Downer - I just don't get it

[Erratic K]

Downer is pretty good. I like it.

The first two episodes were good, but it has been slipping a little. The plot advancement is not focused and at a certain point you have to slow the introduction of new characters and places, and work out the plot you have. But I enjoy the art and the characters, and what has happened in the plot.

I'll throw a plot summary in this thread later, for those of you who don't see it.
I have to rummage up the magazines.

-E

 

[JoelF]

While I don't HATE Downer, I'm not all that fond of it either. Especially since they started shifting the scene to some cabal of bad guys that so far haven't interacted with Downer himself at all. I would much prefer that if they're going to stick with Downer, stick to what's going on with him. When new characters enter the story, let us know about them as Downer learns of them, we don't need cut-scenes.

Nodwick is great when it's related to the published adventures, but in dragon when it attempts to do a 1-2 page spread I find it very un-funny.

I love Zogonia, and by extension Mt. Zogon. I'd be happy if they found a comic which was as funny as Finneous Fingers was....that's still my pick for the all time best continuing story line gaming related comic. (KotDT is the best overall.)

Joel

 

[Piratecat]

I'm not accusing him of doing anythig illegal.

Of course not. But illegal and unethical are two different things, and implying that a conflict of interest is the only thing that keeps Downer in Dungeon Magazine doesn't seem to be fair unless you have proof of that. I have a lot of respect for Erik, and so I trust him to do what's best for the magazine - even if that means a comic by his own company gets dropped.

 

[francisca]

Of course not. But illegal and unethical are two different things, and implying that a conflict of interest is the only thing that keeps Downer in Dungeon Magazine doesn't seem to be fair unless you have proof of that. I have a lot of respect for Erik, and so I trust him to do what's best for the magazine - even if that means a comic by his own company gets dropped.

Of course illegal and unethical are two different things. Ethics are subjective. In my view, it isn't ethical for the editor to run a comic produced by a different company which he is a big part of. You can't tell me that doesn't make you raise an eyebrow.

If a manufacturer chose a supplier to provide widgets, and the supplier was also owned by the CEO of the manufacturer, I think suspicion would be raised. And that's exactly what this is. You say it's unfair to imply a conflict of interest without proof. However, suspicion must be first be raised, and questions asked to find such proof. You rarely start with proof.

So I'm asking: Hey Erik, what's the deal? How can you run a comic produced by another company you are big part of?

Now, as I said, I don't suspect that anything illegal is going on, and I assume that it's all above board, etc.. But, Dungeon publishing a comic produced by SuperUnicorn does raise the question.

Maybe it was the best option, or maybe Paizo got a great deal on the rights. Who knows? And for that matter, I really don't care. But don't expect me to not be suspicious in this case.

 

[tmaaas]

I don't even look at Downer any more. I think I made it throught the second issue...

 

[twistnack]

I rather like Downer. The art is a little jarring, but I got over that after the first few comics. By the looks of this thread I seem to be in the minority. Oh well.

 

[romp]

Personally I think that Downer's biggest flaw is the fact that it's trying to go so far with so little. I mean it LOOKS like an interesting story, but I get the feel that I've been dropped in the middle of it. (And yeah.. it is a very dark comic colors wise)

As for old comics I want to see come back, Wormy is definitely it.. but considering all I've read is that the creator dropped off the face of the earth and literally NO ONE seems to have clue 1 where to look for him I am sad to say you're not going to see anymore of them. (word is he vanished around the time he was supposed to be negotiating a compiled volume of Wormy.. so .. most likely none of that either)

Tramp's Wormy was a great comic, but only if you followed it every month, otherwise it was confusing. I got the CD collected Dragon just so I could read them all. Downer might make more sense if there were more of them, as someone said in a compiled version. Every time I read iot I feel as if I missed three strips in the sequence.

If he ever gets done flying those fighter jets, I would LOVE to see Finieous Fingers come back.

Now that would make me subscribe again.

 

[romp]

OotS would be the best option, Funny strip! Bruno the Bandit is a little odd sometimes but usually a fun read and it is in arcs that could be fit well into the magazine format.

just a thought...

 

[Vocenoctum]

Every time a thread where I have the chance, I mention my dislike of Downer.
I read the first bits, and it just doesn't click for me. It's like Big O, I kept thinking if I watched it, the plot would be explained and it'd all make sense... only it never did. FOr Downer, I don't even like it enough to try.

To add to the problem, the comic is TOO BIG. It's taking up way too many pages in a magazine hurting for space.

I like Mt Zogon, and I also liked Bow & Quiver. I prefer the small strips like that, where they can be inserted without dominating everything. I've read some Order of the Stick, and it's been okay, but too cliche for me.
8Bit would be nice, the adventure's of Black Mage.

 

[Olive]

Don't like Downer. Don't mind the art, but I have no idea what's going on.

I like Zogonia.