Girl Genius!

[stm177]

In the GG news section or maybe Kaia Foglio's livejournal, she said they just sent it off to the printer in the last couple weeks. When I bought 1 - 3, the text inside the cover said it was printed in Hong Kong. So if it is the same for 7, it will be a while until it is ready.

[slayerx]

This really is going to be interesting. He knows she is a spark, but doesn't know who she really is, but now that he is here in her town. You can bet he has seen the shape of Agatha's medallion before. He might make a link now.

He doesn't know she's a spark...
it wasn't found out that she was a spark until Gil figured it out and after she had escape... she has had no interaction with him since she knocked him aand became Gil's assistant, and there is nothing saying that he heard anything about her after she escaped; and if there was then he would know that she's a heterodyne since that's what everyone else on the ship knew her as, not as a simple spark

Also, Her medallion is fairly common and is no indication of her heritage... it has been seen in a number of different places... the best conclusion one would draw is that she was a fan of Heterodyne boys, or at best orginal came from Mechanicsburg... painting her as the long lost heir would be a very wild guess

One thing i only recently noticed though... ALL of the prisoners in the castle are wearing a Heterodyne necklas (a few like Moloch might have his hidden under his scarf)... one would be lead to wonder as to what the pupose of the necklas's are. keep tabs on Prisoners? something to do with the point system? tell the castle they are are not intruders a lower the number of deaths? or maybe it's just a common fashion statement =p

[Rockphed]

And Moloch has deteriorated into a klutz. Poor Von Zinzer.

Any guesses as to why he was yelling "Wilhelm!" and splashing hot coffee on himself?

[slayerx]

Any guesses as to why he was yelling "Wilhelm!" and splashing hot coffee on himself?
Well, if you don't take into consideration how calm he looked in the last page, i would say he was surprised by Wilhelm and reacted as such... throwing his hand up without thinking and accidently splashing himself in the face... and then the rest followed

I think that's what was intended, but the scene was executed poorly...
first, the last panel of the pervious page made it look like he was clam and and not surprised much by Wilhelm and thus it did not translate well to the next page... another probably i have with the scene is wondering where that pillar and then those selves with plates came from as it does not look like the castle was doing anything; and if it was, it wasn't executed well, as we should have seen some "smooshing* as those things popped into place)

Though still, a very funny scene non-the-less
Considering how he's reacting to all his badluck, i would say that living in the kitchen has had an effect on him... he probably has had a lot of "accidents" and has grown to kind of except it... he's just a little bit looney

Also, it looks like Agatha gets the benefit to reacting to Moloch's presences at the castle first as he will need a minute to get up... that should help her out

[stm177]

I didn't expect Von Zinzer to be so shell-shocked.

Also, SlayerX has a good point about the art in this scene. I think it comes down to the assembly line nature of pages. It's something like Phil -> Korean contractor for photoshop prep work -> Colorist (Cheyenne) -> Kaia for layout & bubbles. You'll notice that if Phil spends a lot of time on the a splash page like the opera prelude, the pages after that will get simplistic.

At least that's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.

[Farmerbob]

I think von Zinzer is faking it. He was pretty capable in the rest of the world, and he knows what keeps him alive, so the kitchen is where he stays.

[Oracle_Hunter]

I didn't expect Von Zinzer to be so shell-shocked.

Oh, that makes sense actually. I, too, was confused as to why Moloch was so... well, crazy. Considering Wilhelm's description of the Kitchen as a safe, but tormenting, position, "shell-shocked" is probably a good description for Moloch's apparent calm but actual loss of control.

The alternative is that Klaus took a few slices out of Moloch's brain before sending him away... just for kicks, of course :smallbiggrin:

[Lord Iames Osari]

The alternative is that Klaus took a few slices out of Moloch's brain before sending him away... just for kicks, of course :smallbiggrin:
I highly doubt that. Klaus is ruthless, not cruel.

