Hi everyone... Just recently found this website and I love it. I've made about 6 comics so far just to familiarize myself with how the interface works etc. I would define my style as absurdist combined with a deadpan delivery.

I'm wondering though, how effective I can be trying to convey that message through the characters. For example, should I try to use the same characters over and over so I can flush out their personalities? Should I use more or less text in the conversations? Should I rely on the facial expressions of the characters to get the point across or has that been overdone?

I know my jokes will have to be stronger than my first few, but I'm confident in my writing. I'm just not familiar with placing my writing in a comic strip setting. I want my comics to be funny to more people than just me and my friends that know my sense of humor. Any comments or suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks.

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"How does it feel, to be a chalk-line dollar sign?"

I wouldn't suggest relying too much on facial expressions, since there's only a limited amount of characters. And with most characters, only one expression.

And, uh..that's all I can think of right now.

Oh wait, one more thing. The title to one of your comics struck me as incredibly funny; "Fustercluck".

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what happened to my rustic monologue? ...i'm not sleeping with that producer again

A really mixed bag. Fustercluck and Paul's Interview were pretty funny, but other strips just made no sense.

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Destroying my reputation one post at a time.

I think it's funny when it works. My main criticism of your comics so far is that sometimes the punchline is too much of a non sequitur. I like Fianchetto for some reason, but I found Fustercluck pointless and flat.

Also, I like the first two panels of You Know What I Mean? a lot better than the last one. If your joke really only needs two panels, try using the "black" background to simulate a strip of that length. Or try using a pregnant pause in the middle panel, or stretching less dialogue over more space.

Opinions differ on that one. For the most part I try not to, in the interest of making each strip accessible to a random reader, but you're certainly in good company if you do it.

Comics are naturally a quick, often blunt medium. Unless you have a reason, I'd recommend saying as much as you can in as few words as possible.

Don't worry about whether it's been overdone, as long as you're doing it well. Like theburninator said, it may not always be possible due to the limited selection of characters. However, some of the different expressions that are available can be used to good effect. Maura's eyes-shut pose is practically a punchline in itself.

Practice and you'll get it. You're off to a good start. Welcome to Stripcreator.

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The what mentioned above is total fiction. Please don't take it seriously!

Thanks everyone for the comments. It's really helpful to get some outside opinions.

Good point about just using two panels if it gets the point across better. Also I agree about my use of the non sequitur to my disadvantage. I like using them at times but it's definitely a lot easier to pull a NS off in an actual conversation as opposed to this environment.

Again, thanks for the tips and critiques. I'll keep working at them.

-The Madcap Laughs

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"How does it feel, to be a chalk-line dollar sign?"

You shift too much in your style. You go from in very odd fashion from the comics you do.... however.... I will admit to finding the interview comic funny. You simply need to work harder, and find a voice all your own. I look forward to seeing how your comics evolve.

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Guh? Guh.

So far I like most of what I'm seeing. The important thing is to find your own "voice" in this environment. When drawing my own characters, I can manipulate them any way I see fit to make the punchline more accessable, but I have to admit that working with characters that are usually static leads to new challenges.

In a lot of ways, I find it stimulating in that I'm forced to be more creative with words.

Still, I'm looking forward to getting my own comic back online. All I need now is a scanner, and a new webhost.

Good luck to you.

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[i]"For the love of beatings, I plunder until my loins find satisfaction!!" [/i]

Yeah, what everyone else said.

Also, I'll reiterate that your non-sequiturs really hurt your latest comics. Absurdity isn't funny unless it's in the context of the rest of the comic.

Also, there are other ways to extend your comics besides blacking the last panel (which I don't really like, myself). Remember that both characters don't have to talk each time. For example:

Stream of Comicness V]|[ by not_Scyess 7-07-03

Hi! I, and angel of the lord, would like to talk to you about Jesus Christ! You know, I can tell those wings are fake even from here. True. But the sword is real. ...not that there's anything wrong with fake wings.

I made this one as an example JUST for you. Don't you feel special.

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peddling the funny around since 09/24/2002

Hi, well I've toned down my non-sequiturs. I'm trying to keep my left-field approach within the context of the strip. Hopefully that will help. Try these:

Ship Of Fools by TheMadcapLaughs 7-09-03

What are you looking at? I'm watching the gentle lapping of the waves... the graceful leaps of a school of dolphins... I can almost taste the intoxicating, salty ocean breeze. You're scratching your balls, aren't you?

Ship Of Fools Pt. II by TheMadcapLaughs 7-09-03

Do you think I'll meet any women on this cruise? Yeah, I think you will meet some women. You'll also see a look of horror on their faces, not unlike that of a murder victim. Why would a woman have that type of a reaction? Well for starters, you're wearing that damn shirt your mother gave you. Should I take my shirt off?

Ship Of Fools Pt. III by TheMadcapLaughs 7-09-03

I wonder if anyone has ever fallen off this ship and drowned? ...must be a horrible way to die. I don't know, but I think I see a shark out by that reef. Shark! Where?! Over by the coral. If you lean out really far on the railing you can see him, plain as day! It's majestic! You have to really ...

Again, I welcome any comments. Thanks.

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"How does it feel, to be a chalk-line dollar sign?"

That middle one seems to lack a punchline. It just doens't feel "over" at the end of the comic. The third one is pretty funny, though, and the first one is excellent. Nice work.

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peddling the funny around since 09/24/2002

Nice strips. You're already improving. Keep it up!

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Destroying my reputation one post at a time.

Yes, getting better. Ship of Fools, pt 1 was the best of the lot.