So now I see what all the fuss is about…
(From Narbonic, by Shaenon K. Garrity)
Well, I’ve finally finished the Narbonic Archives. Not only am I thoroughly convinced what a fucking amazing strip Narbonic is on levels far and beyond human ken, but I’m convinced to subscribe to Modern Tales once the free offer thing is up and done with.
I am reminded of something I wrote before, in The Plate. When I added Radioactive Panda (also very good)…
Radioactive Panda, by Eric Johnson and Steve Wallock. People who read Ctrl+Alt+Del would feel right at home here with this strip. And it’s a unique enough concept. These guys are totally bringing Mad Scientists back in style. I was sent a link to RP by teh Sera, and was hooked immediately. Mad props to this comic. Get it? Mad? Mad Scientist?
Looking back, I shake my head in disappointment. Of course, I wasn’t yet exposed to Narbonic, so I couldn’t have known. I’m just glad that no one read it and said “Dude, what are you? A moron?” Still, that needs to be edited, as does my entry for Narbonic.
But I feel quite odd right now. I’m trying to pinpoint the feeling. I’m trying to look back on what I’ve read and figuring out my overall thoughts. For me now, trying to explain Narbonic is impossible. Because it’s simply beyond my grasp. It floors me, without fail, how nearly every single thing that happens in that strip plays as a part of a much bigger picture. That story elements going on now in 2005 are revealing stuff that happened three years ago. Only to unfold more mysteries it seems. Regardless I am totally floored. It was quite an experience to read it all at once (over a few days) like that.
I sit here dumbfounded. Amazed. Astounded. Astonished. In Awe. Fanboyish I suppose, but I don’t think so. I don’t really see myself quipping quotes from the series, or creating fan art or anything (well… not too often…). But nevertheless, I am so duly impressed that I am just mentally fatigued by the awesome. Or was it the 2,000 some-odd strips? Either or.
I know what this feels like. This feels like the first time I saw Star Wars. I mean really saw it. Seeing it when I was old enough to get it.
Dude. This is Narbonic. This is amazing. Now I see what Burns has been raving about since I started reading him. Now I see what a comedic plot-driven comic was meant to be. This is truly one of the ultimate webcomic experiences. Top 5, easily. I don’t care what kind of drooling fanboy lamer I sound like right now. This comic has earned my readership, my fanittude, and my respect.
Overall, the comic’s hella ginchy.
June 27th, 2005 at 7:56 pm
Ahh, so you feel the power now! Y’know when you’re reading a really good book and you just can’t put it down? Reading Narbonic gave me the same feeling. That doesn’t happen too much with a webcomic anymore. It used to a lot more back when I was discovering the archives of Sluggy and Schlock and GPF and CRfH!!! and CAD and the like, but it’s slowed down now. When that happens with a webcomic, I know I’ve found a winner.
It’s great stuff.
_Kneefers
June 27th, 2005 at 8:10 pm
Yeah. I think I’ll try and catch up with Sluggy someday. But after just surviving the sheer awesome of Narbonic, I’ll need a while.
Oh, and CRfH also. Dunno about GPF or Schlock.
June 28th, 2005 at 8:46 am
…wait a second. You’re telling me that you aren’t caught up on Sluggy or CRfH?
Oh dear.
Phil, Phil, Phil. What are we going to do with you? You need to get on it, dude.
:D
June 28th, 2005 at 10:20 am
while we’re at it: Why aint you reading Argon Zark?
June 28th, 2005 at 12:14 pm
Interestingly enough, Will, I only heard of Argon Zark after I recieved a press release from him just the other day. I’ll give it a shot after the few I’ve got qued up right now for me.
June 29th, 2005 at 10:34 am
Another great mad scientist webcomic is A Miracle of Science.
June 29th, 2005 at 12:12 pm
Nah, I’m not serious.
I find it great that people dont knowing who the former “Big Names” of webcomics are. It gives me hope that we can avoid creating a stagnant pond around the current crop of “Big Names”. I’d like to see, in five years, someone going, “Hmm.. This Sinfest comic is interesting. How long has it been around? I’ve never heard of it.”
It’ll show that the best is still to come.