I love how we're seeing this whole righteous avenger side of Dan in these comics. :) The emotion in panel three with his face and the tears...well its what got me to stop lurking and actually post if that's an indication. =p Kria seems to be letting this play out for now regardless of the property damage. I look forward to how its going to unfold...tho my mouse is going to get worn out clicking the refresh button near update times. =p
Without a doubt she must of killed someone, not just almost killing wildy
I didn't notice until you mentioned it, but he is crying the third panel. That, along with the dialogue, makes it a really powerful image.
Good job, Amber. I really liked this one. :)
Quote from: Hellcat on February 19, 2009, 11:16:32 PM
Without a doubt she must of killed someone, not just almost killing wildy
12 beings, so yeah.
Dang. Dan is... well... awesome in Vow of Vengeance mode. Scary, but awesome. And it looks like Regina is screwed until Kria steps in, which it looks like she's gonna do.
Kria is, as always, amusing to watch. So, at what point does Lorenda hear all this and come down to see what's going on?
Quote from: Jairus on February 19, 2009, 11:21:35 PM
Kria is, as always, amusing to watch. So, at what point does Lorenda hear all this and come down to see what's going on?
Whenever the Rule of Drama feels it is most appropriate.
Oh yeah, he definitely wants to kill her. Dooooo eeeeet, Dan...
Quote from: Marmonstein on February 19, 2009, 11:17:12 PM
I didn't notice until you mentioned it, but he is crying the third panel
The sissy.
TEARS OF RAGE.
SHOW ME YOUR RAGE!
Kria has a fairly lethargic look to her, and considering how demons view power, I kind of doubt she is going to get involved, at least, if she gets involved it would probably be over property damage and not out of a sense of guardianship over Regina. That might of course change with her life on the line, but I don't really see the two of them as being very close.
Kria has an oddly regretful look on her face. I mean, the whole Demon "Might makes right" philosophy doesn't leave a lot of room for self doubt. The strong do what they like, and the weak suffer what they must. One wonders how much Lorenda has an influence in shaping her mother, since we don't really see signs of this earlier, say, when Kria visited Jyrras and his family.
Well, at the same time if people aren't vowing to destroy her, then she's obviously doing something wrong. What good is having tons of power if nobody's interested in getting back at you over it?
Then again, it could be that she simply misses the 'antics' that Regina's involved in now, from her point of view.
EDIT: also, maybe it's just me, but when did Dan learn Regina's name? It seems they knew each other more than we might have thought (or I totally missed something in the archives)
Yikes! I don't think we can really consider "just give her a scare and leave her be" to currently be part of Dan's intentions...
So, new mystery: What was Regina's vow?
Quote from: Psy-Kosh on February 19, 2009, 11:49:16 PM
So, new mystery: What was Regina's vow?
"Sure I vowed to destroy him and all he loved!" (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_972.php)
Quote from: Psy-Kosh on February 19, 2009, 11:49:16 PM
Yikes! I don't think we can really consider "just give her a scare and leave her be" to currently be part of Dan's intentions...
:mwaha
Quote from: Sukasa on February 19, 2009, 11:44:09 PM
Then again, it could be that she simply misses the 'antics' that Regina's involved in now, from her point of view.
EDIT: also, maybe it's just me, but when did Dan learn Regina's name? It seems they knew each other more than we might have thought (or I totally missed something in the archives)
She probably still wants to have a fight with him, hehe. Oh, and I think the whole being trusted enough to take advantage of said trust (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_972.php) thing requires being on a first-name basis.
God, Dan's starting to scare me.... :erk
I didn't realize until I saw this particular comic that Dan has his HEAD WINGS out--he even had them out in the last comic! What does this mean, Dan...?!?!?
And he may be crying, but does anyone else think he looks like ANIZ there...??
I'm probably one of the few who did not laugh once during this comic....
I didn't think I'd say this, but I'm actually starting to feel some sympathy for Regina....
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 19, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
I'm probably one of the few who did not laugh once during this comic....
Not even at the fact that Kria seems to think of vows to destroy her like they're love notes?
Quote from: Tyranastrasz on February 19, 2009, 11:52:44 PM
Quote from: Psy-Kosh on February 19, 2009, 11:49:16 PM
So, new mystery: What was Regina's vow?
"Sure I vowed to destroy him and all he loved!" (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_972.php)
Well, that's another mystery solved. Mystery Quest completed. :D
i'm not sure if that's a tear, or a shard of broken glass...
Quote from: Tyranastrasz on February 19, 2009, 11:55:34 PM
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 19, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
I'm probably one of the few who did not laugh once during this comic....
Not even at the fact that Kria seems to think of vows to destroy her like they're love notes?
Not even. :cry Too emotionally distraught.
Quote from: Basilisk2150 on February 19, 2009, 11:58:39 PM
i'm not sure if that's a tear, or a shard of broken glass...
Oh, God, I wish you hadn't said that.... :<
So he's not really a cubi, he's a nendrai?
Quote from: Basilisk2150 on February 19, 2009, 11:58:39 PM
i'm not sure if that's a tear, or a shard of broken glass...
If you look hard enough you can actually see tears in both eyes, not just the side that has the cut, and one tear rolling down his right cheek.
Quote from: terrycloth on February 20, 2009, 12:10:51 AM
So he's not really a cubi, he's a nendrai?
What's a nendrai?
Quote from: Cylonis on February 20, 2009, 12:19:41 AMIf you look hard enough you can actually see tears in both eyes, not just the side that has the cut, and one tear rolling down his right cheek.
No, that one's blood.
Quote from: Psy-Kosh on February 20, 2009, 12:21:01 AM
Quote from: terrycloth on February 20, 2009, 12:10:51 AM
So he's not really a cubi, he's a nendrai?
What's a nendrai?
Quote from: Cylonis on February 20, 2009, 12:19:41 AMIf you look hard enough you can actually see tears in both eyes, not just the side that has the cut, and one tear rolling down his right cheek.
No, that one's blood.
The blood is on HIS left cheek. I was refereeing to his RIGHT cheek, which from our viewpoint is on the LEFT.
Quote from: Hellcat on February 19, 2009, 11:16:32 PM
Without a doubt she must of killed someone, not just almost killing wildy
Twelve beings, by her own account. And I bet what really eats at Dan about that is, she used him to give her the opportunity. Making him her unwitting accomplice.
Nearly being killed by her was just a hazard of his occupation, but using him to murder others,
that is unforgivable.
No wonder he's pulling out all the stops. It makes perfect sense now that he'd use even his Cubi powers, despite his discomfort with being a Cubi.
At this point it will take intervention or luck to save Regina. Because I don't see Dan stopping himself. Fi isn't going to talk him out of this.
And Amber claims she sucks at drama. You're better than you think, Amber.
Quote from: Sukasa on February 19, 2009, 11:44:09 PM
Well, at the same time if people aren't vowing to destroy her, then she's obviously doing something wrong. What good is having tons of power if nobody's interested in getting back at you over it?
Then again, it could be that she simply misses the 'antics' that Regina's involved in now, from her point of view.
I think you've got it with your first statement.
Quote
EDIT: also, maybe it's just me, but when did Dan learn Regina's name? It seems they knew each other more than we might have thought (or I totally missed something in the archives)
She exploited his trust, remember. That rather implies that they got past the introduction stage.
I notice that Dan's speech bubbles have gone back to normal.
And in the first panel, if you carefully look at the coloring in Regina's eyes, you can finally distinguish pupils. Looking back in immediately prior strips, I can see the same effect. Did I simply miss this or has Amber back applied the effect?
*poof*
Nice look of pained anger on danny boy
*bamph*
I noticed that this is about the first time I've seen Dan display teeth like those of a real-world feline.
And it's awesome.
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 19, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
I'm probably one of the few who did not laugh once during this comic....
No laugh from me, ether. Today's Funny got preempted by a cartload of Epic, and I couldn't be happier. ^_^
One more thing to add to the "first time we've seen this in Dan" behaviour column.
Dan vowed to become the best. That shows alot more ambition than he's evidenced up to now (excluding his happiness at Abel's sword display). No doubt he's become an accomplished adventurer, but he doesn't come across as the "practice all day" type.
he's ruthlessly damaging columns inside a large mansion. that can't end well.
I thought Regina had a black eye at first.
Is it bad that I started singing in my mind "I wanna be.. the very best. Like no one ever waaaass!"? :kirby
Well...we finally get Kria's stance on this...
Quote from: Cylonis on February 20, 2009, 12:25:16 AMThe blood is on HIS left cheek. I was refereeing to his RIGHT cheek, which from our viewpoint is on the LEFT.
Whoops. sorry about that, misunderstood you.
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 19, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
And he may be crying, but does anyone else think he looks like ANIZ there...??
Yeah, I noticed the similarities. Could be an artistic coincidence, or the again it may not.
c:
Vengeance Dan, Vengeance Dan,
Does whatever, vengeance can,
Why's he mad?
It's not important
Vengeance Dan
Is he a being,
or an incubus?
When he gets mad does he make a fuss?
Or does the mad get him instead?
Nobody knows
Vengeance Dan
Oh come on, you can't use a 50's theme song. Everybody knows that if someone's got wings and tentacles and is shirtless, you need a bunch of screeching powerchords.
Quote from: Jairus on February 19, 2009, 11:21:35 PM
So, at what point does Lorenda hear all this and come down to see what's going on?
Reading this made me think of a way that this would end very badly, leaving Dan with a rather large amount of regret and something very difficult to explain to at least a few people.
I don't think Kria views these vows as love notes. If I told you what I thought, you'd say I was crazy and my idea was crazy. (Okay, I am crazy. We all are.)
If these come to pass, I will not gloat or point them out. If they do not come to pass, I will take all ridicule without complaint.
Dan will not kill Regina. As I said before, killing a quivering mass of jelly would be bad for the plot line.
Kria is not the same person she was a hundred years ago. Unlike Mab, she has lots of regrets. (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_833.php)
Alexsi needs somebody to do some work around the inn. (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_958.php) Regina has been working as a maid. Regina would find working as a maid at Lost Lake a fate worse than death.
Has anybody considered the offensive possibilities of patches, such as a patch that would turn a demon into a helpless being?
I suspect that Regina caught Wildy by surprise the last time. Upon facing Alexsi, Wildy, Dan, Abel, and Pyroduck, I suspect that Dark Pegasus would piddle himself. When angry, Mab is in a class by herself. (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_293.php)
Quote from: Tipod on February 20, 2009, 01:16:41 AM
Oh come on, you can't use a 50's theme song. Everybody knows that if someone's got wings and tentacles and is shirtless, you need a bunch of screeching powerchords.
Particle Man, not Spider Man. They Might Be Giants is not fifties, I don't think...
Long time reader, long time lurker.
I've just been wondering, would Kria even be ABLE to stop Dan?
