative hints.
Tyler’s parents, ooooooo more fun
Two things.
Now I’m curious about where Puck draws the line between grossly illegal and just regular run-of-the-mill illegal.
And, my secret for television dread is to only turn it on to known re-runs, avoid the news.
I have no idea where that line sits. But I’m pretty sure we all know when it’s crossed. And as for television, I haven’t had a cable subscription … ever. Not since living as a boy with my parents, anyway. So I only ever see television as a curio in other people’s homes, and my reaction is always immediately strong and negative.
Until recently, I have been without TV ever sense the original broadcast of a “Friends” episode that prompted me to say aloud, “Look at those people going out and having fun together – why can’t I have that?”
I donated that TV to a thrift store and never looked back….
…until my adult daughter moved back in briefly and insisted I would enjoy a really big flatscreen in my livingroom. Costco had a floor model on sale at my “Impulse-Approved” price but when I got it home, I realized there was nothing I wanted to see (much less pay for.)
On impulse, looked up “Cat Games” on YouTube and a new era began for my furry roommates, featuring endless rounds swatting at things moving around the screen or just staring at birds at a feeder. Now they wake me begging to turn it on just as I begged my parents for Saturday morning cartoons, except that we didn’t spend the day batting at the screen.
There is no dread there.
I approve of this television usage. Wholeheartedly.
Ever since I was a kitten, I found it socially desirable to watch TV.
A great deal of small talk with friends and family centers around TV Shows, including the Weather and News.
Sitting down with my human pets, Baldie and Janet, and watching an hour of TV, together, in the evening, is a daily routine we all enjoy.
In contrast, books are far too solitary. The ups and downs of the tale are never shared, except, perhaps, in retrospect.
I want to read a little bit more, but wish to avoid purchasing more physical printed material, as it needs to be shipped, and stored.
I have many books hanging about that have never been read, or have been and now just take up room.
Or worst of all, the book that is misplaced halfway through. Often, somehow, never to surface again !
So I’m looking at ComiXology.
For a monthly fee you can read a vast assortment of Graphic Novels and Comics (mebe someday even Puck ?).
It works with Phones and Tablets and Computers. But I want to read on the big TV !
After much research, it seems the only way to do that is to acquire the comic on a phone, and then CAST it to the TV using a Google Chromecast Device. So Baldie headed over to eBay and bought some – New, Used, Refurbished.
Perhaps next week we can “watch” the Locke & Key graphic novel on TV ! Mebe I can find some way for it to read the lines aloud to us.
Puck will not be on Comixology. Mainly because they only deal in real comics, not shady two-bit webcomics of dubious quality.
@EG
That’s too bad.
At 533 Episodes (and counting) I think you’d be perfect.
@EG
I did a quick search and found SCURRY.
There are likely many other Web Comics there.
I don’t know what they pay (if anything), but the exposure would be good.
Most of us know it took a very long time to convince you to Patreon. Which must cover a coffee or two for you every month – and makes us feel good we can do something other than simply vote every day.
Ok, just sayin’.
Scurry is about the most polished, most beautiful webcomic in existence, so no surprises there. It was also picked up by an actual publisher, I believe. I took a look at the site and it seems like there isn’t any simple ‘self-publish’ option available. And all the ‘indie’ comics on the site are of the ‘sumptuously illustrated’ variety. No strip comics to be found. I wouldn’t be averse to it at all; it just looks like a bad match for the comic.
SCURRY is gorgeous.
Also it is Number 200 on TWC, with roughly 10% of your votes.
It’s dull – sorry. I just can’t get myself “up” to even read it anymore.
You have published printed books already – perhaps just uploading them would be worthwhile.
The terms of service seem to be quite generous.
And Puck is very detailed and polished.
Now, I do need to mention that your Fan Service is a genuine bond, something that cannot be duplicated in a printed book – or its equivalent.
So what.
Fans of the books will naturally want more – and head over here where the real fun is.
You’re selling yourself short, IMHO.
I actually agree wholeheartedly with Salem on this, Gecko… you ARE selling yourself short. Consider these facts about Puck.
1. Puck exhibits a wicked sense of humor, and although it has touched on some very sensitive subjects, it remained edgy while not being either insulting or preachy.
2. Puck has tremendous “Grown-up” appeal… (That’s where some idiot asks if there’s nudity and the rest of us tell him/her to “grow up”) you have a fairly mature demographic, and you have managed to keep us coming back for more for… How long?
3. I already spoiled this point. Your fan base is loyal!
4. Your artwork since college is consistent, and consistently good! most famous strip comics won’t stand up well against it… Family Circus, Peanuts, Dick Tracy, etc…
Bottom line, I repeat both Salem and myself… Don’t sell yourself short!
