Maybe A Bounce House
Added 2018-05-29 23:51:43 +0000 UTC
This is the last regular comic for a lil' while. I'm posting some guest strips and bonus comics from Patreon for the next week or so while I rebuild my buffer from travel, and this felt like a good point to take a pause. Thank you for being my patrons!
Love your work, especially my new favorite pairing...
Please, take all the time you need, and we'll be here to happily receive.
Michael Altarriba
2018-06-02 21:48:56 +0000 UTC
Glad I randomly scrolled down just now, that was an enjoyable read.
Peter Jensen
2018-06-01 22:26:01 +0000 UTC
We've all wondered what it feels like to be Bubbles. This is my attempt to explore that question. Writing it gave me a lot of joy, and I hope you enjoy reading it. Most of all, though, I hope to honor the amazing work Jeph has done.
Thank you, Jeph.
<a href="http://hughgoesthere.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-faye.html" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://hughgoesthere.blogspot.com/2018/06/dear-faye.html</a>
Ol' Firebones
2018-06-01 20:49:24 +0000 UTC
Yeah, I ran across that one last week as I was compulsively reading the archives, and was delighted.
Ol' Firebones
2018-06-01 15:48:32 +0000 UTC
As I'm browsing through the archives, I came across this! <a href="http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2262" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2262</a> I doubt it was a hint dropped 6 years in advance but it was neat to see this moment!
Hannah K
2018-06-01 15:11:12 +0000 UTC
You think she's downcast in panel 3? I'd have said she was just thoughtful. "Screaming and confetti... no, that sounds unpleasant."
Diptych
2018-06-01 05:24:53 +0000 UTC
XD how's the fanfic coming?
Joshua Roberts
2018-06-01 02:36:15 +0000 UTC
Something just occurred to me. Do any of y'all remember "Smoove B" of The Onion fame? There's more than a little Smoove B in Bubbles.
Ol' Firebones
2018-05-31 17:43:05 +0000 UTC
As thrilled as I am by the whole sequence, I desperately want to see Bubbles' mood rebound. It seems to take a huge dive from panels 1 to 3. I hope her inner state is still pegged at panel 1's "happier than she ever expected to be in her life", and that her last facial expression is ironic. I just want to see her relaxed and happy with her friends.
I also guess that Pintsize is staying at the poker game until he knows it's safe to return. Can you picture Faybles entering the apartment with the air around them crackling with energy? Pintsize probably broke the sound barrier before the door closed.
Matt Grayson
2018-05-31 14:38:49 +0000 UTC
Can't wait to see if they preemptively nailed pintsize to the ceiling or if he has an updated Arbor Day banner.
2018-05-31 13:39:39 +0000 UTC
Jeph has always been pretty inclusive about people of all walks of life, and has been especially kind towards Claire, I feel. (Under his comics, he occasionally and infrequently writes an actual newspost about stuff, especially if it is something he is passionate about (see <a href="http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2323" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=2426" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">here</a> as notable examples)).
Oh, and welcome! Just be careful when paddling in the shipping lanes here :)
David Paul
2018-05-31 11:13:06 +0000 UTC
Just wanted to drop in and say that I was recommended this comic by some mutuals on Tumblr. And I've read through the entire archive in the past week (I don't have an obsessive personality at all why do you ask?).
I'm in love and started pledging $5 to support you! Just keep treating your queer characters like people and I'll continue to support you. :D
PS: I love you for including GNC and Trans spectrum people in your comic! And not just using the AIs for that! :D (As a genderfluid this means a lot to me)
2018-05-31 00:29:07 +0000 UTC
She probably still has some back at the library.
awgiedawgie
2018-05-30 22:47:10 +0000 UTC
It was first done by Claire.
Here: <a href="http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3466" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3466</a>
2018-05-30 22:26:44 +0000 UTC
I just noticed that gesture Faye is making in panel one. Has she ever done that before? It's *adorable*!
Ol' Firebones
2018-05-30 21:18:56 +0000 UTC
Probably a very long shot given that the webcomics that've won in the past were print collections of earlier material...
Olivia Irene
2018-05-30 20:44:54 +0000 UTC
*coughing* ao3.
