View Poll Results: What do you think about Erfworld after reading the first few pages?
- Voters
- 501. You may not vote on this poll
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I like it primarily because of the art style
163 32.53% -
I like it primarily because of the "childlike" aesthetic
65 12.97% -
I like it primarily because of the humor and/or dialogue
196 39.12% -
I like it primarily because the story/plot seems interesting
184 36.73% -
I don't like it primarily because of the art style
36 7.19% -
I don't like it primarily because of the "childlike" aesthetic
93 18.56% -
I don't like it primarily because of the humor and/or dialogue
80 15.97% -
I don't like it primarily because the story/plot seems boring/confusing/bad
99 19.76% -
I will continue reading it regularly (as long as nothing changes for the worse).
253 50.50% -
I will check it out from time to time, when I remember or OOTS is late
153 30.54% -
I will not continue reading it at all.
28 5.59%
Thread: First Impressions
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2006-12-15, 10:01 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: First Impressions
I really like the quality of the artwork. The style is not my favorite, but it probably will be less distracting with time. The 'w is the new r' speech-motif is off-putting to me, as are 'croakomancers' et al. They both feel like contrived silliness, whereas I prefer silliness that comes off as more organic. The dialogue of OotS often comes across as 'the player says this in character, forgetting s/he is speaking in character', which is a funny break of the 4th wall for me. By comparison, the dialogue of Erfworld thus far comes across as 'the player says this in character, thinking it'll be funny to make the characters talk like this'. Thus far, the latter approach is rather scattershot in its success. Finally, jokes that take two or three strips to develop worked well when we got 6 strips in one go; they'll be a much tougher sell with, IMO, smaller returns if we have to wait 5 days to get a joke. I put myself in the 'I'll check it from time to time' category.
edit: Realized why the plot felt familiar: one of the vignettes from the original Heavy Metal movie had a plot that felt very similar, to this point.Last edited by Amphetryon; 2006-12-16 at 01:56 PM.
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2006-12-15, 11:59 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Jun 2006
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- Marlinspike
Re: First Impressions
Ok, I read it aloud. My co-workers are looking at me funny now...
Now, please explain how you feel justified in showing disdain for those of us who shared our thoughts, but felt that it sucked? The question was given, many answered, yet you felt the need to be antagonistic? Is there any particular reason for this?
My issue is twofold:
1) People posting negative feedback in a rude, arrogant and unconstructive fashion.
2) People being too self absorbed to realize that just because they don't like it, doesn't mean that nobody else likes it.
EDIT> In the future I will endeavour to not let myself become baited by other's veiled attacks ('huge egos', 'arrogant' (where I come from, telling someone they have a huge ego, or that they are arrogant is considered offensive))
Actually, you did say "Just my 2 cents worth." and you said "I realize humour is subjective".... but then you appeared to contradict yourself by saying "but I can find just about anything funny. This strip lacks humour, in a large way."
Maybe I read something into this comment other than what you intended, but it sounds like you are saying:
"I can find anything funny, and I don't find this funny, therefore I can conclude that this comic is not funny as a factual statement rather than an opinion"
The fact that you said "but" after "I realize humour is subjective", gramatically implies that in this case, you believe this is not a subjective observation.
Anyway, my comment to your thread was "don't hold your breath". My attacks on large egos was a different thread.
Realistically though... people should be observant enough to notice that the poll shows that people who dislike the comic are a minority. A fairly big minority, but a minority none the less.
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2006-12-15, 12:19 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Nov 2006
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- Toronto Canada
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Re: First Impressions
I hope you don't work out in the open, people will assume you are talking to yourself and call HR in, giving you an overly long Xmess vacation.
The only issue I have with what you wrote is the following -My issue is twofold:
1) People posting negative feedback in a rude, arrogant and unconstructive fashion.
2) People being too self absorbed to realize that just because they don't like it, doesn't mean that nobody else likes it.