Seeing as Dan has already killed Aliph several times, the latest time in a one on one, while still being a Being. Now he suddenly has Incubis abilities on top of his adventuring skills.
Kria would have to be a lot stronger than her brother to stop Dan.
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 19, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
God, Dan's starting to scare me.... :erk
I didn't realize until I saw this particular comic that Dan has his HEAD WINGS out--he even had them out in the last comic! What does this mean, Dan...?!?!?
In the thread for the previous comic, I called it "going full Cubi". Today I understand, I think,
why. He's pulling out all of the stops, holding nothing back.
"You think you're a big bad monster, Regina? Well
I can be a big bad monster too."
Quote
I didn't think I'd say this, but I'm actually starting to feel some sympathy for Regina....
Pity, anyway. She is now
way outclassed. And she knows it. I think
Aliph would hesitate to take on Dan when he's like
this.
Quote from: Jack McSlay on February 20, 2009, 12:49:19 AM
he's ruthlessly damaging columns inside a large mansion. that can't end well.
Well, the cuts aren't deep, relative to the thickness of the columns. It's not like he's tearing them down.
There's enough of a ruckus for Fi to warp back to Lost Lake and get Abel.
I wonder how much Alexsi and Jyrras know about Regina.
And for the moment, Kria still doesn't know Dan really
is an incubus. When she surveys the damage however, I think she'll figure out something is odd.
Quote from: techmaster-glitch on February 20, 2009, 01:01:19 AM
Well...we finally get Kria's stance on this...
Yeah, it makes her nostalgic. "Ahh, for the days of my youth." Brrr.
Quote from: Naldru on February 20, 2009, 01:19:44 AM
Dan will not kill Regina. As I said before, killing a quivering mass of jelly would be bad for the plot line.
Yeah, but it's going to take a teleportation token, or some very serious intervention to keep Regina alive. Dan's not planning on half-measures here, he fully intends Regina's death. (And I think he's going to be able to test out of the terrorization course at SAIA.) >:3
And the only people I can think of who have a chance of stopping Dan, are his friends.
Because they are his friends.
Quote
Alexsi needs somebody to do some work around the inn. (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_958.php) Regina has been working as a maid. Regina would find working as a maid at Lost Lake a fate worse than death.
Alexsi needs a
bouncer, not a job Regina could be trusted with.
Quote
Has anybody considered the offensive possibilities of patches, such as a patch that would turn a demon into a helpless being?
Ohh, I like the way your mind works.
Quote
I suspect that Regina caught Wildy by surprise the last time. Upon facing Alexsi, Wildy, Dan, Abel, and Pyroduck, I suspect that Dark Pegasus would piddle himself. When angry, Mab is in a class by herself. (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_293.php)
That was just annoyance on Mab's part. DP doesn't know the rest and would underestimate them.
tears of sorrow tears of rage, soul cries for vengeance and a blade is staid. what shall become of this poor weeping heart, when do paths of vengeance and justice truly part?
Quote from: Cogidubnus on February 20, 2009, 01:35:33 AM
Quote from: Tipod on February 20, 2009, 01:16:41 AM
Oh come on, you can't use a 50's theme song. Everybody knows that if someone's got wings and tentacles and is shirtless, you need a bunch of screeching powerchords.
Particle Man, not Spider Man. They Might Be Giants is not fifties, I don't think...
Spider-Man isn't fifties, either. The comic started in the early sixties, and the first cartoon show wasn't any earlier than the seventies.
Quote from: Cogidubnus on February 20, 2009, 01:35:33 AM
Particle Man, not Spider Man. They Might Be Giants is not fifties, I don't think...
Sorry, I saw those lyrics and immediately thought of the Spider Man theme song :c I was only off by a decade. Or two.
Whelp, that about explains a big part of Dan's adventuring career. ^_^
Aaaah... Poor Kria... She looks lovely with that melachonic look on her face.
(So what is the Crash Rumble about... Hope we'll see tomorrow.)
It doesn't look like he's damaging the pillars, but the crash rumble... hmmm....
Run, Regina! Revenge is a dish best served cold!
Quote from: starcat5 on February 20, 2009, 12:44:19 AM
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 19, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
I'm probably one of the few who did not laugh once during this comic....
No laugh from me, ether. Today's Funny got preempted by a cartload of Epic, and I couldn't be happier. ^_^
I could--but it's an in-universe kind of unhappy, which is a compliment. You've successfully tricked me into thinking these are real people, Amber.
Quote from: Shadowcatcher on February 20, 2009, 01:06:29 AM
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 19, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
And he may be crying, but does anyone else think he looks like ANIZ there...??
Yeah, I noticed the similarities. Could be an artistic coincidence, or the again it may not.
It's an artistic coincidence either way, I think--they're both felines with brown hair and feathery wings. Whether Amber noticed this and is choosing to milk it is another question entirely....
Quote from: Cvstos on February 20, 2009, 02:03:27 AM
Run, Regina! Revenge is a dish best served cold!
Run, coward! Dan hungers!
QuoteDan vowed to become the best. That shows alot more ambition than he's evidenced up to now (excluding his happiness at Abel's sword display). No doubt he's become an accomplished adventurer, but he doesn't come across as the "practice all day" type.
Yes and no. Dan seems to be an idiot, but that seems to be part Rule of Funny, part inconsistant characterization, and part obsfucating stupidity. Remember, he DID have a collection of high-heeled shoes in his closet JUST because he hurt himself during his first adventure because he didn't know how to move in them properly, and he's killed a powerful creature several times using apparently nothing but swordplay and his wits, indicating a high level of competency which Regina is highly unlikely to match.
Its also worth noting that Regina did not kill Dan last time, indicating that she isn't so powerful as to be able to just do so.
DFMA really changed over time, and I suspect somewhere after comic 100 (when, I couldn't say, but likely before the first wallpaper war) Amber decided at least roughly where the comic was going.
So when I saw this I went /cheer.
Dan is devouring her terror (even if he's to anger to know it) and on top of that he'll prove that he anger is not small thing to be either aroused or over looked.
Quote from: e_voyager on February 20, 2009, 02:39:25 AM
Dan is devouring her terror (even if he's to anger to know it) and on top of that he'll prove that he anger is not small thing to be either aroused or over looked.
I thought the Cyra clan's preferred emotion was pain. Regina isn't in pain yet (that I know of)....
(EDIT: yeah, I know, am probably in a bit of an "over thinking it" mode, but hey, doing so is fun. :D)
Quote from: jeffh4 on February 20, 2009, 12:47:08 AM
One more thing to add to the "first time we've seen this in Dan" behaviour column.
Dan vowed to become the best. That shows alot more ambition than he's evidenced up to now (excluding his happiness at Abel's sword display). No doubt he's become an accomplished adventurer, but he doesn't come across as the "practice all day" type.
I'm not sure. Recall that Dan is a retired adventurer. Emphasis on he retired from an occupation that often one would tend to be, forced into very very permanent retirement. From his bio page "He then retired at the age of 24, which considering some adventures, thats pretty old."
And, of course, don't forget the frequent DDR playing... which we know translated to useful training.
"unorthodox" may well apply to very very much of is training, but I don't think we can really view him as the "not really practicing/improving/training" type, even if it doesn't look like it. :)
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 02:04:47 AMI could--but it's an in-universe kind of unhappy, which is a compliment. You've successfully tricked me into thinking these are real people, Amber.
It's really Amber experimenting with her secret mind control techniques. Once perfected, she will use it in her plot to take over the nation of Lichtenstein. Then from there, use the funds she makes by renting out the entire country for various events to let her plot even bigger schemes.
Quote from: Naldru on February 20, 2009, 01:19:44 AMHas anybody considered the offensive possibilities of patches, such as a patch that would turn a demon into a helpless being?
Muhahaha... more on this after...
QuoteUpon facing Alexsi, Wildy, Dan, Abel, and Pyroduck, I suspect that Dark Pegasus would piddle himself.
You mentioned nasty possibilities for the patches, yet Jyrras himself is absent from the list of terrors. I maintain that, even in light of recent strips, he is one of the (potentially) scariest people in this comic. That is, if he ever had reason to really really take someone down and had time to think things through, plan, prepare...
Well, really, unless the target was a fae, I'd be hesitant to bet against him.
Reasoning:
Recall, first, that he is extremely rich. Money may not buy happiness, but it does buy power/influence.
He also managed to build a replacement Gryphonmech in a rather short period of time. Not even as a seriously planned activity, but just as a way of working out stress.
And we know already that he's got a significant, well, artillery in his lab.
More generally, his implied technical ability and access to resources suggest, on their own, that he'd actually be a formidable opponent.
But it goes farther than that. Consider that (at least based on the comic so far) he would seem to have no innate magical ability. Yet, not only does he seem to be able to experiment with it a bit (recall ye olde lab accident that led to Deebs). I would put forward that is insight into the nature of the subject has advanced.
Evidence: The patches. As I've pointed out in the past, he's actually obtained sufficient understanding to mass produce magic. Think carefully about the implications there. I would put forward the proposition that he has managed to acquire deep insight into more than just thinks mechanical and things electronic.
Behind the cuteness is someone that could (potentially) be very... very... scary.
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 02:43:37 AM
Quote from: e_voyager on February 20, 2009, 02:39:25 AM
Dan is devouring her terror (even if he's to anger to know it) and on top of that he'll prove that he anger is not small thing to be either aroused or over looked.
I thought the Cyra clan's preferred emotion was pain. Regina isn't in pain yet (that I know of)....
He also developed an affinity for the energy of 'doing the right thing for the good of many' or something. This does seem to be one of those cases.
Quote from: Psy-Kosh on February 20, 2009, 02:52:42 AM
You mentioned nasty possibilities for the patches, yet Jyrras himself is absent from the list of terrors. I maintain that, even in light of recent strips, he is one of the (potentially) scariest people in this comic. That is, if he ever had reason to really really take someone down and had time to think things through, plan, prepare...
Well, really, unless the target was a fae, I'd be hesitant to bet against him.
Reasoning:
Recall, first, that he is extremely rich. Money may not buy happiness, but it does buy power/influence.
He also managed to build a replacement Gryphonmech in a rather short period of time. Not even as a seriously planned activity, but just as a way of working out stress.
And we know already that he's got a significant, well, artillery in his lab.
More generally, his implied technical ability and access to resources suggest, on their own, that he'd actually be a formidable opponent.
But it goes farther than that. Consider that (at least based on the comic so far) he would seem to have no innate magical ability. Yet, not only does he seem to be able to experiment with it a bit (recall ye olde lab accident that led to Deebs). I would put forward that is insight into the nature of the subject has advanced.
Evidence: The patches. As I've pointed out in the past, he's actually obtained sufficient understanding to mass produce magic. Think carefully about the implications there. I would put forward the proposition that he has managed to acquire deep insight into more than just thinks mechanical and things electronic.