Colin McBride
2018-05-30 18:52:27 +0000 UTC
So if someone wanted to post QC fanfic, is there a recommended place to do so? Asking for a friend. A 48-year-old white cishet dude who is obsessing over Bubbles and Faye. He's obviously got something going on, and he may be emotionally unstable. HE LIVES IN CANADA YOU WOULDN'T KNOW HIM STOP JUDGING ME
Ol' Firebones
2018-05-30 18:47:40 +0000 UTC
I'd just like to take this opportunity to say "thank you" for the many years of comics. They've brightened many days in their time. This story arc in particular has started my mornings with a smile for 4-5 weeks now. As someone who's very much *not* a morning person, it's been so weird!
Peter Jensen
2018-05-30 18:14:26 +0000 UTC
"During January-March each year members of the Worldcon are each allowed to nominate up to five people or works from the previous year in fifteen categories." Comic arcs have a category. Membership costs $50. This is a doable thing. <a href="http://www.worldcon76.org/hugos" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.worldcon76.org/hugos</a>
2018-05-30 17:54:55 +0000 UTC
I wonder if this arc could win a Hugo. The science fiction love story part is all mixed in with the other characters' affairs, but in retrospect this can be seen as a virtue. The world doesn't stop to watch while love stories go on, but flows right around them.
The old Masters: how well they understood
Its human position: how it takes place
While someone else is eating or opening a window or just walking dully along;
How, when the aged are reverently, passionately waiting
For the miraculous birth, there always must be
Children who did not specially want it to happen, skating
On a pond at the edge of the wood:
-- Auden
I think that when we get AIs, they will be more like crows, swarms of bees, or semi-animate novels than like Bubbles, but what Bubbles really does for us is show us that there are already people a little like that, on the edge of everything, existing between categories, serving their time. Now we know to go looking for them.
How do things get nominated for Hugos anyway?
2018-05-30 17:41:38 +0000 UTC
Jeph, thank you again. Your work means a fucking preposterous lot to me.
Ol' Firebones
2018-05-30 16:28:23 +0000 UTC
Faye blushes and Bubbles smiles, and I am grinning widely and all is right with the world.
Ol' Firebones
2018-05-30 16:24:23 +0000 UTC
HAHAHAH genuinely laughing out loud. :-D
Ol' Firebones
2018-05-30 15:34:47 +0000 UTC
Very nice. *throws confetti*
Lisa
2018-05-30 15:01:14 +0000 UTC
Now that is a meme worthy idea! ;)
Bruce Steinberg
2018-05-30 14:06:08 +0000 UTC
Just looking at panel 1 again. Anyone else agree that Bubbles would have been happy with Faye telling everyone that she's studying to be a clown so long as she confirmed 'Yes, we are a couple'?
Ben Russell-Gough
2018-05-30 11:27:05 +0000 UTC
At least you are taking the time to rebuild your buffer now, as opposed to, say, <a href="http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3743" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">somewhere around here</a>. That would likely have been the start of World War 3.
Take care of yourself in this time, Jeph!
David Paul
2018-05-30 11:14:51 +0000 UTC
All it would take is some slight modifications to the pizza delivery system...
David Paul
2018-05-30 11:06:14 +0000 UTC
Occasionally, you get little hints of just how much of an introvert Bubbles actually is. I think that her expression in panel 3 is one of those hints.
Ben Russell-Gough
2018-05-30 09:31:41 +0000 UTC
And somewhere in the distance, through all of the squeeing, a maniacal laughter of David Willis was echoing louder and louder.
Evgeniy Semyonov
2018-05-30 08:15:53 +0000 UTC
Oh, please! Just imagine what David Willis or Zach Weinersmith could do with the current story arc! Or even Danielle Corsetto!
The only sad thing is that we won't get an Oglaf guest strip, even PG-13. Don't know why, but I think it could be hilarious.
Evgeniy Semyonov
2018-05-30 08:12:54 +0000 UTC
Asking Bubbles permission to call them a 'couple' is the first time she's actually blushed in this arc!