[Tirian]

Also, Her medallion is fairly common and is no indication of her heritage... it has been seen in a number of different places... the best conclusion one would draw is that she was a fan of Heterodyne boys, or at best orginal came from Mechanicsburg... painting her as the long lost heir would be a very wild guess

One thing i only recently noticed though... ALL of the prisoners in the castle are wearing a Heterodyne necklas (a few like Moloch might have his hidden under his scarf)... one would be lead to wonder as to what the pupose of the necklas's are. keep tabs on Prisoners? something to do with the point system? tell the castle they are are not intruders a lower the number of deaths? or maybe it's just a common fashion statement =p

Your first premise seems a bit far-fetched, as Von Zinzer knows that the locket contained highly-advanced mad science and believes that it was the cause of his brother's death. He may find himself believing that she was a prisoner of the Castle who escaped two years ago and that the locket was executing (har har) some anti-escape program. I don't give him sufficient credit to figure out that she is the lost Heterodyne heir who snuck into the Castle disguised as a prisoner in order to reclaim her mantle.

The similarity between the chokers of Agatha the prisoner is not so mysterious, as they were both designed by Klaus Wulfenbach. He is an engineer who needed a non-broken pendant to hold the clockwork, so he naturally reached for the pendant that he designed fifteen years ago.

For the record, I also vote for Von Zinzer faking clumsiness the moment someone came into the room, because he knows that sort of reputation will keep him out of the dangerous parts of the Castle. Whether he was in the army or in Beetleburg or on the airship, he has always been very clever about figuring out what knowledge and schemes will keep him alive, and I don't think that will change now.

[Ganurath]

I highly doubt that. Klaus is ruthless, not cruel.Perhaps, but his only joy of late is in his experiments.

[Gez]

The similarity between the chokers of Agatha the prisoner is not so mysterious, as they were both designed by Klaus Wulfenbach. He is an engineer who needed a non-broken pendant to hold the clockwork, so he naturally reached for the pendant that he designed fifteen years ago.

What? Agatha's locket was designed by her Uncle Barry (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20031119). It was broken by Moloch (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030224). Then, at some unknown point, its remnants are picked up by Klaus Wulfenbach and reassembled, because he "gives it back" to her (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20061206) and Agatha confirms (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070223) that it's the locket Barry made.

[Oracle_Hunter]

Yeah, the collars are just used to mark prisoners - you see, every one of them has one (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070806). I'm not sure why Doormat doesn't have one here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080208) but does here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080211) - I'll just call it a continuity error.

Anyhow, they're probably used so that if one of the prisoners (somehow) escapes, they'll be easily identified. They may or may not have some sort of "tracking" device inside, but I doubt they have any High Spark technology.

[Tirian]

What? Agatha's locket was designed by her Uncle Barry (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20031119). It was broken by Moloch (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030224). Then, at some unknown point, its remnants are picked up by Klaus Wulfenbach and reassembled, because he "gives it back" to her (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20061206) and Agatha confirms (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070223) that it's the locket Barry made.

First off, I don't trust Agatha's word that it is the same locket, as she had just woken up and found it on for the first time, and with the chain as tight as it was, she couldn't get a clear look at it. Second, it doesn't seem reasonable to consider that the locket's effect would change from hindering the Spark to hindering the Other just because Agatha has had it off for a while, which would lead to the conclusion that it is a related but different device. Third, the original locket is pretty FUBAR here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030224), and again I would surmise that Klaus would use a new (and familiar) housing rather than waste his time fixing the original.

And even if it is the same locket, there is no evidence that Barry built it -- indeed, he claims it was Lucrezia's. It could just as easily (at least for this comic) be that Klaus built it when Agatha was eighteen and that Agatha will eventually give it to Barry when she starts travelling through time.

[Gez]

Second, it doesn't seem reasonable to consider that the locket's effect would change from hindering the Spark to hindering the Other just because Agatha has had it off for a while
It hasn't changed. It hampers the mind, provoking headaches, preventing concentration, etc. Agatha has worn it for a long time, and got pretty used to it. Once she got rid of it temporarily, she was able to be "cured" of its influence and stay "vaccinated." Lucrezia, on the other hand, did not build a resistance to its effect and is thus so weakened she cannot get the control back.