Behind the cuteness is someone that could (potentially) be very... very... scary.
Like the villain of a San Wilder novel? ;)
indeed he has and putting the fear of death into the monster that has slain his friend and betrayed his trust seems to fit the bill. on the plus side the monster has become the damsel in distress and adventuring hero a rampaging monster and the seasoned demon is probably the heron in the wings reminiscing and when she was young.
"I am going to destroy you!"
... now, where have we heard that before?
I have to say, Amber, that I was laughing myself sick over this one. I think it's the juxtaposition of Dan and Kria...
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 03:09:19 AMLike the villain of a San Wilder novel? ;)
*chuckles* Something like that, perhaps.
Though I'd expect that if he ever got a hate on for someone on the level that Dan has for Regina, I don't thing the receiving end should expect him to try something silly like "death by shonen ai"
Quote from: e_voyager on February 20, 2009, 03:24:57 AM
on the plus side the monster has become the damsel in distress and adventuring hero a rampaging monster and the seasoned demon is probably the heron in the wings reminiscing and when she was young.
Hrm... Wonder if the fight would end with them all staring at each other, realizing this, and basically going "what... the... hell?" :)
eh you never know. i wonder if that was amber hidden punch line.
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 02:43:37 AM
I thought the Cyra clan's preferred emotion was pain. Regina isn't in pain yet (that I know of)....
Dan, on the other hand, is experiencing a
lot of emotional pain right now. If he actually starts hitting Regina. . .
Living founder + clan affinity + personal affinity +
more clan affinity = ?
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on February 20, 2009, 03:32:59 AM
"I am going to destroy you!"
... now, where have we heard that before?
I have to say, Amber, that I was laughing myself sick over this one. I think it's the juxtaposition of Dan and Kria...
And in the same chapter, no less....
What do you mean, the juxtaposition?
Quote from: Psy-Kosh on February 20, 2009, 02:52:42 AM
You mentioned nasty possibilities for the patches, yet Jyrras himself is absent from the list of terrors. I maintain that, even in light of recent strips, he is one of the (potentially) scariest people in this comic. That is, if he ever had reason to really really take someone down and had time to think things through, plan, prepare...
Well, really, unless the target was a fae, I'd be hesitant to bet against him.
Reasoning:
Recall, first, that he is extremely rich. Money may not buy happiness, but it does buy power/influence.
He also managed to build a replacement Gryphonmech in a rather short period of time. Not even as a seriously planned activity, but just as a way of working out stress.
And we know already that he's got a significant, well, artillery in his lab.
More generally, his implied technical ability and access to resources suggest, on their own, that he'd actually be a formidable opponent.
But it goes farther than that. Consider that (at least based on the comic so far) he would seem to have no innate magical ability. Yet, not only does he seem to be able to experiment with it a bit (recall ye olde lab accident that led to Deebs). I would put forward that is insight into the nature of the subject has advanced.
Evidence: The patches. As I've pointed out in the past, he's actually obtained sufficient understanding to mass produce magic. Think carefully about the implications there. I would put forward the proposition that he has managed to acquire deep insight into more than just thinks mechanical and things electronic.
Behind the cuteness is someone that could (potentially) be very... very... scary.
Jyrras has the potential to be the most dangerous individual in the comic. A powerful individual might be able to kill a few hundred individuals in a day, Jyrras if he wanted/put his mind to it could hold the world hostage.
San Wilder, Alexsi, Pyroduck, Mab are all powerful/skilled in their own right but one could say that Dan and Alexsi are exceptional. Alexsi and Dan have a mother who taught them combat tactics and skills, lets not forget Alexsi's winning record (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_703.php), which one could say is exceptional (and begs the question, who is two and three).
Now in terms of DP... one could say if DP wouldn't piddle himself but have a complete mental breakdown.
... though I think he already did (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_388.php)...
I must say Dan's second form (and at boss level none the less) is simply exhilarating to see in combat... though it is one sided.
...Random thought:
Dan has an affinity for swords, one could say for Dan being an incubus is a mixed blessing. We already know he's skilled in hand to hand combat, weapon/sword combat and is an implied excellent tactician (skills mean nothing if you can not sway a fight into your favor).
With his incubus ability Dan is able to turn his wing tendrils into blades (sharp ones) and in essence he is now never without a weapon.
Quote from: Madmann135 on February 20, 2009, 03:42:45 AM
Jyrras has the potential to be the most dangerous individual in the comic. A powerful individual might be able to kill a few hundred individuals in a day, Jyrras if he wanted/put his mind to it could hold the world hostage.
Yay! World hostage! :mwaha
Quote from: Madmann135 on February 20, 2009, 03:42:45 AM
Wildy San, Alexsi, Pyroduck, Mab are all powerful/skilled in their own right but one could say that Dan and Alexsi are exceptional. Alexsi and Dan have a mother who taught them combat tactics and skills, lets not forget Alexsi's winning record (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_703.php), which one could say is exceptional (and begs the question, who is two and three).
Fixed.
And yeah, I wonder that as well. I can guess at who the first and second scariest things Abel's ever met are (though I might be wrong), but I can't even GUESS who's beaten
Alexsi in combat (other than Destania)....
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 03:52:23 AM
Quote from: Madmann135 on February 20, 2009, 03:42:45 AM
Wildy San, Alexsi, Pyroduck, Mab are all powerful/skilled in their own right but one could say that Dan and Alexsi are exceptional. Alexsi and Dan have a mother who taught them combat tactics and skills, lets not forget Alexsi's winning record (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_703.php), which one could say is exceptional (and begs the question, who is two and three).
Fixed.
And yeah, I wonder that as well. I can guess at who the first and second scariest things Abel's ever met are (though I might be wrong), but I can't even GUESS who's beaten Alexsi in combat (other than Destania)....
I was going for the book reference since you went for the spy reference.
In a subtle way Amber has hinted that one of the two could be Dan... Very subtle...
I can't imagine Dan giving P-Ducky the "brother" talk.
Dan: "Hay Ducky, there's something I need to talk to you about."
Pyroduck: *smiles* "sure what is it Dan?"
Dan: *places hand on Pyroduck's shoulder* "I know you have been dating my sister, I do not object but..." *wing tendrils form into blades and dragon heads* "...if you hurt my sister, she will be the least of your worries."
Quote from: inuhanyo on February 20, 2009, 01:40:54 AM
Quote from: Jack McSlay on February 20, 2009, 12:49:19 AM
he's ruthlessly damaging columns inside a large mansion. that can't end well.
Well, the cuts aren't deep, relative to the thickness of the columns. It's not like he's tearing them down.
Those are just scratches so far, he's helping Kria decorate.
[/quote]And for the moment, Kria still doesn't know Dan really
is an incubus. When she surveys the damage however, I think she'll figure out something is odd.
[/quote]
She
might not know yet. We don't know one way or the other for sure.
----------------
Now playing on Winamp: Carl Nielsen - Symphony No. 2 "Four Temperaments": Allegro (Classical Minnesota Public Radio) (http://www.foxytunes.com/artist/carl+nielsen/track/symphony+no.+2+four+temperaments%3a+allegro)
via FoxyTunes (http://www.foxytunes.com/signatunes/)
Quote from: Madmann135 on February 20, 2009, 03:59:55 AM
I was going for the book reference since you went for the spy reference.
In a subtle way Amber has hinted that one of the two could be Dan... Very subtle...
I can't imagine Dan giving P-Ducky the "brother" talk.
Dan: "Hay Ducky, there's something I need to talk to you about."
Pyroduck: *smiles* "sure what is it Dan?"
Dan: *places hand on Pyroduck's shoulder* "I know you have been dating my sister, I do not object but..." *wing tendrils form into blades and dragon heads* "...if you hurt my sister, she will be the least of your worries."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA--oh, wait...were you serious?? :erk
Sorry, that conversation reminded me of that convo with Ross and Chandler on
Friends....
Seriously, though, in what way did Amber hint that? I refuse to accept it as a possibility.
Wow. This is looking awesome.
Quote from: Sukasa on February 19, 2009, 11:44:09 PM
Well, at the same time if people aren't vowing to destroy her, then she's obviously doing something wrong. What good is having tons of power if nobody's interested in getting back at you over it?
The Creature Adventurer thing, like what Dan's doing right now.
Quote from: Naldru on February 20, 2009, 01:19:44 AM
Dan will not kill Regina. As I said before, killing a quivering mass of jelly would be bad for the plot line.
It certainly wouldn't be very heroic.
QuoteHas anybody considered the offensive possibilities of patches, such as a patch that would turn a demon into a helpless being?
Yes, I've used the idea a lot myself. Something like the enchanted bracers in Morrowind would rob the Creature of their powers. These would be typically used for arrests, prisoners and suchlike.
Quote from: inuhanyo on February 20, 2009, 01:40:54 AM
Yeah, but it's going to take a teleportation token, or some very serious intervention to keep Regina alive.
"Fi. Remove her."
Quote from: Tipod on February 20, 2009, 01:16:41 AM
Oh come on, you can't use a 50's theme song. Everybody knows that if someone's got wings and tentacles and is shirtless, you need a bunch of screeching powerchords.
I was going for keyboards, brass and choir. And tubular bells for that 'absolutely doomed' feeling...
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 04:21:05 AM
It certainly wouldn't be very heroic.
Somehow, I don't think that Dan is too concerned about what is "heroic" at this point in time.
Quote from: senrath on February 20, 2009, 04:24:40 AM
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 04:21:05 AM
It certainly wouldn't be very heroic.
Somehow, I don't think that Dan is too concerned about what is "heroic" at this point in time.
Maybe not. This seems apropos, though:
http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_749.php
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 04:14:02 AM
Quote from: Madmann135 on February 20, 2009, 03:59:55 AM
I was going for the book reference since you went for the spy reference.
In a subtle way Amber has hinted that one of the two could be Dan... Very subtle...
I can't imagine Dan giving P-Ducky the "brother" talk.
Dan: "Hay Ducky, there's something I need to talk to you about."
Pyroduck: *smiles* "sure what is it Dan?"
Dan: *places hand on Pyroduck's shoulder* "I know you have been dating my sister, I do not object but..." *wing tendrils form into blades and dragon heads* "...if you hurt my sister, she will be the least of your worries."
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA--oh, wait...were you serious?? :erk
Sorry, that conversation reminded me of that convo with Ross and Chandler on Friends....
Seriously, though, in what way did Amber hint that? I refuse to accept it as a possibility.
Like I said it was very subtle, to the point I probably imagined it.
Dan and Alexsi both learned some combat tactics from their mother. Now it could have been a sparring match where Dan gained the upper hand and bested Alexsi so that doesn't qualify as a real fight.
Siblings learning to fight eventually might spar with each other.