Ben Russell-Gough
2018-05-30 06:20:29 +0000 UTC
Tai, the last time you needed confetti, you made it out of copier paper that you cut up. Don't start getting all professional party-girl on us and refusing to use home-crafted stuff anymore!
Anyway, I'm getting the feeling that Marten is going to have to face being the buffer between the new couple and their well-meaning but excitable friends. In other words, he's the straight man again. That does seem to be his fate, doesn't it?
Ben Russell-Gough
2018-05-30 06:14:52 +0000 UTC
Maybe have his beard get longer each time.
Thomas Reiske
2018-05-30 05:17:43 +0000 UTC
Happy Arbor Day!
Griffon
2018-05-30 05:12:29 +0000 UTC
If Hannelore has an precognitive abilities she'll probably signal Station to launch a confetti bomb.
Brent Catherman
2018-05-30 04:58:25 +0000 UTC
Just make it yourself, Tai
Bagge
2018-05-30 04:23:55 +0000 UTC
We know how much Tai loves her confetti.
awgiedawgie
2018-05-30 04:05:47 +0000 UTC
1 week of guest comics, with everyone starting with a frame of Steve eating cereal.
Richard
2018-05-30 03:56:38 +0000 UTC
My internal squeeing will have time to subside now. I ♥️ fayebles 4eva
Denise Webber
2018-05-30 02:38:09 +0000 UTC
Oh crap! We were supposed to be productive!?
Grace Kieser
2018-05-30 02:14:26 +0000 UTC
That Arbor Day was CRAZY!
Grace Kieser
2018-05-30 02:13:32 +0000 UTC
It's a good thing that the fourth wall is acoustically isolating. There's been a lot of Squee on this side for weeks. :D
Bruce Steinberg
2018-05-30 01:56:04 +0000 UTC
Ow, stubbed my toe really hard!
2018-05-30 01:53:14 +0000 UTC
Happy Birthday Grandma!
Unanimous D
2018-05-30 01:45:50 +0000 UTC
Haha, I’ve BEEN off! This break is to catch back up!
Jeph Jacques
2018-05-30 01:37:09 +0000 UTC
Dude, thanks so much for all this. It's been a shit-ass couple of weeks and QC has been a big help.
2018-05-30 01:35:26 +0000 UTC
Thank you, Jeph, for a lovely arc. Enjoy your well-deserved break!
And yes, this is an excellent place to pause. (Also, at least Faye and Bubbles aren’t directly experiencing the screaming and confetti all of the Faybles fans are using.)
Erin Hartshorn
2018-05-30 01:34:59 +0000 UTC
How about a series of comics with just Steve eating various types of cereal.. can be the same image, just need to change the cereal box.. :)
Zach Elwyn
2018-05-30 01:20:59 +0000 UTC
Yay! Now go be productive elsewhere XD
Kinda Squirrely
2018-05-30 01:20:09 +0000 UTC
Cheers, Jeph. This has been a masterpiece in storytelling and artistry, you've earned yourself a break.
2018-05-30 01:19:44 +0000 UTC
Oh, and DANG IT. Weekly cliffhanger is a day early! :P
2018-05-30 01:06:37 +0000 UTC
I'm fairly sure not. From what I've seen her army group (all dead) were the closest to family she had before she met Faye.
2018-05-30 01:05:34 +0000 UTC
Good point indeed. And thank you, Jeph.
A pause with guest artists right now will give US a chance to recover from the ship you gave us. HALF your patrons are lying down foaming at the mouth as I speak. :)
2018-05-30 01:02:00 +0000 UTC
But, but, but, but . . . WHAT ABOUT STEVE!??!? WHAT ABOUT THE CEREAL???!? YOU CAN'T LEAVE US HANGING LIKE THAT!!!!!!
Alex Borders
2018-05-30 00:59:18 +0000 UTC
Claire is being Responsible.
Diptych
2018-05-30 00:51:49 +0000 UTC
Not only is Faye adorable in panel 1, but Bubbles projects a lovely combination of "need you ask?" and "I'm so happy to be asked!"