Referring to people as being self absorbed, is also baiting (I won't bite, I've learned my lesson, believe me!). Nobody who has posted negatively about the strip is obtuse enough to believe that nobody likes it. The numbers of the poll and the actual posts speak for themselves. If someone says "I hate it, it will never last" they are not necessarily discounting the opinions of the people who actually do like it. They are merely voicing their personal opinion on the topic, as self absorbed and arrogant as that may seem. It was, after all, the purpose of this entire thread.
Now, after having read many posts here, and having talked at length with certain people, I have come to the conclusion that the average IQ of this board is significantly higher than most boards. That being said, perhaps we can collaberate on something useful, like another use for a d12, instead of spinning our wheels about this? :)
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2006-12-15, 02:50 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Jun 2005
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- Newfoundland
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Re: First Impressions
I think I'm too late to vote, but I'm not impressed thus far (strip 8). The background art is actually my favourite part of it; the character art is not my cup of tea. Ridiculously big swords, even bigger heads, and a definite pop-anime influence on the facial expressions and hand renderings. The colouring is nice, on the plus side.
As far as the story goes, it's caught my interest, and I like the "ultimate commander" divination idea. I could get into the characters, except for one thing...
The dialogue.
The dialogue absolutely kills it for me. "Lookamancers"? "Findamancers"? I guess the authors thought this was a cute take on the dialect, but I just find it annoying. Speaking of annoying, I HATE this apparently toddler-inspired tendency to replace Rs with Ws and Ls with Rs. Speech impediment =/= humour.
Actually, nothing in this comic so far has equated to humour for me. I haven't laughed. I know it was said that the humour was more spaced out, but it's been 8 strips now.
I'll probably tune in, just to see where the story goes.
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2006-12-15, 05:33 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Apr 2005
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- Chicago, Illinois
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Re: First Impressions
Just to play devil's advocate, since I do like the comic (though I've got to admit the 'w's are a little offsetting), on the opposite end of the spectrum you have Firefly. Firefly was amazing, possibly the best show I've ever seen, and yet it was off the air in less than a standard season. Weird things happen, and things can keep going or stop abruptly because of or despite the wishes of individuals. I like it, but I think I'd enjoy it a lot more without the excessive 'w's. Unfortunately, I think it's a bit late for the author to change that. Of course, there might actually be a logical reason for it rather, than it just being flavor, and I'd like that. But if there isn't really any point to it, then there just isn't a point to it.
Awesome avatar by potatocubed.
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2006-12-15, 09:48 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Jul 2006
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- Loving the questions
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Re: First Impressions
No. I do NOT like Erfworld. It is a waste of pixels. The plot line looks like a cheasy remake of some bad video game. The art is good, but unpleasing. OoTs is MUCH better.
"You tied your wings on tightly but they always come undone"
~ ClumsyMonkey, Montreal
Beautiful red panda avatar by Eldar Tsufo!
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2006-12-15, 10:23 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Dec 2006
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- i live in.oh look KITTENS
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Re: First Impressions
So far i say that its pretty good its not OOTS but i like it anyway thing is we jsut dont know the full plot and story yet so once tahts in i will know for sure...weitehr i love it or hate it im not sure
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2006-12-16, 12:50 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Mar 2006
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Re: First Impressions
I'm very glad that the authors are thick-skinned. I know that I probably would have quit in the face of so much criticism!
Again, I really like the artwork. I'm not familiar with turn-based fantasy games but I am hoping that I will be able to continue reading the comic despite that. That and the "w for r" issue bothers me a bit.
This is not OotS. The authors have said it is more of a graphic novel format than a joke-a-strip format and I'm fine with that. I don't know if I would be reading it if it wasn't on GiantITP even though I do read other comics with as good or better artwork that deals with source material that I'm not familiar with (WTF Comics comes to mind).
So I'm still willing to give it a chance. Rich Burlew has good taste and I don't think that he would have agreed to host this particular comic if he didn't think it was any good.