Alexsi being rescued by Dan it could be sibling instincts but he was willing to go there alone which means either he is skilled enough to handle himself against forces that was able to capture Alexsi or he was overconfident (knowing Dan's mentality the ladder is less likely to me).
Alexsi looking for a bouncer for the tavern and her brother being a possible candidate would suggest that his combat skills are/were slightly more honed than hers.
And more recent, Dan stating "I vowed to be the best," His sis is one of the best...
Like I said, hints that were subtle and required a lot of thought.
Quote from: Madmann135 on February 20, 2009, 04:26:29 AM
Like I said it was very subtle, to the point I probably imagined it.
Did you pick up on my subtle hint to tell me where you found this?
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 04:32:24 AM
Quote from: Madmann135 on February 20, 2009, 04:26:29 AM
Like I said it was very subtle, to the point I probably imagined it.
Did you pick up on my subtle hint to tell me where you found this?
Dan complimenting her ability to induce fear and stating he could act as guardian. (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_676.php)
Rescue party suggestions. (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_678.php)
... and only because I found it funny...
Jyrras's implied (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_102.php) combat skills (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_103.php).
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 03:42:21 AM
What do you mean, the juxtaposition?
Juxtaposition, noun (http://www.dict.org/bin/Dict?Form=Dict2&Database=*&Query=juxtaposition): A placing or being placed in nearness or contiguity, or side by side.
IOW, having Kria at the bottom just beside Dan in the middle panel - Dan is massively overwrought, Kria is blasé...
yes Jyrras has some mad combat skills. and don't forgot his Pk skills (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_077.php) as well.
Quote from: Daymond42 on February 20, 2009, 01:00:12 AM
Is it bad that I started singing in my mind "I wanna be.. the very best. Like no one ever waaaass!"? :kirby
Now I'm hearing "You're the best around" from when it was playing in the original Karate Kid. Thanks a lot.
I think Dan's got at least 5 tentacles there, maybe 6. I think he's doing at least part of this consciously.
...looking at the comic again (especially the snapping tentacle head in panel 1), I couldn't help but hum "(He Is Not) One Of Us" from The Lion King 2. xD
And while Kria's expression can likely be nostalgia or something like that, my initial reaction was warming up even more to the (very odd and highly unlikely) Kria/Dan pairing, especially after all her teasing during the "negotiations".
Woah... the detail in today's comic is stunning. I expecially love the blade-wings and crying Dan. Somehow, with tears, it looks even more threatening.
Amber, I noticed the up in backgrounds. I think it looks really good, gives a good grounding. I hope you still keep something from the older comics- that is, when a character feels a certain emotion there's kind of a pattern in the coloring behind 'em. Like when their calm, there's a smooth circle, but when they freak out there'd be a jaggedy line. I always thought that was pretty cool.
Quote from: Lucheek on February 20, 2009, 07:13:05 AM
Woah... the detail in today's comic is stunning. I expecially love the blade-wings and crying Dan. Somehow, with tears, it looks even more threatening.
It's the snarl which freaks me out there.
QuoteAmber, I noticed the up in backgrounds. I think it looks really good, gives a good grounding. I hope you still keep something from the older comics- that is, when a character feels a certain emotion there's kind of a pattern in the coloring behind 'em. Like when their calm, there's a smooth circle, but when they freak out there'd be a jaggedy line. I always thought that was pretty cool.
Yes, it's a trick I borrowed because I thought it looked awesome. It's not mutually exclusive with improved backgrounds - if need be, you can drop the background detail and do something abstract, like with Regina in 973.
I'm just looking at two of Dan's lines:
"I do what needs to be done. It's what I do." (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_936.php)
"... become the best ..." (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_974.php)
It reminds of another characters who is "the best at what he does" (http://www.answers.com/topic/wolverine-gaming-character).
The "I am going to destroy you!" reminds me of when Alikya... well, here you go.
http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_907.php
Anyway, wow, Dan crying. Poor Dan.
I just think that this entire arc was laid out to parallel this fight to various other monstrous acts to force the readers to question the goodness and heroics of Dan.
I know it certainly has done that to me.
Also: Vows. It would be a great plot twist to find out that they were married, or some such.
Quote from: Tycoon on February 20, 2009, 08:21:09 AM
I just think that this entire arc was laid out to parallel this fight to various other monstrous acts to force the readers to question the goodness and heroics of Dan.
I know it certainly has done that to me.
While I don't really hold with killing people, I'm not sure I agree.
Dan has already spent his life killing evildoers - a big difference between then and now is that we haven't seen most of that because the comic has been more of a humorous nature.
Yes, Dan has basically had a power upgrade, but he's using it for adventuring. At the end of the day, Regina killed a bunch of people for sh_ts and giggles and/or to improve status. Dan's vow to kill her is to make the world a safer place.
If Dan starts killing people for fun, then - and only then - has he failed and become what he hates.
Fully cubi'ed Dan! w000000tah!
There is something just awesome about seeing a character flesh out new aspects. I suspect that most of SAIA has picked up on this and is rushing around..."Destiana's kid's in a fight!!" "FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!!" Just like in any schoolyard.
Either way, I'm really looking forward to seeing how this will play out! Well done, Amber!!
The only thing I'm concerned about is the fact that Regina is a demon. That is to say: She's far from helpless even in her relatively young state. If she can get her act together for even a second, this is going to be far less of a predator and prey scenario than it is now. However given her immaturity it make take something to jolt her into it. Either to get her angry or to make her so afraid that she has no choice but to fight.
8) I think the chase may stop at the third door down, remember, Dan asked Kria where the men's room was ?
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:29:34 AMWhile I don't really hold with killing people, I'm not sure I agree.
Dan has already spent his life killing evildoers - a big difference between then and now is that we haven't seen most of that because the comic has been more of a humorous nature.
Yes, Dan has basically had a power upgrade, but he's using it for adventuring. At the end of the day, Regina killed a bunch of people for sh_ts and giggles and/or to improve status. Dan's vow to kill her is to make the world a safer place.
If Dan starts killing people for fun, then - and only then - has he failed and become what he hates.
Quoted For Truth. :3
This is an awesome comic. It is made of Righteous Wrath and Cubi Powers.
Quote from: kaskar on February 20, 2009, 09:04:47 AM
8) I think the chase may stop at the third door down, remember, Dan asked Kria where the men's room was ?
It really isn't much of a chase at this point.
Dan could just wrap her in tentacles and hold her outside the powder room while he uses the facilities. He could also do other things tht wouldn't be appropriate for a G-rated comic.
At this point, I think that he could rip her in half and tear her spine out faster than you could blink.
Quote from: Madmann135 on February 20, 2009, 03:59:55 AM
In a subtle way Amber has hinted that one of the two could be Dan... Very subtle...
I can't imagine Dan giving P-Ducky the "brother" talk.
Dan: "Hay Ducky, there's something I need to talk to you about."
Pyroduck: *smiles* "sure what is it Dan?"
Dan: *places hand on Pyroduck's shoulder* "I know you have been dating my sister, I do not object but..." *wing tendrils form into blades and dragon heads* "...if you hurt my sister, she will be the least of your worries."
This what you have in mind? (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/IfYouEverDoAnythingToHurtHer) :3
Also, I thought of something interesting. I think I kind of understand exactly what Kria's feeling. Not too many comics ago, she was doing her damnest to get action,
any (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_944.php) kind (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_960.php) of action, with Dan. Then Regina walks in and Dan goes after her with as little (from Kria's perspective) as some history and a serving platter to the face. Kria must be feeling
burned.
Dan's engulfed in never-before-seen rage, Regina is terrified and almost toast and Kria is hilarious and sexy! This strip rocks!
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:29:34 AMWhile I don't really hold with killing people, I'm not sure I agree.
Dan has already spent his life killing evildoers - a big difference between then and now is that we haven't seen most of that because the comic has been more of a humorous nature.
Anyone can justify the elimination of "evildoers." Taking down an "evildoer" still does not justify killing, possibly even murdering, the person. A much fairer thing to do would be to bring the enemy to court, but Dan has expressed his distrust of the court system and the possible loopholes in the system.
This arc has shown his growth into a role of vigilante more so than hero. With his vows to send his enemies to their graves (Regina, DP) Dan can hardly claim that what he is doing is good and entirely just.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:29:34 AMYes, Dan has basically had a power upgrade, but he's using it for adventuring. At the end of the day, Regina killed a bunch of people for sh_ts and giggles and/or to improve status. Dan's vow to kill her is to make the world a safer place.
Who is he to judge? Are we so biased as to believe that Dan is the good guy that we can justify his attempt to murder Regina for the sake of saying "It's better for the world"? If I could get a dime for every time a person justified and evil act due to his receiving of a new found power by saying that it "Would make the world a better/safer place," I'd be rich!
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:29:34 AMIf Dan starts killing people for fun, then - and only then - has he failed and become what he hates.
Ergo, he is currently living out his hypocrisy by attempting to kill Regina for the sake of revenge instead of trying to bring her to justice like a true hero would.
All that said, I still find this character development to be downright fantastic.
Another (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_384.php) refrence (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_386.php)... OK that's two but this page is full of loose references and jokes.
The only one that can save Regina is...
*dramatic pause*
...Lorenda.
Kira could stop Dan for the time being, but short of killing him he knows where Regina lives ...he would eventually finish what she started.
Lorenda in short is Dan's friend and Dan keeps his friends in high respect. So if Lorenda asks Dan not to kill her, those two would get into an argument and Dan would concede.
I wonder if Fi won't figure out that Dan is getting into trouble and finally call Abel, as he was originally tasked according to This Strip (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_865.php).
Quote from: Tycoon on February 20, 2009, 10:15:32 AM
Anyone can justify the elimination of "evildoers." Taking down an "evildoer" still does not justify killing, possibly even murdering, the person. A much fairer thing to do would be to bring the enemy to court, but Dan has expressed his distrust of the court system and the possible loopholes in the system.
This arc has shown his growth into a role of vigilante more so than hero. With his vows to send his enemies to their graves (Regina, DP) Dan can hardly claim that what he is doing is good and entirely just.
Well, I don't believe that killing Regina is the right solution to the problem either. But the vigilante thing is what Dan has
always been doing. That is my point - you seem to be implying that his motives have changed because he's now a full-fledged incubus. All that's changed since his adventuring days is that Dan is on a more even footing with Regina.
QuoteWho is he to judge? Are we so biased as to believe that Dan is the good guy that we can justify his attempt to murder Regina for the sake of saying "It's better for the world"? If I could get a dime for every time a person justified and evil act due to his receiving of a new found power by saying that it "Would make the world a better/safer place," I'd be rich!
If we look at it from a purely numerical viewpoint, killing Regina is one murder. Letting her run free will result in the deaths of many others over her lifespan (unless what Dan is doing now convinces her to remain on the straight and narrow).
