I’ve been contemplative the last few days — and not just questions such as this afternoon’s “which disgusting task should I do first: take out the compost, unclog the sink of hair and gelatinous goo, or clean the litter box?”
I’ve been thinking about stories. Not only do I have two sci-fi projects rattling around in the back burner of my head, but also, I am always very intently mulling over about the story of Spacetrawler. I do have a long-term story mapped out (as I’ve mentioned, estimated length of 3 years), but the details are still blurry.
My process is almost like traveling. I have a general idea of the entire story (the map). I have some major plot points I want to hit (sightseeing itinerary). I’ve written rough drafts of the next twenty strips (what I can see in the distance). I have the next 3 strips laid out (what i can see clearly and am madly trying not to run over).
And so, I keep making sure nothing is fixed, but that I keep a clear eye on the big picture, even when I allow it to shift. And try to bring in the near future in, like guiding in a plane, hoping it lands safely. And at no point trying to strangle out the inspiration of the moment, not only because I think it adds life to the story to come up with random things which work, but also because it keeps me excited and thrilled with the project. If I had the entire script written out and only had to draw it, I’d be bored out of my skull.
Anyhow. This is always also spurred on by random things I’ve stumble on such as where robotics seems to be at, or (through io9) Graham Storrs’ question, not as much “what IS science fiction?” but “what makes GOOD science fiction?” And David Malki’s piranhamoose card.
I unclogged the sink of hair and gelatinous goo last.
And on the day’s closing note. Don’t know about you, but every time the potty-bot screamed for its body, in my head I keep hearing Mrs. Buttle from Terry Gilliams’ film, Brazil, “What have you done with his body?!!” (although unfortunately I couldn’t find a youtube clip showing it).
Somehow, the funniest part came at the finishing note, with Klepp’s enormous glaring eye.
I wouldn’t say that. It cracked me up to see Mr. Zorilla again, and Nogg’s reaction to him.
If the video is accurate, it’s, well, thought-provoking. Can’t really manage to put into words the thoughts provoked when it’s this close to midnight, though.
The link to Storrs’s article gives me a malware warning. You wouldn’t know what that’s about, would you? (Mind you, I read it anyway through the Google cache)
I agree with Frank on that, Mr. Zorilla’s comment and Nogg’s reaction was perfect!
Funniest page ever !
Agreed, great page!
The first “what have you done with my body?!” made me laugh out loud. And I was at work.
You know, I haven’t been terribly fond of Emily (except for the humping of Dmitri’s bug-girlfriend). But today? I am in love. She can pause the breathless fighting to ask to put Pierrot on the phone to tease him. That’s my kinda chic. A girl’s gotta have her priorities.
On a side note: potty-bot stores the potty in his head? Ew.
Seeing Senor Zorilla and Choan got me thinking: Don’t they look similar? Is there a surprise ending in store, Senor Zorilla’s long lost sister or something?
I was having a monumentally screwed up day, and this page made me laugh so many times that I can’t help feeling better now. Thank you, Chris! You are a lifesaver.
Awwww…. thanks, everyone! 🙂
‘Don’t know about you, but every time the potty-bot screamed for its body, in my head I keep hearing Mrs. Buttle from Terry Gilliams’ film, Brazil, ”What have you done with his body?!!”’
Only enough so as to make me feel uneasy, without triggering the specific traumatic childhood movie-memory. Thanks for the reminder! Oh god!
Every time I went to the bathroom today, I couldn’t help but think of the potty bot. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy as I failed to contain my laughter.
If I end up wearing a straightjacket, I’m blaming it on you 🙂
I’m just loving this strip more and more. It’s great to see Martina coming into her own. I love the “I’m sweet and thoughtful and will defer to others’ opinions… unless something is happening that will hurt someone else… then, RAWR!” attitude.
\o/
They are just extensions of the idea we already have from Yuri’s Japan where they pamper you and clean you up after. These potty-bots are and end product of the idea. They are intelligent, persistent and are compatible with many species.
This really is totally nuts–there are at least two running jokes in each panel. Very good work!
“…estimated length of 3 years.”
*laughs in 2019* Hahahahaha!