Issue 236 Reviews

[Belle]

Article Review

Jobs You Should Never Do by pikachu_tamer

I liked your article. ^^ First of all, you included a lot of details. You don't come across articles this detailed that much anymore. Kind of sad, really.

Because of this, the article did become a little long but I have nothing against long articles (especially since I enjoyed reading this one). I love your explanations as to why we shouldn't choose this or that job because they're funny (not the I'm-trying-to-be-funny-so-laugh kind - you're just naturally funny, I guess ). And, the play on words! ^^ A carpenter and shelving the idea, an archaeologist with a career "in ruins". I loved those.

Anyway, keep it up! Looking forward to seeing future works from you.

[bag]

nikki said:

Eeek, My article Twenty Terrifying Items of which to Beware was mentioned on the news page That's a first ^^ Well, I'll get to reviewing, I promise ^^ But any reviews for it would be appreciated.

A REVIEW FOR YOU11one1!


Good! Reminded me of my "Advent Calendar Prizes You Won't Recieve" article. I think the conclusion was a bit weak, but it was still very nice as a whole.

[nikki]

Good! Reminded me of my "Advent Calendar Prizes You Won't Recieve" article. I think the conclusion was a bit weak, but it was still very nice as a whole.

Thanks. ^^ I went back and read over it after the issue came out, and I agree that the conclusion could have been much better. I'll work on that.

[Psycho]

I've updated my first post with more reviews ^^

[Strife]

A Whackable Guide to Splat-a-Sloth by silent_snow

Since this is an anti-Sloth article, most people would expect a Slothite like me to delve into a state of blinding rage. However, I really got a kick out of reading this article. ^^ It's not too complex and has some humorous remarks, such as the part about Swhackmore University.

This gives me an idea for a possible article next issue... provided I can contact the author of this article for their permission.

[Deleted]

Well, um, I give up on trying to get reviews on my series, because obviously no one's paid attention to it. So, if you want to review it, that's fine, but you don't have to anymore because I'm not asking.

*might do some reviews of her own soon, though*

[Psycho]

strife said:

A Whackable Guide to Splat-a-Sloth by silent_snow

Since this is an anti-Sloth article, most people would expect a Slothite like me to delve into a state of blinding rage. However, I really got a kick out of reading this article. ^^ It's not too complex and has some humorous remarks, such as the part about Swhackmore University.

This gives me an idea for a possible article next issue... provided I can contact the author of this article for their permission.

Hahaha, I agree! This was a most entertaining article Hahaha... It really didn't have much of anything to do with playing the actual game... but I kept reading anyway. !LOL! It was REALLY entertaining

[Huntress]

Maybe I can find the time for some reviews this week... though I had mah first highschool final today and the last days at school are coming up. But I'll try my best. One way or another, all comments on my Something Has Happened collab with Tdyans and the second part of my Shad and Saura series are very much appreciated ^^ And thanks to Tashni for the review :3

[Komori]

Oh ho. I really really really need to work on my animation homework. Time for reviews!! ;D

... And thanks for putting up my name on the request list already. ^^ Groovy!

Something Has Happened

;D Super cute! I like this comic. Let's see, I guess I'll divide this review into joke and art:

Joke. I think it was a pretty cute joke. It was quite original. I've never seen anyone make a comic based on that particular random event. And I like the twist at the end. I always thought that grarrl was muttering about plot wars, not his own little war in his head. I thought that was pretty clever. The cause for his little rivalry war was a little weak, though. Don't get me wrong. It was still humorous to see the grarrl muttering about war over a little thing his friends did, but maybe something else could've caused it. I don't know what. Maybe something pertaining more to that particular grarrl and his personality, not just that he's grumpy about coffee, since no reader ever thought about a grarrl's coffee. ... Okay, I guess that doesn't make much sense, huh? Forget I said anything, then. XP I still think it's a great joke.

Art. I always love the expressions, and the grarrl's body posture was so perfect! Heehee, his little balled fists, so cute! Especially the second panel, his back turned to Shad and Saura as he stomps off, it's got a really nice pacing. I also like all the detail you put in the background, with all those little pets off to the side. But my complaint about those pets is that they are directly in between Shad and Saura's line of vision. You have that panel where they're looking at each other, but those pets interrupt the line of vision. I mean, I know they're in the background, but it almost appears like Shad and Saura are looking at the pets. ... If that makes sense. Oh, and that blue building in the background is a tad distracting. It probably should've been desaturated a bit, or made into that same stone color as the other building. But otherwise, I love it! :3

Great comic, guys!