Let's be sure about this -
I don't agree that killing her is right. I have taken a pretty consistent anti death-penalty stance and will continue to do so. But I can empathise with Dan to some extent.
Personally? I think it's a bit premature to make that call. If he does kill her, then yes. Personally I think he won't. For all we know, he's deliberately trying to scare her into remaining a good little demon for the next century or so ("Be good... or else Dan will get you!")
QuoteErgo, he is currently living out his hypocrisy by attempting to kill Regina for the sake of revenge instead of trying to bring her to justice like a true hero would.
Again, it's too early to call. He might inform her that he's going to break his own vow, and bring her in at that point. We don't yet know.
Quote from: Tycoon on February 20, 2009, 10:15:32 AM
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:29:34 AMWhile I don't really hold with killing people, I'm not sure I agree.
Dan has already spent his life killing evildoers - a big difference between then and now is that we haven't seen most of that because the comic has been more of a humorous nature.
Anyone can justify the elimination of "evildoers." Taking down an "evildoer" still does not justify killing, possibly even murdering, the person. A much fairer thing to do would be to bring the enemy to court, but Dan has expressed his distrust of the court system and the possible loopholes in the system.
This arc has shown his growth into a role of vigilante more so than hero. With his vows to send his enemies to their graves (Regina, DP) Dan can hardly claim that what he is doing is good and entirely just.
Court System? You mean
this (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_287.php) Court System.
Dan's job is to be an executioner of "evil" Beings and Creatures. He's killed before (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_157.php) in the name of justice. Why wouldn't he do so again with Regina? Especially after he has vowed to do so. Should Dan go back on his word? Should Dan let a proven and self-admitted murderer and potential future murderer go free? No. Regina is dangerous and a threat to public safety. She needs to be removed.
And I only hope we get to see her removal.
I'd rather not see her 'removal.' If Regina stays in the comic, and she gets away from Dan, then that would give him a reason to want to go to SAIA, or at least pay more attention to Abel's teaching, as he'll want to get stronger with his Cubi powers so taht he can use them against Regina.
Is... is he tearing up?
Wow. The drama in this comic is amazingly deep.
...I
LOVE IT. Please, marm, may we have some more? :U
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 19, 2009, 11:53:39 PM
I'm probably one of the few who did not laugh once during this comic....
(raises hand) Me either. I was too spellbound by the emotion in this one to laugh. This thread made me smile, though.
Quote from: Daymond42 on February 20, 2009, 01:00:12 AM
Is it bad that I started singing in my mind "I wanna be.. the very best. Like no one ever waaaass!"? :kirby
...(snerk) That might actually make pretty good fight music... but it'd be kind of Narmy (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Narm), so...yeah.
As a side-note, I'm kind of hoping for Regina to make a desperate, heart-wrenching plea for Dan to let her live. What I can't tell is whether I'd want his heart to go from steel to limestone and let her go for now, or whether I'd want him to coldly deny her request and attempt to kill her anyway. Something tells me she's not going to die in this arc, though.
Quote from: Tycoon on February 20, 2009, 10:15:32 AM
Anyone can justify the elimination of "evildoers." Taking down an "evildoer" still does not justify killing, possibly even murdering, the person. A much fairer thing to do would be to bring the enemy to court, but Dan has expressed his distrust of the court system and the possible loopholes in the system.
Er...
No, Dan hasn't.
Amber, by way of Mikelo, has said that the average court in the land is pretty pointless as far as justice goes. See here (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_287.php), just for example.
Edit:
Dammit. I'm just not fast enough. :-/
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on February 20, 2009, 10:51:23 AM
No, Dan hasn't. Amber, by way of Mikelo, has said that the average court in the land is pretty pointless as far as justice goes. See here (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_287.php), just for example.
He was referring to this:
http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_935.php
Quote from: Tycoon on February 20, 2009, 10:15:32 AM
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:29:34 AMWhile I don't really hold with killing people, I'm not sure I agree.
Dan has already spent his life killing evildoers - a big difference between then and now is that we haven't seen most of that because the comic has been more of a humorous nature.
Anyone can justify the elimination of "evildoers." Taking down an "evildoer" still does not justify killing, possibly even murdering, the person. A much fairer thing to do would be to bring the enemy to court, but Dan has expressed his distrust of the court system and the possible loopholes in the system.
This arc has shown his growth into a role of vigilante more so than hero. With his vows to send his enemies to their graves (Regina, DP) Dan can hardly claim that what he is doing is good and entirely just.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:29:34 AMYes, Dan has basically had a power upgrade, but he's using it for adventuring. At the end of the day, Regina killed a bunch of people for sh_ts and giggles and/or to improve status. Dan's vow to kill her is to make the world a safer place.
Who is he to judge? Are we so biased as to believe that Dan is the good guy that we can justify his attempt to murder Regina for the sake of saying "It's better for the world"? If I could get a dime for every time a person justified and evil act due to his receiving of a new found power by saying that it "Would make the world a better/safer place," I'd be rich!
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:29:34 AMIf Dan starts killing people for fun, then - and only then - has he failed and become what he hates.
Ergo, he is currently living out his hypocrisy by attempting to kill Regina for the sake of revenge instead of trying to bring her to justice like a true hero would.
All that said, I still find this character development to be downright fantastic.
Because we all know how much justice there is in a small fine for 12 murders.
While Dan's assessment of the court system is that it's useless, we know that it really is. Ergo, his assessment is absolutely correct. Hell, maybe part of the reason he's so furious at Regina is because she got off with a FINE. That someone else payed. Albeit, he may only know that she got away from him and what happened next, but I think Dan or Edward or Destania managed to neutralize her to actually bring her to court, and when she got off and escaped justice Dan vowed to destroy her in order to gain some form of justice for those people who died and for himself and his friends. I mean, if she didn't get caught in some way, how did we see that scene about Kria paying off that fine? Unless Kria also killed a dozen beings, which is likely I'll admit.
To be blunt, I think that vigilantism is not a good sign. It means that the justice system is so broken and corrupt that people are forced to take matters into their own hands. I'm surprised some guy hasn't started dressing up like a bat because a demon killed his parents. However... if a system is that broken, than some form of justice and protection has to exist. I wonder if there are Creature adventurers (outside of Dan) who save the day for beings. I mean, a Gratitude Cubi could probably do something like that.
Also... I doubt Dan would get in trouble from a legal standpoint if he killed Regina. If he was charged as a being, then his side lets him off lightly because she was a demon who previously murdered beings and had expressed no regret over it and had expressed a desire to do it again. If he's charged as a creature, then we get this whole conflict for power and Might Makes Right thing and "he proved himself stronger," so in that case he'd probably also get off lightly. Now, if he'd get off lightly from the perspective of Kria and his friends... I don't know.
Quote from: Jairus on February 20, 2009, 11:10:51 AM
I mean, if she didn't get caught in some way, how did we see that scene about Kria paying off that fine? Unless Kria also killed a dozen beings, which is likely I'll admit.
That was a fourth wall strip. However now you mention it, I'm not sure the number of Beings involved is a coincidence.
QuoteI wonder if there are Creature adventurers (outside of Dan) who save the day for beings. I mean, a Gratitude Cubi could probably do something like that.
I don't know about canon, but it's an idea I've played with a lot.
Quote from: Jairus on February 20, 2009, 11:10:51 AM
Also... I doubt Dan would get in trouble from a legal standpoint if he killed Regina. If he was charged as a being, then his side lets him off lightly because she was a demon who previously murdered beings and had expressed no regret over it and had expressed a desire to do it again. If he's charged as a creature, then we get this whole conflict for power and Might Makes Right thing and "he proved himself stronger," so in that case he'd probably also get off lightly. Now, if he'd get off lightly from the perspective of Kria and his friends... I don't know.
Kria... I'm not sure. But she is a Demon and we know how they think. His friends? They would cheer him. "Way to go, Dan! You see, you
are still a good person. It doesn't matter if you're a Cubi or a Being, you still took down an evil Creature. Want some celebration ale?"
Quote from: Pagan on February 20, 2009, 11:44:02 AM
Kria... I'm not sure. But she is a Demon and we know how they think.
Well, that's interesting - from the last panel it almost looks like Kria grew out of the rampaging thing.
Quote from: Sukasa on February 20, 2009, 10:30:32 AM
I wonder if Fi won't figure out that Dan is getting into trouble and finally call Abel, as he was originally tasked according to This Strip (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_865.php).
Perhaps he'll call Abel somewhere near Devin...? :mowwink
Kria, in the name of Team Domino Death and for the sake of pizza delivery men everywhere, I vow I shall deliver you to Hell in thirty minutes or less!
With regards,
Ted
Quote from: Pagan on February 20, 2009, 10:44:30 AM
Should Dan go back on his word? Should Dan let a proven and self-admitted murderer and potential future murderer go free? No. Regina is dangerous and a threat to public safety. She needs to be removed.
Note also that Dan hasn't strictly said he's going to destroy her
today. I think there's enough wiggle-room for him to back down once she's been reduced to the state Abel was when he entered SAIA.
Quote from: Daymond42 on February 20, 2009, 01:00:12 AM
Is it bad that I started singing in my mind "I wanna be.. the very best. Like no one ever waaaass!"? :kirby
And when you said that "Number One" from Bleach popped in my head.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 11:16:19 AM
However now you mention it, I'm not sure the number of Beings involved is a coincidence.
You may very well be onto something there!
Isn't it fun (and awesome) that despite Dan not moving and crying out, even with eyes closed at one point, his wings still go after Regina over quite a big distance?
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 12:55:37 PM
Note also that Dan hasn't strictly said he's going to destroy her today. I think there's enough wiggle-room for him to back down once she's been reduced to the state Abel was when he entered SAIA.
I don't know if I buy that - or, at least, not with him in the state that he's in. Being so angry you cry isn't the sort of state that one comes down from easily, let alone after one has issued an ultimatum of that sort. One could hem and haw about the meaning of 'destroy', but in it's most literal sense I believe he means he's going to do his damndest to kill her - I don't think he's going to back down until someone
stops him, is what I'm trying to say.
As far as all this about the justice of his actions, let's not be lawful stupid about this. We can look at this in three ways - one, Regina assaulted him with a drink tray, and upon running away expressed a desire to kill Dan after finding a suitable weapon - something Dan is aware of, and I certainly am not going to fault him for self-defense. One might argue that he could somehow stop her without killing her. However, I do not believe that anyone can really say what anyone 'should' do in this circumstance. If someone is threatening or expresses a legitamate desire to kill you, I don't think anyone but the person in that situation can make that choice, in the same way that a police officer has to make a decision to shoot someone or not if they come at them with a gun. I believe that Regina does present a clear and present danger, in this sense.
