Loooong Webcomic Recommendations

Hallooo there!   Anybody still around?  Now that the frightening deadline for grades closing has arrived, it’s safe once again to use the internet for a playground.  I thought I’d take a tip from Emily and start a webcomic’s thread to compliment the print recommendations.  Please add your own too!

Templar Arizona:  http://templaraz.com  (watch out, the current page is NSFW)

Spike’s brilliantly drawn and written comic follows an engagingly odd cast of characters led by the shy aspiring writer and adult runaway Ben Kowalski as they go about their lives in the fictional city of Templar. Spike has described the setting of Templar, Arizona as “a slightly irregular Arizona that fell off the back of a truck somewhere, and now all the power outlets are a weird shape and a couple of wars never happened.”  The city is a character in itself, and half the fun of the comic is finding out more about the bizarre cultural subgroups and cults that have sprouted up (like the Sincerists, who vow to never tell anything but the absolute truth, the historical enthusiasts Pastimes, the mysterious mute Wickerheads, the apocalyptic mystic Jakeskins, the Nile Revivalists…and on and on and on!).  Currently in progress but seems to be going into its final arc.

Anders Loves Maria: http://anderslovesmaria.reneengstrom.com/2006/09/11/2006-09-11/  (also frequently NSFW)

In the words of its creator, Rene Engstrom: “It is a story about “adulthood” in a modern age where coming-of-age seems to be completely arbitrary.”   It’s funny, foul, raunchy, and heartbreaking.  It’s wildly experimental with chaning art styles to suit emotional moods.  It’s also almost finished so go caught up!

Octopus Pie: http://www.octopuspie.com/

Impeccably drawn comic following the adventures and misadventures of a couple of twenty-somethings living in New York, centering around the surly, practical Everest Ning and her roommate and former kindergarten friend, professional stoner Hanna.   Everything is just a little on the weird side of normal but all the emotions ring true.  Meredith Gran writes in neat storylines so hop on wherever catches your eye to see if you like it.

Just add on any webcomic recommendations you have, and happy vacation to all!