Webcomics: Something for Everyone

By: Mary Rakas

Bored? Looking for a new hobby? Can’t afford to start a new hobby? Look no further than your computer screen. I invite you to join the world of webcomics, where entertaining reads can be had for the low cost of zero dollars.

The webcomics medium is great because of its accessibility and low cost. There’s no need to hunt down back issues from multiple comic stores or pay ten times the value for a special issue that can only be found on Internet shopping services. Missed an issue in that webcomic series? Just look for an ‘archives’ section on the comic’s website to read past issues.

Don’t want to spend half your paycheck for a complete series or collection? You don’t have to with webcomics. Most web series do sell the comics in book format, as well as merchandise like t-shirts and plush figures. However, to simply read each issue as it’s released is usually free. If you do decide to make a purchase, you can at least try out the series before buying it.

I delved into the webcomics medium entirely by accident (or perhaps by fate). One day while goofing around on StumbleUpon, a comic called The Adventures of Dr. McNinja popped up. Being a fan of ninjas, I found the first comic and gave it a read. It was a good decision. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much out loud while reading. One issue has a clone of Ben Franklin doing the dance from Thriller.

Scrolling through the website for more information, I found a link to another series, Dinosaur Comics. I followed it. That, too, was a good decision. The series has the distinct feature of using the same six scenes in every single comic. It’s also distinctively funny. With an issue released just about every day for the past fourteen years, there’s no shortage of topics to read about. From random, awkward moments to stories based entirely on old sayings, to discussions of toast in the context of the relativist fallacy, the series has something for everyone.

Dr. McNinja creator Christopher Hastings and Dinosaur Comics creator Ryan North have also been writing comics for Marvel, including Deadpool and The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, respectively. Among other projects, Hastings and North have also authored the Adventure Time comic series.

The following is a list of other webcomics I’ve enjoyed, in no particular order.

DM of the Rings:

This is an oldie but a goodie created by Shamus Young. As the name implies, the story follows that of the Lord of the Rings, but in the form of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign. My favorite author is J.R.R. Tolkien and my favorite book is LOTR, so naturally I was easily drawn into the comic spoof. Sarcasm, confused campaigners, Monty Python references…what else could you ask for?

3 Wishes

Drawn and mostly written by John Mraz and first released in 2012, the comic started out as a three-panel page showing someone find a genie lamp. The holder of the lamp contends with genie Emerald to make his or her three wishes come true the precise way they are asked for. There has been a break in updates for over a year, but hopefully new pages will start up again. The story has become much deeper and more complex, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store. If you decide to give it a read, be careful what you wish for. Emerald is smarter than you, and she may or may not be bored.

Brawl in the Family

Hey gamers, this one is for you! Fans of the Super Smash Brothers video game series will especially enjoy this comic written and illustrated by Matthew Taranto. The series started in 2008 and ended last year. Nintendo’s Kirby character was the main focus in early issues, but the story evolved to include many other characters in Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Nintendo Wii. I found the Waluigi and the Captain Falcon story lines to be particularly hilarious.

The Line People Comics

Pop culture references abound in this comic drawn and written by Matthew Rakas (yes, there is a relation to this writer). The story follows two cops who, through luck and some shenanigans, obtain super powers and use them in their fight against crime. The characters are drawn entirely as stick figures, though the backgrounds and scenery have become more detailed. The plots are fairly straightforward, but the series is comedic and entirely family-friendly, making it a good choice for readers of all ages.

Enjoy reading!

admin
via The Nerd Machine

http://www.nerdhq.com/webcomics-something-for-everyone/