In the other sense, justice is normally administered through a system of courts. I hesitate to call what Dan and adventurers of his ilk do, then, vigilantism. Vigilantism implies a legitimate source of justice that citizens should depend on, which clearly does not exist here. If you cannot depend on any larger entity, governmental or otherwise, do you expect people to suffer injustice at the hands of others, simply because they do not have a 'legal' recourse? The laws that exist are unjust - it is here that I mean we should not be lawful stupid about things. A law is a good law only insofar as it is a just law.
In the third sense, I think it's apparent that Regina is hardly innocent, and to defend her as being set upon by Dan is to ignore that she has clearly set
herself upon Dan before. I know that I am a dinosaur, and perhaps I am barbaric, but I do believe that the blood of the victims cries out for justice - it
is an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, in it's most basic sense. Dan is just in seeking reparations for what has been done to him.
Quote from: Mao Laoren on February 20, 2009, 09:00:00 AM
The only thing I'm concerned about is the fact that Regina is a demon. That is to say: She's far from helpless even in her relatively young state. If she can get her act together for even a second, this is going to be far less of a predator and prey scenario than it is now. However given her immaturity it make take something to jolt her into it. Either to get her angry or to make her so afraid that she has no choice but to fight.
I think we've passed that point already. With Dan's anger and "powerup" ('cubiness), she's so far beyond "piddle self and run" that she just wants to find a corner to curl up and hide in.
Quote from: Nerikull on February 20, 2009, 08:40:22 AM
Fully cubi'ed Dan! w000000tah!
There is something just awesome about seeing a character flesh out new aspects. I suspect that most of SAIA has picked up on this and is rushing around..."Destiana's kid's in a fight!!" "FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!!!" Just like in any schoolyard.
That assumes that they're scrying on him. With their attention span, they would have lost interest during parts of his flashback story to Fi, or even before that, on his way to see "Biggs".
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 12:55:37 PM
Quote from: Pagan on February 20, 2009, 10:44:30 AM
Should Dan go back on his word? Should Dan let a proven and self-admitted murderer and potential future murderer go free? No. Regina is dangerous and a threat to public safety. She needs to be removed.
Note also that Dan hasn't strictly said he's going to destroy her today. I think there's enough wiggle-room for him to back down once she's been reduced to the state Abel was when he entered SAIA.
There's various levels of destruction. There's death of the body and destruction (devouring) of the soul, which Dan would hate himself for if he went that far. There's destruction of the ego or will. There's destruction of reputation. There was a suggestion of Regina serving at Lost Lake, I agree that she couldn't be trusted as bouncer, so make her a serving wench, or cook... naw, Abel seems to be doing his part in the kitchen and might resent her invading it. Make her a janitor, it may do nothing for her anger (Darke Kat working janitorial at ZZ Studios), but may keep her ego in check. ...If Kria would let her go at Dan's request. She might not if Regina is a big help (yeah, right) around the house, but if keeping Regina there is more trouble to her than it's worth, she might see taking her as a partial payment (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_960.php)
Amber appears to like toying with the readers... Mixing up emotional signals to make us confused! Feeling bad about what Regina did to Dan and making us want to see her meet her doom... then constantly trying to make us pity her when Dan is completely losing it.
...Just makes me all the more eager to see more updates. =n.n= Always happy to read DMFA when it updates, and Amber being so reliable with the updating is a huge help as, for me at least, it helps me stay very interested in the comic.
Quote from: AndersW on February 20, 2009, 10:34:32 AM
Court System? You mean this (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_287.php) Court System.
You know, I always assumed that it was Kria who'd killed over twelve beings in that strip, but she doesn't actually look like she's under arrest there. I bet that was Regina's trial after the incident with Dan. :)
(Oh, and a nendrai is a monster from World Tree that cries tears of jagged glass)
I'm surprised there aren't like more bands of minutemen and vigilantes around if the general law system is that lacking.
Quote from: AmigaDragon on February 20, 2009, 01:34:40 PM
There's various levels of destruction. There's death of the body and destruction (devouring) of the soul, which Dan would hate himself for if he went that far.
I don't believe he's learned soul-eating, besides which, it's a punishment far in excess of her own crimes.
Quote from: Cogidubnus on February 20, 2009, 01:33:52 PM
Being so angry you cry isn't the sort of state that one comes down from easily, let alone after one has issued an ultimatum of that sort. One could hem and haw about the meaning of 'destroy', but in it's most literal sense I believe he means he's going to do his damndest to kill her - I don't think he's going to back down until someone stops him, is what I'm trying to say.
I'm not sure I buy it either, to be honest. Not unless he's a better actor than we gave him credit for. And yes, personally I suspect Lorenda or Abel will intervene.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 11:48:20 AM
Quote from: Pagan on February 20, 2009, 11:44:02 AM
Kria... I'm not sure. But she is a Demon and we know how they think.
Well, that's interesting - from the last panel it almost looks like Kria grew out of the rampaging thing.
It looks like she's doing more contracted work, like Council reconnaissance (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_365.php) and wedding guard (http://missmab.com/Comics/Vol_757.php).
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 02:14:05 PM
And yes, personally I suspect Lorenda or Abel will intervene.
Or even both, Fi brings Abel at about the same time Regina and Dan run into (perhaps literally) Lorenda.
Wow...just, wow.
I must say, I can't stop reading this page over and over again. Now THIS is drama. This is also how I like to see Dan; badass and (in his own way) righteous, with vengeance against a natural-born-and-loving-it killer.
Apologies to all the Regina people, but I'm rooting for the 'Cubi adventurer on this one. :3
I just can't wait to see what happens, dangit!
Would Kria really save her though? She doesnt even seem to care.
I mean.. from what we've seen of Demons so far, they seem to consider those who cant fend for themselves too weak to live anyway.
Quote from: demo101Because of this, most demons don't have a real notion of revenge or vengeance if one of their own kind is slain. After all, by their own belief system, if someone is able to defeat them, that other creature or being is obviously worthy.
Quote from: Kaerou on February 20, 2009, 03:31:46 PM
Would Kria really save her though? She doesnt even seem to care.
I mean.. from what we've seen of Demons so far, they seem to consider those who cant fend for themselves too weak to live anyway.
Quote from: demo101Because of this, most demons don't have a real notion of revenge or vengeance if one of their own kind is slain. After all, by their own belief system, if someone is able to defeat them, that other creature or being is obviously worthy.
Quote from: demo101
Most demons seem to share a sense of family and will often band together for long periods of time. Even afterwards demons seem to share a lot more close ties to their kin.
To me this says: She might try and save her, but if she dies.. eh no big.
Ah's, I missed that bit as I was only looking for the quote I remembered.
funny thing dan didn't always need to kill in order to stop evil form attacking a village. yea! for Fae curses (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_846.php)
If not for Kria's punchline at the end, I would think this particular update could serve as a (very cruel) ending to DMFA. I know it won't be, and I'm glad, but it's going to feel like that until the next update....
Anyway, Regina is still related to Kria and Lorenda, is she not? Might this not enter into the equation at some point? If Kria or even Lorenda do nothing to prevent it, might Dan be frustrated when he realizes he's trying to kill one of Lorenda's relatives? So far he doesn't seem to know that.
Or what if Devin intervened at this point? I don't know in what capacity he would, but it'd give him some justification for having been introduced here....
(I do also wonder where Fi is and what Fi's doing right now....)
Anyway, I'm looking forward to when Dan calms down and realizes what he's been doing, and how his identity crisis will be affected by it. I certainly never expected anything like this when I found out he was a cubi....
I'm holding out for a Devin/Abel reunion, myself. So mostly, I hope Regina gets thoroughly thithered.
Quote from: rabid_fox on February 20, 2009, 06:21:02 PM
I'm holding out for a Devin/Abel reunion, myself.
I've gotten out of the habit of "holding out," but otherwise I agree with you there--I personally would like to see such a thing, even if all it was was some non-canon pic that Amber put on her site just to please the fans since she WASN'T putting it in the comic (or at least not for awhile).
Quote from: e_voyager on February 20, 2009, 02:39:25 AM
Dan is devouring her terror (even if he's to anger to know it) and on top of that he'll prove that he anger is not small thing to be either aroused or over looked.
I'm waiting to see what he's going to do when he finally catches her. He seems to be in the mind of inflicting a LOT of pain on Regina before finishing her off -- which he's got a natural affinity for given his clan. What will he do when he gets a serious taste of power from her pain? The pain from Wildy beating Azlan seems to be what made him recover from the mortal wounds received during his last fight with DP (remember he started breathing again the first time Wildy whapped him.) What's he going to experience when he starts absorbing Regina's pain? The difference here is that he's awake for it, and he's the one dishing it out.
don't forget Dan is used to receiving pain as well and is best friend with people like Widly and Merlitz to routinely dish out pain to people who annoy them so i doubt if this is new. it also explained how his sis who obiviosly learned how to dish out no leather pain form their mother has unintentially kept him feed while letting him free load at the inn.
Hi peeps, first time post for me. I seem to recall that this storyline is a flash-back for Dan so anything that amber writes is history for Dan. Also about Dan and Abel, has there been any chatting about them being related to each other on this forum? :)
Quote from: foxxfurry on February 20, 2009, 07:47:27 PM
Hi peeps, first time post for me. I seem to recall that this storyline is a flash-back for Dan so anything that amber writes is history for Dan. Also about Dan and Abel, has there been any chatting about them being related to each other on this forum? :)
The flashback actually ended some time ago, before Dan and Fi came to this place where Kria has Lorenda and Regina. In fact, Dan was TELLING Fi about his past adventure.
I think some people have been chatting about the idea of Dan and Abel being related (though I'm not one of them), and no, I'm pretty sure they're not.
Quote from: foxxfurry on February 20, 2009, 07:47:27 PM
Hi peeps, first time post for me. I seem to recall that this storyline is a flash-back for Dan so anything that amber writes is history for Dan.
Welcome aboard. Don't forget to read the rules. They aren't the same as in other boards...
QuoteAlso about Dan and Abel, has there been any chatting about them being related to each other on this forum? :)
Yes, but it has been a bit of a touchy subject. I will point you at this:
http://dmfa.wikia.com/wiki/Edward-Aniz_Theory
...and say no more.
Quote from: Tipod on February 20, 2009, 02:13:22 PM
I'm surprised there aren't like more bands of minutemen and vigilantes around if the general law system is that lacking.
There are. I can think of at least four different occasions where a band of adventurers other than Dan's own circle of friends was depicted in the comic.
just popping in to say DAN LOOKS SO AWESOME. :0 literally jaw-dropping. I can't wait for the next few updates... This arc is so incredibly epic!
I think the Edward-is-Aniz theory is a bit out of date on the wiki, and I'm not sure how it would really work out anymore, if Aniz hates Destania so much that he'd leave SAIA (beginning of Abel's Story pt II) even if staying meant a dropping of his ban, and leaving meant extending it another hundred years.... just my two cents though.
