Scott Kurtz on Penny Arcade
Check out the latest Penny Arcade podcast, Downloadable Content.
The PA podcast is the only podcast I listen to. It’s basically about the 30 minutes that lead up to the script/plan for the comic they are working on. It’s really interesting to hear them go through the process that ultimately ends up in 3 panels on a strip–what ideas didn’t make it, what ideas almost made it, and why.
Plus, the two PA guys have an incredible rapport built up, and complimentary personalities. Jerry is a book-smart intellect and Mike is an everyman-artist. Because they aren’t the same person (rather the opposite) is part of what makes Penny Arcade so appealing and entertaining.
Anyway, the controversial Scott Kurtz from PvP is apparently featured on this podcast. Good stuff.
Turing Test Comics
I didn’t think that a topic such as Turing Tests would be good fodder for web comics, but I think I am uncovering a pattern (if 2 examples constitutes a pattern) that suggests otherwise. If you disagree, at least enjoy some fine comics:
I begin with the most recent example: Dinosaur Comics Turing Test. Tell me more about PHILLIP J. FRY.
Also, we have the classic Jerkcity Turing Test comic (comic link). I really think this is going to become a major trend: computer science jokes. After all, being awesome is one of the perks.
On a side note, I’ve created a logo for the beards over babies organization (see below). It could use some punching up, but hey I’m not a designer, I’m an idea man, baby!
Still available: Dinosaur Comics – Your Whole Family is Made Out of Meat. I’ve read through it a couple of times now, and I must say that it is hilarious stuff, perfect for bathroom reading. It’s only $15, just buy it! Everyone you know will one day be dead anyway!
Tristan A. Farnon
I was introduced to the writing/art of Tristan A. Farnon way back in my Junior year of college. Some guy in this chat room/game that I used to go on quite a lot introduced me to Leisuretown, which distracted me from my schoolwork for many hours. QA Confidential may be my favorite individual web comic of all time. It details an experience as a Q.A. tester at a software company (which I can only assume comes from Farnon’s personal experience).
Here are some panels (note that these are not children-friendly comics):
Somewhat of a recurring theme in Leisuretown: a self-loathing main character trying to function in a world of idiots. Here’s an example that makes me particularly happy, talking about coworkers who think their plays on words are clever, original, and relevant.
Here’s some panels from another favorite, The Javascript Doctor. A Javascript enthusiast struggles to create a useful forum in an Internet full of stupidity.
78,317 posts, what a busy bee! And this is the response he gets…
Tristan no longer updates Leisuretown, but does have a daily comic at Jerkcity, which seems a lot like Leisuretown, but in smaller doses:
Penny Arcade: The Game
It was only a matter of time until the premiere gaming/nerd comic became a game franchise itself. I look forward to Penny Arcade: The Game, and the eventual Penny Arcade: The Arcade Game, and of course the spinoff sprite comic, Penny Arcade: The Arcade Game: The Comic.
Speaking of Penny Arcade, they just finished up probably the longest serial that I can remember: Armadeaddon. It’s basically a series packed full of joke for long-time loyal readers. It features a lot of favorite peripherial characters: Annarchy, Jim, Frank, that one Mac guy with the goggles, and everyone’s favorite sentient juicer.
Buy my book!
