What makes a comic great!

[Nino]

http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Arch_010.php

Amber has litsened to her own advice =O Though she has done these things in a much more eloquent and plausable (and therefore acceptable) fashion than many comic writers/Deviant artists, it's just interesting to me that almost every one of these has been fulfilled!

• 1. Fanservice. Well, there was that one Wildy shot the other day =) Plus the wallpapers are a fanservice of sorts, especially the Jyrras/Janus one =P. Check.
  
• 2. Crude generalizations -- Though not to make readers mad, Amber has definitely put in hatred between species and characters making judgements based on identity (Dan and Cubi, Abel and dragons). I'd say check.
  
• 3. Killing off characters -- Well Dark Pegasus in the main arc, but of course Abel's story is chalk full of more than enough serious, plot-important deaths to cover this area. Check.
  
• 4. Baby time! Can you say... Jyrras's mom? Check.
  [ ]5. Okay, this isn't a sprite comic. No check here.
  
• 6. Making a gay character -- Well, other than Abel (who if is not gay he fills the "queer metrosexual" role quite well), there is Devin and Xander in Abel's story, and of course Jyrras, who if not gay at least provides an interesting character for the readers because of his confusion about sexuality. Check.
  [ ]7. Still not a gaming comic, so no check here. But there are some references with Wildy concerning certain games.
  
• 8 & 9. New characters? OOOOOOOOOH yeah. Matilda, Falina, Abel, and Fi are all (relatively) new. Speaking of Fi, him and the mows fulfil the overly cute mascot character, which I'm assuming was 9 (at least the mows do). Checks here most definitely =)
  
• 10. Shonen Ai - I'm thinking of a certain wallpaper here, and a Janus Bond arc. Check!
  
  So it's not a sprite or gaming comic, which really are different types of comics and aren't something that could have been an improvement anyway. Basically, Amber has done all of the big "plot" things =)
  
  It's clear Amber is a great writer as none of them have come off as "gimmicks" to try and make the comic better, but it is funny (at least I think so) that they have been done.

[Amber Williams]

I'd be cautious to include Abel's Story and wallpapers into your list of categories. There was many reasons I separated it from the main storyline rather than just try to mesh it into the normal continuity.  And wallpapers are rarely a good example.

And as wacky as this sounds, there are people who have told me they don't read Abel's Story at all because they don't like it.

Your list has a few things that I consider flaws or you stretching to fit the niche...but I realize you are likely being a goof and joking around.  So Thpppppth!

[GabrielsThoughts]

But If furcadia, and pokemon were games, then Amber would have theoretically made a gaming comic.

[Jigsaw Forte]

Virtually everything can become a game. Doesn't make it a 'gaming' comic.

And is it just me, or is Dan's Hair getting bigger than his head?

[MaskedRetriever]

HAIIIIRZILLAAAAAAA

...

What?

[Jim Halisstrad]

What makes a comic great!

Porn

...
I got nothin'.

[Turnsky]

I'd be cautious to include Abel's Story and wallpapers into your list of categories. There was many reasons I separated it from the main storyline rather than just try to mesh it into the normal continuity.  And wallpapers are rarely a good example.

And as wacky as this sounds, there are people who have told me they don't read Abel's Story at all because they don't like it.

Your list has a few things that I consider flaws or you stretching to fit the niche...but I realize you are likely being a goof and joking around.  So Thpppppth!

i actually like Abel's story because of its more serious undertones.

[Tapewolf]

And as wacky as this sounds, there are people who have told me they don't read Abel's Story at all because they don't like it.

i actually like Abel's story because of its more serious undertones.

Same here.  I've said it before, but I think it bears repeating.

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

What makes a comic great!

Porn

...
I got nothin'.

Bwahahahahahahaha.

Nuff said. :-)

[RJ]

And as wacky as this sounds, there are people who have told me they don't read Abel's Story at all because they don't like it.

I guess they just don't like sunshine and cookies

[King Of Hearts]

The problem with "serious" storylines in a webcomic setting is that you'll have to wait quite a bit for the payoff and the emotional burdens doesnt carry on as much.

That's why I rarely read Abel's story as much as I can and try to read only after 10 or so updates.

[ShiningShadow]

I'd be cautious to include Abel's Story and wallpapers into your list of categories. There was many reasons I separated it from the main storyline rather than just try to mesh it into the normal continuity.  And wallpapers are rarely a good example.

And as wacky as this sounds, there are people who have told me they don't read Abel's Story at all because they don't like it.

Your list has a few things that I consider flaws or you stretching to fit the niche...but I realize you are likely being a goof and joking around.  So Thpppppth!

i actually like Abel's story because of its more serious undertones.

Same here I like the seriousness. Like in the days I read a good Frank Miller Graphic comic. The way Amber done it with Abel's arc is so cool funny and very sad all rolled up in this arc I say *bravo*.

[Gabi]

I don't quite enjoy graphic violence, but I do like Abel's story. And I think DMFA is great with or without the checklist. It has a good combination of serious issues and fun/funny moments that few comics have managed.

[Turnsky]

I'd be cautious to include Abel's Story and wallpapers into your list of categories. There was many reasons I separated it from the main storyline rather than just try to mesh it into the normal continuity.  And wallpapers are rarely a good example.

And as wacky as this sounds, there are people who have told me they don't read Abel's Story at all because they don't like it.

Your list has a few things that I consider flaws or you stretching to fit the niche...but I realize you are likely being a goof and joking around.  So Thpppppth!

i actually like Abel's story because of its more serious undertones.