Also, Klaus is not a man who takes chance, and he did not give off the impression of a man expecting to find an Agatha mind-controlled by The Other. Plus, if he did engineer an Other-Suppressing Locket, why would he attack Agatha once he's seen her unwittingly equip it?

Finally, I think we'd heard a bit more about that if he did create an Other-Suppressing Artifact.

[seedjar]

Anyone suppose that Moloch might be on the level with the castle? I don't have much reason for thinking so, but it's an interesting possibility. It could be that the castle cut a deal with him, or maybe as the one running the kitchen he's in a bargaining position by being responsible for the crew's wellbeing. Probably not though.
~Joe

[Rockphed]

And Moloch has a thing for Wilhelm. I wonder if he likes pink hair, or if she is the only person in the castle who is reasonably sane. Also, what did she do?

[eMpTy Kay]

Well know we know why Molach is acting that way. He has a crush on Wilhelm!

Just had a thought. Would be so funny (at least to me) to see Agatha, after calming Molach down and convincing him to work with her, to say "time to make some friends" to which Molach comments the people here may not be that friendly. Agatha then pulls out Dingbot Prime and say, 'No, I mean REALLY make some friends".

Alright, simple minds, simple pleasures...

[FoE]

Love springs eternal, even amongst a bunch of convicts trapped in a sentient castle intent on killing them all. :smallbiggrin:

[Ganurath]

Love springs eternal, even amongst a bunch of convicts trapped in a sentient castle intent on killing them all. :smallbiggrin:Makes sense, considering that when in mortal peril a lot of people want to... feel alive.

[John Campbell]

Looks like Von Zinzer's got his amulet not just hidden under a scarf, but deliberately wrapped entirely in cloth. I'm guessing he's just a leeeetle paranoid about trilobite neckwear after the thing with his brother and Agatha's locket.

[Porthos]

Moloch's in love!

Awwwww.

So much so that he didn't even notice Agatha.* Which kinda explains his clumsy "I'm too cool" reaction.

* Until now, of course. :smallamused:

[stm177]

And Moloch has a thing for Wilhelm. I wonder if he likes pink hair, or if she is the only person in the castle who is reasonably sane. Also, what did she do?

Her hair looks white to me, not pink. I wonder if I should check the colors on my monitor :smallsigh: .

I guess we'll find out next week how much Moloch knows about Agatha's exploits, or if he thinks she's still something less than that.

I wonder if the Castle can talk to Agatha in the kitchen, since the CPU seems to have control there. At least, no one has been killed there.

[Rockphed]

Her hair looks white to me, not pink. I wonder if I should check the colors on my monitor :smallsigh: .

I guess we'll find out next week how much Moloch knows about Agatha's exploits, or if he thinks she's still something less than that.

I wonder if the Castle can talk to Agatha in the kitchen, since the CPU seems to have control there. At least, no one has been killed there.

Yeah, you should definitely check your monitor's coloring, since I just pulled color from Wilhelm's hair and Zola's coat, and they look almost alike.

[BRC]

Yeah, you should definitely check your monitor's coloring, since I just pulled color from Wilhelm's hair and Zola's coat, and they look almost alike.

Wilhelms hair looks white over here too.

[Lord Fullbladder, Master of Goblins]

Very pale pink at this end. It's not surprising, though. This moniter isn't exactly top of the line.

[Rockphed]

Wilhelm is wearing some white under her coveralls, does that have the same appearant color as her hair? Back when we met Wilhelm (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070727), I would have put it down to weird lighting inside the castle. But, when Agatha meets her (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080211), the lighting is normal.

And it is not very pink, more the color of strawberry milk.

[chionophile]

It's distinctly pink on mine. And I do have a nice monitor.

Strawberry milk is pink...

[John Campbell]

It's pink.