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2006-12-16, 01:12 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: First Impressions
Holy K-Wrap. Rob and Jamie- Asa reader and writer of sci fi/fantacy and conessour of graphic novels and avid reader of online strips-
This is a very cool project.
I would like to see these negatroids disrespecting attempt anything creative. The Story line in AZM wasn't that interesting for me, but I read it for the art. That creativity was interesting enough to keep me going back. Now, there are some things, like Garfield where there is no creativity, no plot no nothin', but instead of Calling Jim Davis a no talent hack, I just don't read it.
I challenge all the negators on here to go work to create something. Anything. Write, draw, whatever. Just to develop your compassion for the artist.
And if you still aren't happy with erfworld, I am sure Rob and Jamie will refund the cost of admission.
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2006-12-16, 03:17 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Jun 2005
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2006-12-16, 11:31 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Dec 2006
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- Maryland
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Re: First Impressions
Ah, thank you for the compliment. The AZM comic is/was sort of my testing ground for a few things art wise. Hopefully, if you compare AZM and Erfworld you'll be able to tell that I'm using a lot of what I worked out in AZM in Erfworld.
I hear that Jim Davis doesn't even draw his comic anymore. I appreciate the compliment and I too have tired of Garfield, but you can't deny that he's got staying power. And he's created a brand that has stood the test of time with merchandising and even those silly movies. Gotta give credit where credit's due.Jamie Noguchi, artist and co-creator of Erfworld and evil monkey responsible for Angry Zen Master.
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2006-12-16, 01:02 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2006
Re: First Impressions
Elvis(h) Titans and OverLord1 won me, but why the hell does the villain look like Eminem?
"Stan" ? :)
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2006-12-16, 02:50 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Nov 2006
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- North Carolina
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Re: First Impressions
My main problem with the comic is that head size is very inconsistant. In panel three of page seven, Jillian's head is huge, and in the last panels of page eight, it's much smaller.
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2006-12-16, 03:03 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Jun 2006
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2006-12-17, 02:44 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Feb 2006
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- Algarve (The West)
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Re: First Impressions
I like Erfworld but that was brilliant.
I hope this is not interpreted as a flame. This thread is sort of a cultural shock for me, I never expected people to voice so strongly and in such depth their dislike for the comic. Not only that, that they would feel so passionate about not liking it, that they would follow the thread and argue about it. Quite an achievement for the authors of the strip, they already have "haters". There are some likers, but no real lovers yet.
I'm one of the likers but i don't feel yet the urge for such a passionate stance. I'm in waiting mode.
As long as the authors of the strip don't give up because of that, I hope people keep pouring that kind of comments. If something is good it must give rise to strong opinions, either for or against it. And some of the negative criticisms fascinate me.Avatar: ruthless Parson (Erfworld).
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2006-12-18, 06:41 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Jun 2006
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- Ohio
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Re: First Impressions
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2006-12-18, 10:42 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Dec 2006
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- beeeeeeeeeeeeep!
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Re: First Impressions
I like Jillian, but hate Wanda.
Spoiler
*
*
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2006-12-19, 04:08 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Nov 2005
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- california
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Re: First Impressions
first time reading it at all.. I got through about 5 before I decided I didn't even care what happened next.. it's somewhat confusing and not that funny
2cents
I'll just stick to the order <3
pass on this comicthis post has been brought to you by divine intervention
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2006-12-19, 09:09 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Dec 2006
Re: First Impressions
I registered simply to say that I'm enjoying it so far. I only check in with three webcomics, and assuming the writing is continues to be worthwhile, I'll probably make this the fourth.
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2006-12-19, 09:24 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Jul 2005
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Re: First Impressions
My bet is that either this comic is going to develop into a fascinating thrill of a ride... or a slow-motion train wreck (or would that be twain weck?).
Either way, it has my interest.
On, and to everyone who keep saying "it's no OotS", I have something to say to you: "Thank you, Captains Obvious, I would have never guessed!"
