Webcomics

Something simple for everyone today. I would like to point you in the direction of some of my favorite webcomics. Some of these artists and writers are extremely talented, and clearly started their work due to the fun of it ... and the hope of making a career out of it. With that I present to you ---

Weesh. By Dan Hess
http://weeshcomic.com/

This artist originally did a comic called Angel Moxie, but then moved on to this very imaginative strip called Weesh. I quote from the website as to the plot behind the strip:

The Merle kids, upon moving into their new home, discovered a magical wish-granting rodent-like character, visible only to children, already living there. Fueled by licorice, Weesh grants whatever wish comes to the kids' minds. Tate, the middle brother, is a font of bizarre wishes, often steeped in science fiction lore. Olivia, the youngest sister, leans towards flights of fancy and everything pretty and innocent. Last, but not least, Zoey, the eldest daughter, wants everyone to just leave her alone.

I wouldn't know how else to describe the strip. It is clever, funny, and very well drawn.

Count Your Sheep by Adrian Ramos (aka Adis)
http://countyoursheep.keenspot.com/

I have talked up this strip before, but it bears repeating. Adis has come up with a great premise. How many people have heard of the idea of counting sheep to fall asleep? Well, in this case, Katie has her own imaginary sheep, named Ship. When she counts him, she falls asleep. However, Ship was her mother's friend before he was Katie's, so Ship is like part of the family. Adis does a great job of seeing the world alternately through the eyes of a bright little girl and those of an insecure widowed mom. It is never mean-spirited, and usually very insightful. Give it a try.

Girl Genius by Phil and Kaja Foglio
http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/index.php

This is truly one of the most beautifully drawn and enjoyable webcomics I have found. The Foglios have created a world beyond belief. I am going to quote the backstory here, but understand that the comic is geared towards teens and up. It is not vulgar, but they warn that characters may die, may be in partial stages of undress, or utter a d**n from time to time. I have found it to be ingenious and brilliantly written and drawn.

The setting: In a time when the Industrial Revolution escalated into a full-on war, rival mad scientists, (“Sparks” to be polite), are the ruling powers in most of Europe. Keeping them all in line is Baron Wulfenbach, a particularly powerful and cranky Spark who, when someone starts causing trouble, simply steps in and makes them stop. His captial is the gigantic airship fortress Castle Wulfenbach.

The main character: Agatha Clay was a student at Transylvania Polygnositc University, who had truly rotten luck until she was revealed as a Spark. (Some might argue that this, also, was rotten luck.) She has also recently discovered that she is the last of the famous Heterodyne family—beloved heroes who disappeared under mysterious circumstances many years ago. Folk legend claims that they will someday return, but so far they haven’t managed it.

It's very difficult to tell whether this is an alternate earth, a different time, or what. But it is plainly ingenious, and who really cares where or when it takes place?

Finally, one of my long time favorites:

Real Life by Greg Dean
http://www.reallifecomics.com/

Greg Dean, who is back in Northern California after a short stint in Texas, is a wonderful comic artist. No, he isn't a Rembrandt. Who cares? It's a comic! And it is drawn that way, but with such expressiveness and great details that you are amazed at what he can do. But it isn't the art that sells this comic. Greg really does see things in his own, slightly twisted, Pepsi-overloaded way. He may drop a bad word from time to time, but the comic is loosely based on his life and his view of the world. Granted, I don't think that Greg has really teleported to his friend Dave's space station. But the Shirt Ninja can do so many things that one never knows!

Greg includes computer and video game references, but they don't rule the strip. Instead, he tackles anything that captures his interest or his ire, and also explores the relationship with his wife, Liz. Actually, I'm not sure if they have the kind of conversations he includes in the strip, but it sure wouldn't surprise me! One can start reading at the current strip, but it is fun to go back to the beginning and see how his art and characterizations have evolved over the years. Greg is truly talented, and I hope he continues to draw Real Life for years to come.


Well, those are my reviews. I hope you enjoy the webcomics I have listed here. And to the artists and writers who draw these strips: Thank you. Your work brightens up my day.