Quote from: celelorien on February 20, 2009, 08:27:39 PM
just popping in to say DAN LOOKS SO AWESOME. :0 literally jaw-dropping. I can't wait for the next few updates... This arc is so incredibly epic!
I think the Edward-is-Aniz theory is a bit out of date on the wiki, and I'm not sure how it would really work out anymore, if Aniz hates Destania so much that he'd leave SAIA (beginning of Abel's Story pt II) even if staying meant a dropping of his ban, and leaving meant extending it another hundred years.... just my two cents though.
There's also the fact that their clans are different, which in most cases means they aren't related.
true - though two Cubi from different clans can have kids. The stronger clan will come out in the wash, though, and as the wiki says, if Aniz was trying to either revive a dying clan of his or found a new one, he wouldn't pick a stronger clan to have kids with - wouldn't make sense.
Quote from: celelorien on February 20, 2009, 08:27:39 PM
if Aniz hates Destania so much that he'd leave SAIA (beginning of Abel's Story pt II) even if staying meant a dropping of his ban, and leaving meant extending it another hundred years.... just my two cents though.
It's only speculation that it was hatred. Honestly, we have no idea what that exchange was all about. Even then, a lot can happen in four centuries.
i can't help but wonder... how is the clans strengthened deturmend?
I keep trying to figure out why Abel would be in over his head trying to slow down a full-on rading Dan, but I can't. All I will say is I think it's going to take Destania or Fa'lina to rein him in.
Quote from: e_voyager on February 20, 2009, 08:56:47 PM
i can't help but wonder... how is the clans strengthened deturmend?
I wondered this myself, but I'd imagine if your clan is dying, then any clan that isn't dying is stronger than yours is.
how about Fa'Lina's clan? she's arguably one of the strongest cubi out there but is the only known member of her clan's bloodline
Quote from: e_voyager on February 20, 2009, 10:36:52 PM
how about Fa'Lina's clan? she's arguably one of the strongest cubi out there but is the only known member of her clan's bloodline
Well, technically that's apples and oranges there--that's Falina herself being strong, as opposed to her clan.
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 10:52:48 PM
Quote from: e_voyager on February 20, 2009, 10:36:52 PM
how about Fa'Lina's clan? she's arguably one of the strongest cubi out there but is the only known member of her clan's bloodline
Well, technically that's apples and oranges there--that's Falina herself being strong, as opposed to her clan.
you have a point there i was confusing the strength of the clan with he strength of it's members still with out knowing how to gauge the strength of a clan i have nothing to go on but the strength of it's members
Quote from: Jairus on February 20, 2009, 11:10:51 AM
To be blunt, I think that vigilantism is not a good sign. It means that the justice system is so broken and corrupt that people are forced to take matters into their own hands. I'm surprised some guy hasn't started dressing up like a bat because a demon killed his parents. However... if a system is that broken, than some form of justice and protection has to exist. I wonder if there are Creature adventurers (outside of Dan) who save the day for beings. I mean, a Gratitude Cubi could probably do something like that.
Furrae has
never actually had a working justice system for Creature/Being interactions. What they have currently was an attempt to create one, but it has been corrupt from the start. Adventurers are the Beings response, probably predating the courts and continued because they are still necessary. And the Demons (who are most responsible for the problem) are OK with this because such frontier justice fits in with their own philosophy.
Quote
Also... I doubt Dan would get in trouble from a legal standpoint if he killed Regina. If he was charged as a being, then his side lets him off lightly because she was a demon who previously murdered beings and had expressed no regret over it and had expressed a desire to do it again. If he's charged as a creature, then we get this whole conflict for power and Might Makes Right thing and "he proved himself stronger," so in that case he'd probably also get off lightly. Now, if he'd get off lightly from the perspective of Kria and his friends... I don't know.
Kria already knows Dan is the one who has been killing her brother Aliph (Dark Pegasus). Her reaction was to want to spar with Dan, to test herself and see if she was better than Aliph, and judge how much of Dan's success was luck. Then she started hitting on him, instead.
Any of his friends who were involved in the first encounter with Regina six years ago will probably hold a celebration, with Dan as the guest of honor. Wildy, certainly, although she'll probably regret not having a chance at Regina herself.
If Dan becomes known as an incubus of the Cyra clan, there will trouble from Dragons, but that is an unrelated issue.
Quote from: inuhanyo on February 21, 2009, 12:08:02 AM
If Dan becomes known as an incubus of the Cyra clan, there will trouble from Dragons, but that is an unrelated issue.
Since his clan mark hasn't shown yet (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_550.php) (that we know of), not many will know he's Cyra clan, unless word that he's Destania's incubus son spreads well. The largest groups that would know so far are his friends and possibly the current SAIA community.
The general public probably doesn't know yet that he's an incubus, let alone Cyra clan (if they even know of clans), and there's likely still only one dragon that knows (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_682.php) so far. (Took me a while to find a strip that
at least implied that Ducky knows)
Quote from: AmigaDragon on February 21, 2009, 02:33:26 AM
Quote from: inuhanyo on February 21, 2009, 12:08:02 AM
If Dan becomes known as an incubus of the Cyra clan, there will trouble from Dragons, but that is an unrelated issue.
Since his clan mark hasn't shown yet (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_550.php) (that we know of), not many will know he's Cyra clan, unless word that he's Destania's incubus son spreads well. The largest groups that would know so far are his friends and possibly the current SAIA community.
The general public probably doesn't know yet that he's an incubus, let alone Cyra clan (if they even know of clans), and there's likely still only one dragon that knows (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_682.php) so far. (Took me a while to find a strip that at least implied that Ducky knows)
Fi has been loose lipped to Devin, he's already said too much from Dan's point of view. He might have mentioned the the "Cubi represenative" is Cyra clan.
Besides the clan mark, the heads on his wing tentacles also identify Dan as Cyra clan.
And Regina sure Frigging knows that Dan is Cubi, even if she can't identify his clan from his appearance, if a description gets out there will be someone who can. That's if Regina survives long enough to describe Dan's Cubi traits, of course.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:51:00 PM
Quote from: celelorien on February 20, 2009, 08:27:39 PM
if Aniz hates Destania so much [...]
It's only speculation that it was hatred.
Hmm. I saw it as maybe the other way round: that Destania was the one who couldn't stand having Aniz around. Something about the way Fa'lina reacted to the question. As for what it all means, though, I suppose we'll have to wait until Amber gets the grass skirt out of the wardrobe for another plot hula... ;)
Actually it looks like Kria is going a hundred years ago and I would be the one being proposed to marry. I wonder if that's how demons propose to each other.
Quote from: Tsunari on February 21, 2009, 03:58:31 PM
Actually it looks like Kria is going a hundred years ago and I would be the one being proposed to marry. I wonder if that's how demons propose to each other.
Look at
this (http://www.missmab.com/Demo/HG11.php) "It's one of the few times fighting arenas double as speed dates."
So, according to Fluffy anyway, the answer would probably be "pretty much"
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:51:00 PM
Quote from: celelorien on February 20, 2009, 08:27:39 PM
if Aniz hates Destania so much [...]
It's only speculation that it was hatred.
My take on the discussion between Aniz and Fa'lina was that Aniz couldn't bear facing Destania (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Ab_019.php) and that Fa'lina was trying to get Aniz and Destania back on speaking terms.
Quote from: Tsunari on February 21, 2009, 03:58:31 PM
Actually it looks like Kria is going a hundred years ago and I would be the one being proposed to marry. I wonder if that's how demons propose to each other.
My take on this was that Kria was saying that a hundred years ago, she would have been acting like Regina and people would be referring to her in the same way.
Quote from: Naldru on February 21, 2009, 04:23:42 PM
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 08:51:00 PM
Quote from: celelorien on February 20, 2009, 08:27:39 PM
if Aniz hates Destania so much [...]
It's only speculation that it was hatred.
My take on the discussion between Aniz and Fa'lina was that Aniz couldn't bear facing Destania (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Ab_019.php) and that Fa'lina was trying to get Aniz and Destania back on speaking terms.
And then Destania went and manipulated Abel, trying to give him a push towards "kill him!" for whatever evil reason the queen of torture might have had. So much for speaking terms. ~_^
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 04:54:34 PM
If not for Kria's punchline at the end, I would think this particular update could serve as a (very cruel) ending to DMFA. I know it won't be, and I'm glad, but it's going to feel like that until the next update....
Honestly, speaking as one who sees "stopping points" everywhere, I don't see it. There are far too many plot threads that have built up, with "why did Dan take up adventuring?" not even having one of the top spots. Not to mention how abrupt it would be. (Among other things, we just met Regina within the same arc, and recently at that. That usually isn't a great way to resolve the great end-all question of the story.)
Or did you mean cruel to the readers? I'm flashing back to
A Series of Unfortunate Events now...
Quote from: Caswin on February 21, 2009, 04:56:00 PM
Honestly, speaking as one who sees "stopping points" everywhere, I don't see it. There are far too many plot threads that have built up, with "why did Dan take up adventuring?" not even having one of the top spots.
Other signs of this not being the end include:
1. The fact that the site is being upgraded
2. The wallpaper war for the skins on the comic site
3. The fact that some chump paid about $2000 for a cameo in an upcoming arc...
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 21, 2009, 05:04:58 PM
Quote from: Caswin on February 21, 2009, 04:56:00 PM
Honestly, speaking as one who sees "stopping points" everywhere, I don't see it. There are far too many plot threads that have built up, with "why did Dan take up adventuring?" not even having one of the top spots.
Other signs of this not being the end include:
1. The fact that the site is being upgraded
2. The wallpaper war for the skins on the comic site
3. The fact that some chump paid about $2000 for a cameo in an upcoming arc...
Some other chump would have willingly beaten that chump if the other chump could have afforded it...
Quote from: Caswin on February 21, 2009, 04:56:00 PM
Quote from: Baal Hadad on February 20, 2009, 04:54:34 PM
If not for Kria's punchline at the end, I would think this particular update could serve as a (very cruel) ending to DMFA. I know it won't be, and I'm glad, but it's going to feel like that until the next update....
Honestly, speaking as one who sees "stopping points" everywhere, I don't see it. There are far too many plot threads that have built up, with "why did Dan take up adventuring?" not even having one of the top spots. Not to mention how abrupt it would be. (Among other things, we just met Regina within the same arc, and recently at that. That usually isn't a great way to resolve the great end-all question of the story.)
Or did you mean cruel to the readers? I'm flashing back to A Series of Unfortunate Events now...
I did mean cruel to the readers, and I was referring to the comic itself, rather than in context with the rest of the comic....
...which basically means that what I said made no sense at all, and is to be disregarded.
(Maybe what I meant was that it was a good time for a commercial break--they always put those in the worst places imaginable....)