The Happiest Quiggle

Gleee. These comics always make me smile, if only for that quiggle's fixed grin. It's so utterly rediculous how happy he is! Reminds me of Curious George, actually. ;D Geez, everyone in this comic is so happy!

I like how you reexplained Quiggler's situation in the first panel in a bit of simple dialogue. It reminded the audience of the previous comic, and provided enough info for new readers to understand the rest of the comic. And I really love the details in your background, like actually drawing every bamboo pole in Quiggler's bed. ... And drawing AND shading every last little islandberry cereal bit. X3 Squee.

The pacing and dialogue of this joke was really spot-on. My favorite is that pause panel after the faerie tries to cast her spell. She's just staring at Quiggler, and he's staring up at her, with the same expression on his face. And her hands are still raised in her spellcasting mode. Then she just sends them off on their way, not really understanding what's going on, but oh well. Oh man, it's just too priceless.

I can't really think of anything wrong with this comic, so I'll try and be really picky...... Um. I guess I'm not so fond with the Faerie's spellwords. They don't sound spell-ish enough. ... Um. Shame on you! ;D

Notions and Nonsense - Lemonade Stand

Oh man. I guess I'm slow. It took me a couple of reads to understand the joke. Maybe I was thrown off by the intro text before the comic, that part about sugar. I was kinda' wondering where the cost-extra sugar came into play. XP Heh. Now that I actually get it, it's a pretty cute joke. Typical of the oldschool jokebook jokes that N & N are pretty famous for. I like this one, because it didn't have a groaner pun in it.

Artwise, I like the expressions on the characters, and the lemonade stand has that cute colored lettering that you expect from every stand of this type. I think that the lineart could probably be more uniform. In the first panel, the usul has a thick dark outline around her, yet none of the rest of the objects and characters has that sort of outline. And in the second panel, the usul loses that dark outline for one a bit thinner and fuzzier. Though, I understand how difficult it can be if you're using a simple program like Paint or Oekaki, with a mouse. That's hard stuff, and I applaud all the effort you put into the comic.

[Star]

Could someone please review Invisible? I love my custom pic!

[Psycho]

star said:

Could someone please review Invisible? I love my custom pic!

I <3 your custom pic too! Check my first post for your review, Star

[Tashni]

Thank you very much for the review, Psycho. (It took me a moment to figure out who you are.) I'm so happy you liked it. I think it's really a step up from the first "Orbulon" story, so it's nice to hear other people say so! (Write so. Whatever.) And yes, I do have good editors. ^_^

[Nimras]

It's pretty late right now so I'm just doing articles tonight. Hopefully I'll get short stories done tomorow. *grin*

Articles:

Twenty Terrifying Items of which to Beware by lassie_nikki
Wow, 5 issues in a row for Nikki. Impressive, considering they all seem to be articles. Number 14 makes me hungry… Marshmallows... This is one of the few articles that I would actually advise having the pictures in; because I wasn’t familiar with all the items being listed. Some of them had great descriptions that helped me picture it, but some others I had to look up. Kind of distracting when you’re trying to read a long article. Number five’s description made me laugh, “Number five is the one and only Hammer of DEATH. What a straightforward name!” Hee!

16 Summer Treats by lady_wart
Continuing in our list article menagerie, food. This probably wasn’t the best article for me to read while waiting for dinner. Oops. A cute listing of foods that sound really good (that may just be my hunger talking though) but it didn’t really contain a lot of new or imaginative information on the foods in question that you couldn’t pick up from their descriptions already. Many of them had price information, which could be handy if you were starting a summer themed gallery of some sort though. Now I want lemon yoghurt though.

Now, How About Recycling That Tin Can? by dragon_challenger
A very well thought out idea, and a very well written essay. I know my pets would volunteer to work at a Neopian recycling center, and maybe then those 1NP items would start being worth something if you did decided to sell them. *grin* The chance of having a random stat increase is always a nice incentive too.

Neogardens for Those with a Sinister Side and Site by jaezunapthenoz
“So here are some tips on how to get started and make your garden the envy, or terror, of everyone on your block.” Better Homes and Gardens needs to write an article that has this line in an opening paragraph. *grin* This article is doubly amusing to me right now because I’m doing yard work a lot right now. The dry humor and funny tip match the point of this article perfectly. “Better Groans and Gardens” *dies*

Advanced Hubrid's Hero Heist by mcdrexel
First game guide of the issue. I was wondering where they’d gone. *grin* This is a game I used to play, but haven’t for awhile so any brush up is a good brush up for me. The point about loosing a round on purpose in order to gain more points in the end is a good one, though I do wish it went a little more in detail about which of the levels would be the most profitable.