1) I’m glad it works for the people it works for.
2) The grown-up appeal seems to be at the expense of youth appeal, but honestly, I will never understand the yoots of today, so what’s the point?
3) I cannot deny that. You are living proof.
4) I am the most self-conscious about the art component, but if it’s serviceable, that’s all I ask for.
ok so she is going to steal their car and move it one space over. a illegal act just to make herself feel better and to slightly ease pucks feeling of dread
technically she committed a crime so she gets her fix and she can always turn up the radio to full blast for kicks.
It’s like you can see into the future!
i predict tommorow will have day in its name and you will wake up on earth and eat food. Dare i say even get on a digital device.
I wish I could eschew digital devices tomorrow, just to prove you wrong, but my day job kinda requires that I go on digital devices constantly, so … you got me, you Nostradamus of the modern world.
If only it WERE highly illegal. Puck knows how to handle that. Likely has bail already budgeted.
yea but only budgets for 2 bails a month if she gets caught more than that she is obviously slacking off and will have to sleep it off.
Daphne is so cute when she points her fingers together like that. 🙂
She’s done that a few times lately. Though other characters like Colin have been known to do that too. Just one of my visual idioms, I guess.
Daphne calls Puck, Puck? How is their relationship on a first name basis? I must have missed something along the way.
@mermaidan
The day Daffy uses the term “Mommy” or “Daddy” will never arrive.
She is the least affectionate or grateful of all creatures.
You’re not wrong.
Daphne has always called Puck that, even when she was a little kid. She has never referred to her as ‘mom’ and only tangentially acknowledges her role as a mother-like figure. Daphne does the same with Colin. But to simplify, I can quickly generate a ‘who calls Puck what?’ chart.
Character……..Calls Puck…
Daphne………..Puck
Phoebe………..Puck
Tracee………….Phoebe’s Psycho Ginger Friend
Colin……………Robin
Miranda……….Mama(?) (unconfirmed)
Colin’s Mom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Doesn’t. Can’t. Won’t.
Colin’s Dad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Her.
Sigmund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Miss Goodfellow
Puck’s Psychietrist . . . . . . . . . Puck
The Casheer at the Store . . . Miss G.
Her Neighbor Stan . . . . . . . . .That #%(%$&
Her Other Neighbor Stan . . . .Not Her Again.
The local librarian . . . . . . . . . . Book Thief # 2441069
The Local Cops . . . . . . . . . . . .Daphne’s Mom.
@Frank Harr
MonkeyBears – Evil Master
This is unerringly accurate.
That one bit is my phone number from when I was growing up. I didn’t even know I was using it until I was almost done.
I usually stop listening to possible crime plans for ‘plausible deniability’.
Also, I’ve got movies going on in my head all the time that I have to return to. I can’t be bothered… to… ha-HA-HAHAHAHA!! Jack Black! You zany fellow!
Now, what was I saying?
You have excellent taste in movies, I see.
Daphne is being honest and forthright.
Y’know, it’s actually quite good to see.
Surprising, I know, but it is!
Honest Daphne emerges from the shadows every once in a while. We need to appreciate it when it happens.
But what if her plans are not grossly illegal, just gross? ;p
And Puck knows she’s already heard enough for Overwhelming Dread. She’s in now.
Well said.
I love the use of body language and facial expression in this particular strip. Daphne looks so thoroughly contrite and submissive; it’s a very unusual look for her. Puck meanwhile has “suspicious” written all over her. I can practically hear Daphne’s ballet flats slowly scuffing against the finely-gritted texture of concrete in panel 3.
With all that in mind, Collin steals it for me. While it looks like he simply stands there and does absolutely nothing but look stern, that is only to the most casual of eyes, the most easily fooled of minds. No, Collin has learned through hard-won experience what to do in this situation between Daphne and Puck: NOTHING.
In fact, he’s calculated the exact facial expression to maintain during these conflicts so as to remain undetected throughout the conflict. It is the perfect camouflage.
“Readers are witty, observant, and largely pretty tasteful.”
(Insert tasteless thing here.)
I know Colin’s pose well because it’s my default. I am the type of casual observer who attempts to stay out of the most dangerous frays. And as for the various poses of Puck and Daphne, I really do enjoy trying to get them posed in the most expressive poses possible. It’s one of the things I enjoy about drawing women: they tend to express more of their mood through their body language. Men are trained to keep more in and be relatively reserved. But that’s less fun to draw.
Wildly gesticulating men are scary. 😉
Grossly illegal
or
Grosse Pointe Blank?
I like that movie. Or I liked that movie when I saw it many decades ago. Not sure whether it’s aged well.