Matt Grayson
2018-05-30 00:31:46 +0000 UTC
take care of yourself, we'll be ready to read when you're ready to post
Matt
2018-05-30 00:27:07 +0000 UTC
Just a brief message to say thank you - this whole story has been absolutely wonderful. Enjoy your break :)
2018-05-30 00:22:52 +0000 UTC
Perfect break point. My Squee filters need maintenance. :)
Joshua Roberts
2018-05-30 00:20:22 +0000 UTC
If you have to take care of yourself, I guess we'll let you. Rest, Recharge, and Kick Tail when you get back.
2018-05-30 00:19:03 +0000 UTC
Faybles interruptus
Populuxe
2018-05-30 00:18:46 +0000 UTC
Enjoy some time off. This comic's been ON FIRE lately. You earned it, sir.
Ray Cornwall
2018-05-30 00:18:28 +0000 UTC
Thank YOU, Jeph, for FREAKIN’ EVERYTHING.
Mandy Hoskins
2018-05-30 00:17:41 +0000 UTC
Paper shredders produce a passable substitute for ticker tape. Just saying.
They are going to have to build some office towers to toss it out of the windows of, though. Maybe just fireworks. Or a bonfire. Bonfires are good, particularly if there is dancing.
2018-05-30 00:16:02 +0000 UTC
Shipping the heck outta this story arc.
QC canon question: Does Bubbles have any family of her own? Faye mentioning her mom got me wondering about Bubbles.
2018-05-30 00:13:23 +0000 UTC
Or Brun's two potential love interests... possibly becoming interested in each other... I get I'm in the minority here but I ship it harder than Amazon.
gatherer818
2018-05-30 00:10:52 +0000 UTC
I'm about to have a sad week. Oh weel.
lilibat
2018-05-30 00:09:05 +0000 UTC
More Brun please?
ysth
2018-05-30 00:06:44 +0000 UTC
+1 on great place to stop. This has been a roller coaster of wonderful, and a breather to let it all just settle in is a grand idea.
Kaleb C2
2018-05-30 00:03:50 +0000 UTC
Faye in panel 1 is too cute. Far too cute.
bruitist
2018-05-30 00:03:27 +0000 UTC
Great place to stop. Thanks as always for QC, Jeph. It makes me happy.
Hugh Eckert
2018-05-30 00:02:34 +0000 UTC
Dammit Tai! Why don't you have confetti already in waiting...you have FAILED!!! And dang- take care of yourself Jeph, love to you and your wife. :)
Shawn K. Younkin
2018-05-30 00:02:29 +0000 UTC
Great time to take a well deserved break. Thank you for all you do sir.
Rick W
2018-05-30 00:02:22 +0000 UTC
Perfect note on which to pause! Thanks, Jeph.
Matt Grayson
2018-05-30 00:00:46 +0000 UTC
Thank you!
Jackie Meyer
2018-05-30 00:00:22 +0000 UTC
Very considerate of you, Claire. I can't deny I'm in the same boat, though.
Denizen Blue
2018-05-29 23:58:54 +0000 UTC
thank you for leaving us on such a high note! guest us up!
Boots McGoot
2018-05-29 23:58:35 +0000 UTC
Time to whip out the Arbor Day banner!
Jackson Bockus
2018-05-29 23:56:20 +0000 UTC
Thanks for picking such a pleasant place to take a pause, Jeph. All the best
2018-05-29 23:55:33 +0000 UTC
If Tai knew Pintsize better, she’d know that he keeps confetti around for random occasions. (Also for when Faye gets action. See <a href="http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1889)" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=1889)</a>
Mark P.
2018-05-29 23:55:01 +0000 UTC
Have a great week, Jeph. Thanks for all your hard work and thanks for Faybles. :)
Celine Chamberlin
2018-05-29 23:54:31 +0000 UTC
At least Claire *knows* she is a screaming hazard.
William Cole
2018-05-29 23:54:16 +0000 UTC
Thanks for the comics! Have a good break!!
Operation Brownie Pockets is a free game you play in real life
2018-05-29 23:54:11 +0000 UTC
Faye is so cute in the first panel. Reminds me of Claire basically looking the same way as she asked Marten if they could live together.
Will Weaver
2018-05-29 23:54:09 +0000 UTC