(I know, I know, people were saying that more as an emphasis of their feeling, but still...)1. Have fun. It's only a game.
2. The GM has the final say. Everyone else is just a guest.
3. The game is for the players. A proper host entertains one's guests.
4. Everyone is allowed an opinion. Some games are not as cool as they seem.
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2006-12-19, 09:30 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Aug 2006
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Re: First Impressions
Well, let's see.
Things I like: some of the jokes were good. "I can taste key lime pie." was great, the text-messaging book was cool, walnuts to pigeons was funny. the 'mancer thing is cute/funny, too. Much of the background art is very good.
Things I don't like: the "almost" anime/manga style of the characters against the quite realistic backgrounds is very jarring for me. Page three is a perfect example ... that goofy-looking "dwagon" over some really nice scenery. Dwagon, gwiffon, gobwin ... yuk, the baby-speak is hugely distracting to me.
I plan to keep reading, but only because it's here on GitP ... I wouldn't have bookmarked this on it's own strengths.
For me, the strength of a webcomic is the writing, not the art. So far, I'm just not sure about Erfworld's writing ... the cutesy-speak is still distracting me.
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2006-12-19, 11:36 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2006
Re: First Impressions
---------------------------------------------------
The Black Shield Transforms! - from Beyond Myria campaign
Wolvun avatar by kind courtesy of Kain_Tempest.
Spoiler
Requiescat in pace: the "Sweet Hat Bro" bird.
Can nothing survive the jaws of THE BEAST? Even the innocent cute and fluffy?
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2006-12-19, 12:38 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Dec 2006
Re: First Impressions
Voice of Mod - Not gonna play with the sock puppets. Get on under your real name if you have something to say.
Last edited by pclips; 2006-12-19 at 02:19 PM. Reason: Posted the text of my PM - will discuss in infraction thread
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2006-12-19, 01:22 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Feb 2006
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- Leeds, UK
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Re: First Impressions
LR33 and myself really don't like what we've seen of Erfworld. I'm not slating it - I think that a lot of people who read OOTS are simply the wrong audience.
I think a lot of comics are more about artwork than writing, including Erfworld - and while we both appreciate that the artwork is skilled, it's really, incredibly just not my thing. I only read comics for the writing and humour, and I don't think this writer uses words to their full effect.
Perhaps people who started reading OOTS because they were D&D nerds will appreciate Erfworld less than those who started reading it because they were comic nerds?
Don't flame me! I'm insulting neither group! It's just a theory..."Why do we need another cleric?"
"Oh, for when that one explodes."
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2006-12-19, 01:42 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Dec 2005
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Re: First Impressions
So far there's nothing I really like or hate about the comic. I'll just wait a month or so before making a judgement.
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2006-12-19, 02:02 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2006
Re: First Impressions
I think that this is a rather inauspicious time to start the comic. You're trying to get people hooked in to reading this story on the same page that Rich has hanging on the edge of our seat with what I can say is one of the tensest point in the story. I love Erfworld, but even with that, when I came here on any of the MWF and saw that OOTS was late I was still like " Oh. Well, I guess I can go read Erfworld." So people who are already indifferent are going to use Erfworld as a scapegoat for oots's lateness. I still love erfworld.
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2006-12-19, 09:36 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: First Impressions
Hmh, long time OOTS reader (and long time Erfworld reader, I suppose in the sense that I've been reading it as long as it's existed ), and I felt compelled upon reading Erfworld to register and voice my opinion. I really think Erfworld, thus far, is pretty darn cool. The artwork, in short, is phenomenal. Indeed, I nearly selected the art style on the poll as my primary reason for enjoying the comic. I can understand that many people are offput somewhat by the aesthetic, and I agree that it is rooted primarily in contemporary artistic visual themes. However, the work itself is good enough that it rises above cliche, transcending the cramped throng of anime/saturday morning cartoon throwbacks to deliver something that I find refreshing in a familiar sense. A new twist on a style that has aged quickly due to oversaturation. Kinda cell shaded looking. Really quite wonderful.