The Neopian Review: A Guide to Fine Dining by phsycoticdancer
Ah, Neopia’s two restaurants… and none of them family restaurants. *grin* Someone invent Arby’s! The imaginative descriptions of the restaurant experiences and the food were beautifully done. The detail of where the food for each restaurant gets it’s food and how it’s preserved is a nice touch too. About the only thing I’d have liked to see added was a comparison of cost converted into Neopoints. But with doubloons exchange rates always fluxuating I can understand why it was left out.

The Forgotten Collectable: Neodeck Cards by whydidukilltwinkle
Oh, another Neocard article this week. Good, someone buy my Skarl’s Orders TCG Even though it’s a list article, I like most of the reasons given… except for the dreaded, “9. Oh man… I did say 10 reasons right… I wonder if I can ramble here and no one will notice I really only had 9 reasons.” Especially since the 10th reason was added down below as an authors note.

The Vegetation Revolution: Hidden Tower by mazoku_kuiin
Battledome veggies unite! A nice introduction to the vegetable weapons both current and retired. While I personally would have liked to see some comparisons as to how much damage they all did (can you tell I’m thinking about upgrading Fire’s arsenal?) it is a nice overview and amusing as well. Fear the Carrots.

Shopkeeping 101 by streamergurl
A nice article on (mostly) how to advertise your shop well. Including the pets was a nice change, though sometimes it took me a second to figure who was speaking when. It’s too bad I can’t really leave one of my pets working all day while I’m going to shop for bargains for me to resell at profit. *dreams*

Jobs You Should Never Do by pikachu_tamer
I actually wouldn’t mind doing all but one of those jobs. The puns at the end of each job description’s wrap up made me grin though – those were a nice touch. Though a glaring typo “If you have no musical talent, don’t ever apply to be a guitarist for na upcoming band at the Tyrannian Concert Hall.” caught my attention.

Our Friend the Neopoint by parmadur
Economics 101 all over again, and I’m having severe flashbacks to Mr. Wolfe right now. For me this was a very basic review, and not really all that informative. But I’ve had a lot more college classes than most Neopians, so I’m sure this helped a lot of people with the concept of NP. *grin* It’s nice to find a technical, non-game article on something that’s as practical outside Neopia as it is within.

A Whackable Guide to Splat-a-Sloth by silent_snow
And the last article of this issue is another game guide to a game I’m really bad at. Either they’re reading my mind, or I’m bad at a lot of games. I’m afraid the second on is more likely. Not exactly full of technical detail or real strategy, it’s still an amusing piece with background information and silly tricks like protecting yourself from brainwashing by wearing Sloth Socks.

[peri]

Spooky - Can I just say, I've been waiting for a new one? I really have fallen in love with this series and the expressions of the characters. I think the Baby Lupe holding his Magax plushie in the second frame is precious. And Tombstones reaching through the door with chat speak is so funny (and I've received nms like that ). Very cute and funny! I even love the little detailed houses in the last frame. Can't wait for the next one!

Something Has Happened - heehee This one made me laugh I get that random and always wondered what he was grumbling about Great job!

The Happiest Quiggle - I think it's this Quiggle's smile that was actually contagious. Just looking at that smiling face made me smile. He's sooo adorable! Love that "hoochie coochie" flying off him in the second frame. I think the overall joke is funny too. The Quiggle's look from frame 4 to 5 is priceless. I'm reading it again to review it and it's still makes me smile and giggle! I will need to bookmark this one in case I ever need a pick-me-up

Trigger Happy - I don't think this was up for review yet, but just wanted to say that this made me laugh. It's very copy and paste, but the Meerca's big eyes in the last frame was perfect for the punchline.

[Nut]

Squee! So many reviews! ;D *glomps you wonderful reviewers* Yay, you guys know how to make an artist feel that seven hours of working on a comic was worthwhile. ^_^ I must return some reviews to this thread to pay it back for this.

ladyariel32 said:

Comic Review

[/u]The Happiest Quiggle by nut862

ROFFLE! XD Nut, this is awesome! I love, love, love how you drew the Healing Springs Faerie! And, that's not just because I'm a Water Faerie. *wiggles eyebrows* That part where she's casting a spell in gibberish totally reminded me of, well, me. XD And, that scene in the tub where Quiggler's spots are floating in the water was so cute. [/quote]
*superglomp* ^^ Thank you, Belle! I was pretty pleased with how that faerie turned out. ^^ She needs some more recognition, especially now that she's so pretty after the revamp. Really, though, since when have you bothered with saying spells? I always saw your transformations as sort of an instantaneous "think-and-it-is-done" type of action. n;) At least, that's how it feels to the one on the recieving end of it. XD Oh, and that scene with Quiggler's floating spots is my personal favorite panel of the comic--so, thank you for appreciating it. XD

phsycoticdancer said:

The Happiest Quiggle

Adorable. I love it when artists use continuing plots! The facial expressions on the Quiggle were priceless - especially on Frame 5 I also liked seeing the Healing Fountain being used as something other than background decoration ^^ I think the use of the Healing Fountain for bathing is supposed to be implied, but since we don't actually see our pets go into the water we kind of forget about it - well, I have, at least . I thought the joke was cute, and quite innocent Clean, not corny, and I'm personally a fan of seeing pranksters having their jokes fall apart . The art was nice - seeing those "fake" hoochie coochies still gives me a shiver... they were kinda creepy lookin', lol. Don't know how I would react to finding THOSE all over me...xD
Great job, Nut!

Thank you so much for the review, Psycho! ^^ *hugs and gives hoochie coochie tablet* (What? It's useful! And it might even taste like cookies. Maybe.) This is the first time I used a continuing plot (and it's a rather short one--only two comics), so I'm glad it was well recieved. ^^ Wow, I never thought of that aspect of the Healing Springs, but I'm glad I made it come across. ^^ Heh, yeah, I agree with you about the Hoochie Coochies--and I had to draw and color those things. XD I think they're particularly weird with the big color outlines around them and the three colors--eep, most of my characters don't even get the shading effects that those things did! XD Thanks for the review!
Oh, and as per your arrangement, I'm going to review your article. ^^ I have to, after that lovely review you gave me. *nod*

ghostkomori said:

The Happiest Quiggle

Gleee. These comics always make me smile, if only for that quiggle's fixed grin. It's so utterly rediculous how happy he is! Reminds me of Curious George, actually. ;D Geez, everyone in this comic is so happy!

I like how you reexplained Quiggler's situation in the first panel in a bit of simple dialogue. It reminded the audience of the previous comic, and provided enough info for new readers to understand the rest of the comic. And I really love the details in your background, like actually drawing every bamboo pole in Quiggler's bed. ... And drawing AND shading every last little islandberry cereal bit. X3 Squee.

The pacing and dialogue of this joke was really spot-on. My favorite is that pause panel after the faerie tries to cast her spell. She's just staring at Quiggler, and he's staring up at her, with the same expression on his face. And her hands are still raised in her spellcasting mode. Then she just sends them off on their way, not really understanding what's going on, but oh well. Oh man, it's just too priceless.

I can't really think of anything wrong with this comic, so I'll try and be really picky...... Um. I guess I'm not so fond with the Faerie's spellwords. They don't sound spell-ish enough. ... Um. Shame on you! ;D

Squee! Thank you so much for the in-depth review, Komori! ^^ You know I love your reviews. ;D I'm really glad the first panel worked out--I made an effort to sum up the last comic in that little bit of dialogue. I'm glad you like my backgrounds. x3 And... islandberry cereal bits? XDDDD I'm always going to think of those little dots that way from now on. I had no idea what Sparkler used as fake hoochie coochies, but this cinches it. XD

I'm glad you like the pause panel--as I said up there, it's my favorite panel out of the comic. x3 So, I'm glad it's appreciated. *nod and grin* ^^ I know I've done a good job on a comic if my reviewers have to resort to extreme pickiness. XD I don't know what spellwords faeries really use, and I didn't want it to sound too serious and drag on, so I went with silly-sounding gibberish. ^^ I was thinking of taking it out of the comic, but kept it in just for fun. XD Thanks so much for the review! ^^ *glomp*

peri said:

The Happiest Quiggle - I think it's this Quiggle's smile that was actually contagious. Just looking at that smiling face made me smile. He's sooo adorable! Love that "hoochie coochie" flying off him in the second frame. I think the overall joke is funny too. The Quiggle's look from frame 4 to 5 is priceless. I'm reading it again to review it and it's still makes me smile and giggle! I will need to bookmark this one in case I ever need a pick-me-up

Whee, thank you for the review, Peri! ^^ I'm honored to be placed on your bookmarked list. ^^ I'm glad you liked the spot flying off him in the second panel; I was hoping someone would notice it. n;) Thank you for ze review! ^^