Same here I like the seriousness. Like in the days I read a good Frank Miller Graphic comic. The way Amber done it with Abel's arc is so cool funny and very sad all rolled up in this arc I say *bravo*.

while i don't have any contact with any frank miller stuff (no comic book stores in my locale) i'm inclined to agree with you on abel's arc and how amber's pulled it off. =]

[Zedd]

What makes a comic great? Hmmm maybe it fits nicley between dap of smuckers jam and bread? Kidding. Sometimes it has to do with the plot baby!

[Azlan]

The story is an important factor, that is very true... bad or thoroughly ridiculous stories quickly wear on my sensibilities.

 

[devilsislegrl]

I like a story that is funny, silly, and serious when needed.  Characters need depth.  I think that in the main story and in Abel's story arc, Amber has pulled that off well.  I love seeing characters evolve and interact as well as have a backstory and history with each other.  Makes for very interesting and addicting reading 

[Azlan]

Ninjas verse pirates is good

[Goatmon]

First and foremost, it takes a lot of work to maintain a comic.  If it doesn't get updated fairly often then it becomes difficult to keep the attention of readers.  It doesn't hurt to brush up your drawing/writing skills to improve where your work needs improvement.  Then of course, there's luck.  It doesn't matter how hard you work or how good you are at what you're doing if the comic itself doesn't take off; it's the decision of the readers, not the creator, wether or not what you've created is worthwhile. 

[ShiningShadow]

First and foremost, it takes a lot of work to maintain a comic.  If it doesn't get updated fairly often then it becomes difficult to keep the attention of readers.  It doesn't hurt to brush up your drawing/writing skills to improve where your work needs improvement.  Then of course, there's luck.  It doesn't matter how hard you work or how good you are at what you're doing if the comic itself doesn't take off; it's the decision of the readers, not the creator, wether or not what you've created is worthwhile. 

Here, here I agree. But all in a nutshell i think its the fans that is the deciding factor if the comic is great or a flop.

[Turnsky]

First and foremost, it takes a lot of work to maintain a comic.  If it doesn't get updated fairly often then it becomes difficult to keep the attention of readers.  It doesn't hurt to brush up your drawing/writing skills to improve where your work needs improvement.  Then of course, there's luck.  It doesn't matter how hard you work or how good you are at what you're doing if the comic itself doesn't take off; it's the decision of the readers, not the creator, wether or not what you've created is worthwhile. 

Here, here I agree. But all in a nutshell i think its the fans that is the deciding factor if the comic is great or a flop.

verily, most of the time, a lot of webcomics have an 'evolution' and some folks actually tend to enjoy rereading a comic to see how the art/writing improves over time.

Fans are your lifeblood.

just OT, ShiningShadow, do you draw Dandy & Co, or do you just like linking 'em?    (nothing wrong with that, mind you)

[Aridas]

Comparing the site with him, I'd probably have to say definitely, positively, verily not.

[superluser]

just OT, ShiningShadow, do you draw Dandy & Co, or do you just like linking 'em?    (nothing wrong with that, mind you)

The author of Dandy & Co. posts occasionally on the Image Comics forum.  (well, that's who he says he is, and given his interactions with some of the Image artists, I think it's likely.)

Dandy Q. Dog has a very different style of forum posting.

[Turnsky]

well that does answer a few questions.

[The Lurking Dragon]

Both of the comics have their draw for me. DMFA is a great strip that is usually funny, and has some long-continuing plotlines. Abel's story is a great strip that has a long-continuing plotline that is sometimes funny, and sometimes all the other emotions. I guess one's a fun strip with plot, the other one's a plot with fun in it. Both are well done. If I'm confusing or unclear I blame lack of sleep since it's 3 am.

[Turnsky]

an ability to keep one's readers on their toes is also what makes a comic great, keeps folks coming back for more. 

(also, being a comic artist myself, i relish at the chances to mess with the heads of my readers  )

[llearch n'n'daCorna]

(also, being a comic artist myself, i relish at the chances to mess with the heads of my readers  )

... And how. :-P

[Turnsky]

(also, being a comic artist myself, i relish at the chances to mess with the heads of my readers  )

... And how. :-P

having people curse my very name because of a cliffhanger or plot twist amuses me greatly. 

[ShiningShadow]

First and foremost, it takes a lot of work to maintain a comic.  If it doesn't get updated fairly often then it becomes difficult to keep the attention of readers.  It doesn't hurt to brush up your drawing/writing skills to improve where your work needs improvement.  Then of course, there's luck.  It doesn't matter how hard you work or how good you are at what you're doing if the comic itself doesn't take off; it's the decision of the readers, not the creator, wether or not what you've created is worthwhile. 

Here, here I agree. But all in a nutshell i think its the fans that is the deciding factor if the comic is great or a flop.

verily, most of the time, a lot of webcomics have an 'evolution' and some folks actually tend to enjoy rereading a comic to see how the art/writing improves over time.

Fans are your lifeblood.

just OT, ShiningShadow, do you draw Dandy & Co, or do you just like linking 'em?    (nothing wrong with that, mind you)

I love the strip so I link them here if you are interested to check it out. Also I'm registered there as ShiningShadow The dude who draw the strip Is Derrick Fish I think he has a website to check out his art I think it's www.deviantart.com use the search feature to look for Derricks art.

I'm just a fan of the site and also I put the Banner of DMFA at the Dandy site to even things out.

[Turnsky]

now that's a diehard fan