Thus far it's more about the characters and dialogue for me. After comparing the first 9 pages of Erfworld with the first 9 pages of OOTS, I see infinitely more depth of story telling, more attention to the crafting of a tale in the former, rather than the focus on gagaminute (a word I believe I may have just made up) self contained strips of the latter. Whilst OOTS did develop into a character driven comic, as is evident primarily for me with the Azure City story arc (although it can't be argued that deeper characterisation had been building for some time, that was the first part that I really felt that the comic allowed them to propel the reader's interest of their own accord), Erfworld already is well on it's way to developing the kind of characters you either love or love to hate. Which is difficult for a comic still in it's infancy. Because people don't yet know why they should care. With OOTS, the reason was simple, people cared for Elan (for example) because he was the one that made them laugh so long ago with "bluff the stupid ogre", it seemed that he was finally developing a personality beyond 'archetypal bard'. Erfworld already features characters that are larger than the archetypes they represent, now all it needs is time for people to realise *why* they should care about them.
To be perfectly honest, I have found that for me, the first 9 pages of Erfworld far surpass the first 9 pages of OOTS. If the current incarnation of OOTS is anything to go by, I believe that Erfworld will, with time, supplant it as my (as well as many others) primary reason for visiting this site.
Bravo to the authors, and may your (no doubt soon to be huge) readership find their own reasons for liking Erfworld before too long!
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2006-12-20, 04:03 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Jul 2006
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Re: First Impressions
I should preface my first impression with two comments.
One, I read PartiallyClips daily (or at least, check it every day).
Two, I'm a joyless elitist (at least, most of the time).
I'm personally disliking it so far. The spelling changes (gwiffon, dwagon, gobwin) annoy me as a fan of proper spelling and a hater of children. References to things like "ORLY?" annoy me more than they make me laugh. The idiot overlord stereotype annoys me. The art is decent; I wouldn't call it good, but I wouldn't call it bad. The sense of humor tends to not be the sort I enjoy, which strikes me as odd given my enjoyment of PartiallyClips.
That said, I'll keep reading Erfworld. I don't know how long that'll last, but I'll give it a chance.
Erfworld already features characters that are larger than the archetypes they represent, now all it needs is time for people to realise *why* they should care about them.
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2006-12-20, 09:18 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: First Impressions
No, I don't think I'll be following Erfworld anytime soon.
As much as I like the artwork, I just can't get past the writing. Many have commented thus far on the replacement of "l" and "r" in words and the contrived names for magicians and objects, so I won't say more about that other than that I find it extremely annoying, and no matter how hard I try to ignore it, I can't get past it. Apart from that, the dialog itself is stilted and poorly paced. This in itself detracts from the overall comic, but paired with the cutsey-ness factor, it hamstrings the entire effort.
Erfworld frustrates me in the same sense that Joss Weedon's Firefly frustrated me. From what I've seen so far, it should be so much better than it is. But it isn't and doesn't seem to be developing anytime soon.
Sorry guys. Maybe I'll check it out every couple of weeks/months (since the strip definitely reads better in large chunks, but only slightly) if I have the time, but you've lost me here.
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2006-12-20, 09:59 AM (ISO 8601)
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- Dec 2005
- Location
- York, England
Re: First Impressions
I wan't to enjoy it, but I don't think I do. The art is gorgeous, and I don't have a problem with the slow burn model of storytelling (I read Brian Michael Bendis comics ). But the "baby talk" and meme jokes are just incredibly jarring to me - I actually find myself wincing and having to return to the page later. That's not a good sign for my prolonged enjoyment, though I'm going to take a look now and again and see whether any changes have occured.
"They say we wizards are subtle. But believe you me, we've got nothing, nothing at all on women" - Harry Dresden, Storm Front
A thousand and one blessings on the house of Ishukira for the Illuminated One avatar.