Quote from: Jairus on February 21, 2009, 05:08:52 PM
Some other chump would have willingly beaten that chump if the other chump could have afforded it...
that sounds about right. wow i was not expecting the price to be that high.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 20, 2009, 04:21:05 AM
Quote from: Tipod on February 20, 2009, 01:16:41 AM
Oh come on, you can't use a 50's theme song. Everybody knows that if someone's got wings and tentacles and is shirtless, you need a bunch of screeching powerchords.
I was going for keyboards, brass and choir. And tubular bells for that 'absolutely doomed' feeling...
QED: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq5LIb9TUws
Nice soundtrack, but when the "action theme" started it totally blew away the dialogue — if I didn't know the script, I wouldn't have known what they were saying. And it sounded a bit fuzzy, is this a general problem with the extra compression YouTube adds? I was sure the other downloaded files I have sound a lot better.
Despite that, though, the whole thing sets the mood perfectly. I like it!
Quote from: SpottedKitty on February 22, 2009, 06:26:31 PM
Nice soundtrack, but when the "action theme" started it totally blew away the dialogue — if I didn't know the script, I wouldn't have known what they were saying. And it sounded a bit fuzzy, is this a general problem with the extra compression YouTube adds? I was sure the other downloaded files I have sound a lot better.
It was a different audio mix. People seemed to prefer the distorted version for some reason, so I went with that. The original, un-YouTube'd version can be had here if anyone's interested:
http://tapewolf.wildernessguardians.com/video/Regina.mov
QuoteDespite that, though, the whole thing sets the mood perfectly. I like it!
Thanks.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 22, 2009, 06:32:33 PM
The original, un-YouTube'd version can be had here if anyone's interested:
http://tapewolf.wildernessguardians.com/video/Regina.mov
Sounds a lot less fuzzy, so that's probably a YouTube artifact. I can still hear almost none of the dialogue (apart from Dan's shouting) over the music track, though.
Hmm. Just noticed, the two little "level meter" graphics in QuickTime (still using v7.0.4) almost go up to 11 as soon as the music starts. Doesn't that indicate it's a bit loud? It's supposed to be called "background" music, after all...
Quote from: SpottedKitty on February 22, 2009, 07:03:41 PM
Sounds a lot less fuzzy, so that's probably a YouTube artifact. I can still hear almost none of the dialogue (apart from Dan's shouting) over the music track, though.
Honestly? The centrepiece of the video was Dan, so I didn't take as much care over the rest of it.
Incidentally:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq5LIb9TUws&fmt=6
...improves the soundtrack quality, but knackers the visuals.
QuoteHmm. Just noticed, the two little "level meter" graphics in QuickTime (still using v7.0.4) almost go up to 11 as soon as the music starts. Doesn't that indicate it's a bit loud? It's supposed to be called "background" music, after all...
Dunno what you did there - it's looks just shy of peaking on mine (7.6). 'Too loud' is when the whole thing is a solid block, though I take your point that the sound mix could be improved. Call it dramatic license.
It's kind of odd - when I record songs, the vocals are always too high, and when I record a radio series, the score is always too high.
Quote from: Tapewolf on February 22, 2009, 07:14:56 PM
It's kind of odd - when I record songs, the vocals are always too high, and when I record a radio series, the score is always too high.
Maybe related to the epidemic of "backgroundmusic-itis" that's
afflicted affected most A/V media in recent years — e.g. I'm frequently tempted to call the local radio station and tell them I like the news and urgent weather and traffic reports, but there seems to be someone talking over the music...
Maybe you've heard someone's comment on the new remake of "Minder"? Re-watching one of the old 70s episodes, every word is clear as a bell. In one of the new ones, it's almost impossible to make out what people are saying. Maybe I'm old-fashioned, maybe my hearing's starting to go (both true, I suppose) but if there's dialogue it's nice to be able to hear it without checking my hearing aid batteries.
Looks like format 18 gives the best audio and video quality. e.g:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cq5LIb9TUws&fmt=18
...though it doesn't fix the audio balance in the recording itself, obviously!
nice work i like
That video was friggin AWSOME! :boogie
Great... Now I feel like a big fat panda...
Anyway, now I have YouTube video archives to dive into! >:3
Some people (Janus, Jairus etc) have pointed out that Dan is liable to feel like crap in the morning when he comes down from his 'Cubi high, as it were. Normally I'd agree, but now I'm starting to wonder.
Strip 868 is the interesting point. I think someone else mentioned this in passing, but it bears repeating. In this strip, Dan confronts Biggs, to try and find Destania (that it's really her is irrelevant here). Maybe he hasn't thought of it in terms of a slippery slope, but this marks the turning point - he's deliberately and premeditatedly decided to utilise his 'Cubi powers to gain advantage (as opposed to the headwing-hiding which basically did what the patch did anyway).
From there, I see it as only being a matter of scale as to whether he uses those powers to find his mother or fillet Regina. The point is, he's already taken the plunge.
Maybe he'll still feel crappy because he went further than he'd intended, but I'm no longer quite as convinced. I think what we're seeing is a bit more like the swords in 552, where he's starting to realise that there's stuff to it that an adventurer would find cool.
Quote from: Tapewolf on March 01, 2009, 11:11:05 AM
Maybe he'll still feel crappy because he went further than he'd intended, but I'm no longer quite as convinced. I think what we're seeing is a bit more like the swords in 552, where he's starting to realise that there's stuff to it that an adventurer would find cool.
There is a difference between using your abilities when still in full control of all your faculties - Dan consciously makes the decision to use his incubus abilities, out of a "well, I guess I should try sometime" mindset, when he reads Biggstania's mind (and gets punched for it).
However, in these comics, Dan is clearly in a
rage. Someone who's violently and emotionally yelling that he's going to destroy someone is not in full control of themselves. Hence he's using the abilities reflexively, not consciously. He didn't think "oh I might use these powers", he's just straight out augmenting his ability to fight with them on instinct.
Which is why the belief is out there that when he comes down from his combat/emotional high, he may or may not realise that while he was berserkering about, he looked very much like the monster he doesn't want to become. Posterchild for 'losing control', as it were.
Also, mind-reading and violent (however justified it may be) killing are very different matters of scale - that argument is slippery in itself.
Quote from: Janus Whitefurr on March 01, 2009, 12:35:20 PM
However, in these comics, Dan is clearly in a rage. Someone who's violently and emotionally yelling that he's going to destroy someone is not in full control of themselves. Hence he's using the abilities reflexively, not consciously. He didn't think "oh I might use these powers", he's just straight out augmenting his ability to fight with them on instinct.
That's something I'm not wholly clear on, i.e. to what extent he's lost it. IMHO the proof of that is what happens when someone else tries to intervene - if he starts slashing at Lorenda or Abel when they try to drag him away from Regina etc, then no question, he's out of it and he'll feel awful in the morning. I guess it's something we're liable to find out when the strip resumes.
Then again, there's an argument that having his tentacle-heads bopped by a reinforced door is enough to shock him out of what he's doing. Again, we'll know a lot more next time he appears.
QuoteWhich is why the belief is out there that when he comes down from his combat/emotional high, he may or may not realise that while he was berserkering about, he looked very much like the monster he doesn't want to become. Posterchild for 'losing control', as it were.
On balance you're probably right, I just don't think it's quite as open-and-shut as it could be. As for poster-children, I think Aniz-vs-Hennya still holds that position... Dan sees to have more awareness of what he's doing, IMHO.
QuoteAlso, mind-reading and violent (however justified it may be) killing are very different matters of scale - that argument is slippery in itself.
Give him the benefit of the doubt - Regina's still alive. In fact, she doesn't have a scratch on her at the moment. For all we know, he's
trying to scare the crap out of her, though I'll admit that seems a trifle unlikely given what he did to the pillars. (Though the pillars themselves may prove your wider point, i.e. Dan's lost it)
Regina is still alive because Regina ran. If it were Dan's choice, I'm sure she would be dead by now. And cremated.
Quote from: Pagan on March 01, 2009, 01:16:14 PM
Regina is still alive because Regina ran. If it were Dan's choice, I'm sure she would be dead by now. And cremated.
You raise an interesting point. Dan would have heard her think "Piddle self, Run!". Why isn't she dead?
Quote from: Tapewolf on March 01, 2009, 01:20:28 PM
Quote from: Pagan on March 01, 2009, 01:16:14 PM
Regina is still alive because Regina ran. If it were Dan's choice, I'm sure she would be dead by now. And cremated.
You raise an interesting point. Dan would have heard her think "Piddle self, Run!". Why isn't she dead?
Comedic irony. Narrativium. The needs of the story.
Or, if he can read "run" out of her thoughts, he's still got to process it, realise it, and react. It may just be that the processing takes a fraction of a second, realising it takes another fraction, and reacting takes another fraction... by which time she's taken to her heels.
Just my 2p, of course.
Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on March 01, 2009, 01:43:14 PM
Comedic irony. Narrativium. The needs of the story.
Plot device, in other words. A fair point.
I'd say he did hear. She started running as she thought it perhaps, and he right away started giving chase. Unless I'm completely missing something here, doesn't seem like there's much contradiction here at all.
Throwing in my 2 pence worth.
Dan did not make the vow he's yelling about just recently. Not since he found out he's an incubus, not since the comic began. He it made back when Regina escaped six years ago, probably only minutes afterwards, certainly not more than days later. In a sense, as far as Regina (and only Regina) is concerned, he has been a mine set to go off. For years.
The difference his being a 'cubi has made, is that he was a lot more awesome when it happended. For Regina, read terrifying. And that most likely saved her life. From their encounter six years ago, she was scared enough of him that she didn't want to face him without a weapon. (Which is impressive, if you think about it. What does a demon need a weapon for?)
If he didn't have his 'cubi powers, she probably would have been able to circle around and get a hold of a weapon and face him. And he would have killed her. Regina seems to have had no conception of how much more dangerous Daniel had become, just as a Being adventurer. He took down Dark Pegasus, twice. An opponent over seven centuries older than Regina. She'd have been toast. And Dan, who has been prepared for this encounter for years, would have no regrets.
And when she discovered "that adventurer's son" she fought six years ago had grown into an incubus, she abandoned the idea of fighting him, fled (arguably in terror), and locked herself into a reinforced room. The correct decision, for her. The only way she would have survived this encounter.
Dan's mistake was, when she turned and ran the second time, he didn't follow immediately after his stretching attacks missed. He stood and yelled at her, giving her the precious seconds of time she'd need to open and close that door behind her.
Dan was certainly wrathfull, his voice balloons when he first saw Regina and again at the columns were drawn like Albion's when Albion was laying the Fae curse bangles on Jyrras But Dan was never berserk like Aniz was when Aniz killed Hennya. Of course, Aniz never wanted to kill Hennya, while Dan has planned to kill Regina on their next encounter for years.