Best of Webcomics Pt 1!

Thus begins my once promised list of the best webcomics on the, er, web.

Dr. McNinja -By Christopher Hastings
What's so good about it?

Well, it's about a ninja, who is also a doctor. The title, alone tells the reader what is in store: Absurdity. The whole comic is made up of 16 self-contained 'issues' that explore the bizzaar world Dr. McNinja. And trust me it's bizzaar. Everything from raptor riding Mexican bandits to robotic bears and evil unicorns are presented as normal 'of course' occurrences and things. Unlike with 'Candi' (see previous post), this is perfect for a comic that doesn't promise real drama but adventures of humorous ridiculousness. Observe.

(That's right. A goat shooting lasers out of its eyes.)


Though the plots are always trying to be funny, they are convoluted mysteries that keep me hooked to see the next page often leading to 'oh shit' moments. Often in the earlier issues however, the story climax is an obvious 'deus ex machina' that leves you feeling cheated. Storytelling is an art and Hastings has definitely gotten better with each issue.

And so has the art. Originally in black&white, the lines get crisper with each issue as Hastings gets more control on the world of Dr. McNinja. The comic even went full color with issue nine. The full color is nice but it leaves me nostalgic for the 'one artist' vibe that I felt with the b&w issues. Now he is writing and drawing the comic full time so Dr. McNinja is really a success story in terms of progress.
If you need a little break from reality just hop over and read an issue or two. You can also but the hard-copy issues with awesome old school covers here.

Honorable Mentions pt. 2

One that almost made it: Eerie Cuties By- Gisele Legace


Why it could have made the list:
Well, it is cute. I like to look at the pretty colors and characters.
Really though, it's more than just cute characters. The storylines are well, uh, funny and ummm, cute?
I like that the title 'Eerie Cuties' tells you what you are in for right away: They're classic villain monsters in high school. See? That's cute!
Gisele, mainly known for Minage e 3, keeps in tradition of that comic by adding in sexually confused or androgynous characters. I like that kind of stuff, so blow off!


(Sit there and tell me you didn't slip a little giggle at how cute this is. Liar)

Why it didn't make the list:
Arranging the panels in ways that communicates the action taking place is key for any comic. EC doesn't do this. I sometimes have to read a certain page over and over again until I get what I'm looking at.
Secondly, the stories are just cute. I don't feel I am going to see a meaningful relationship develop , or at least any I'll care about.
To be honest, I love this comic. I read every update just so I can see the cute characters and find out what cute dilemma they'll run into next. However, being that there is little substance I don't recommend it to everyone.
If you like all things cute, check it out! I wish the best of luck to Gisele and the comic!

(Feel free to explode from 'cute' overuse)

Honorable Mentions Part 1

I've decided to let everyone know about some very cool webcomics.
So whilst I'm working on that list I'd thought I'd post a few comics that came close to making the list and are still cool enough to tell you about.

First off: Candi - A College Story by- Starline Hodge

Why it could have made the list:
It's fun to read the comic and watch as Starline's art improves dramatically. Slow change to her artwork seems to seep into each comic and sometimes panel to panel. It is also obvious that the storylines in the comic mirror events in Starline's life. She knows these characters and puts them in situations that in which most people can relate. Finally, one storyline hit pretty close to home for me as a reader.

(The art does get better, I promise)

Coming out in college was by far the most bizzaar time in my life. Not only for me, but for those around me and especially girls I had had 'flings' with. I was pretty hooked before this plot emerged, but after, I was a dead duck.

Why it didn't make the list:
'Communicating a world' is going to be a phrase I'm going to use a lot in this and upcoming posts. What that means is that I should be able to to look at any panel, turn 180 degrees and imagine what the world looks like. 'Candi' doesn't do this well, at all. Bland college dorm rooms are often just as a place to expose the characters and story.
Speaking of story, at some points it just goes bat-shit crazy. Talking/flying ferrets, battles between squirrels and ferrets, sociopathic relatives who receive orders from talking squirrels, did I mention talking/flying ferrets? I could say that the craziness is a metaphorical reflection of how hard it is to adjust to stressful situations in life and college, but I won't, it's just insane.
For all the things 'Candi' gets right, a whole lot of things are wrong. If you don't mind LSD induced stories here and there and 'cute' art, look it up. I wish the best to Starline and the comic.