I thought when we first saw her that it was white and just appeared pink under the reddish lighting, but I think this (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080211) is the best lighting we've seen her under, and her hair there is definitely a pale pink (judging by the actual pixel values, not my admittedly dodgy monitor). Note that her undershirt there is definitely white.

[BRC]

Looking again, it's definetally Pink. It's a conspiracy I say, A CONSHPIRACY!

[Icewalker]

It's not a bright pink, just a slight tint. And yeah, the most definitive clue towards the Moloch = crush on Wilhelm is that his face is completely red throughout his whole conversation with her.

Also all the other big clues. :smallbiggrin:

[slayerx]

Well, was wondering how it would come down to their meeting and this is it... Moloch is to distracted by love to notice Agatha and doesn't realize it until Wilihem is safely out of earshot... giving agatha the time she needs to convince Moloch not to rat her out

And it seems that Moloch was just jittery about talking to Wilhelm and stumbled about tryign to look "cool" after his accidents...


And yeah, the most definitive clue towards the Moloch = crush on Wilhelm is that his face is completely red throughout his whole conversation with her.
:
err... actually, that appears to be a nasty bruise he got from smashing the side of his face with a cup... :smalltongue:

[stm177]

I feel groupthink taking over... yes yes... it is pink! :smalltongue:

Also, I'm betting on a scene change for Monday. Moloch gasping is a good cliffhanger.

[Oracle_Hunter]

I'd be surprised at the Foglios for using such an over-the-top "adolescent crush" awkwardness on Moloch. No, I'm standing by my "shell-shocked" theory, with a bit of Helsinki Syndrome thrown in. Agatha is going to be shocked and appalled by the effect that her castle has been having on the local population.

[Rockphed]

I feel groupthink taking over... yes yes... it is pink! :smalltongue:

So if I started claiming it(and Zola's Coat) were white I would get hunted down?:smallamused:

And in the third to last panel (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080222), Moloch says "Isn't She Wonderful?" Thus implying a certain level of attraction despite her horrid treatment towards him.

[Oracle_Hunter]

Wah! Back to the Jaegers & Vole? I know it's only two plots, but I'm beginning to feel like this is a George R.R. Martin book!

Which is to say that The Foglios are able to jump-cut to another plot at the moment of maximum cliff-hangatude. :smallbiggrin:

[stm177]

I'm waiting on Jenka to take charge.

[Oracle_Hunter]

New comic is up (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php)!

Let the speculating begin!

[stm177]

It's not a Jagerkin -- no bad german accent.

The only people that can beat jagers are: Klaus, Von Pinn, and Zeetha. And Klaus is out of commission. Zeetha was ordered to help Gil in the last volume, so I'm betting on her. It would be nice to see Von Pinn again, but she is more likely to go straight to the Castle..

[Lord Iames Osari]

My bet is on Gil.

[TigerHunter]

You sure it's not a Jager? I took a glance at the archives and I haven't seen anyone else who speaks with that particular bubble.

Also, apparently Vole always had that pale green skin... his Thrawn-esque uniform had made me think he was dark blue this whole time.

[FoE]

I looked back in the comic, and I can say with certainty that it is Gil. The depiction of the word balloon is the same as when Gil used his Spark voice in this strip:

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20071203

Also he's the only other character in close proximity and directly behind Vole. Very likely he's going to lay down a beating on the traitorous Jager.

[Oracle_Hunter]

I looked back in the comic, and I can say with certainty that it is Gil. The depiction of the word balloon is the same as when Gil used his Spark voice in this strip:

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20071203

Also he's the only other character in close proximity and directly behind Vole. Very likely he's going to lay down a beating on the traitorous Jager.

And collaboration: Gil tends to get very angry (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20050110) when people say nasty things about Agatha. Why, threatening to kill her in such a casual manner could certainly be construed as "bad things" :smalltongue:

I, for one, look forward to a return of Angry Gil (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20060306). :smallbiggrin:

[Ganurath]

Gil won't have to. Vole's loyalties apparently belong with House Wulfenbach now. If Gil wants Agatha to live... she'll live. The corpse to be named Vole will only come to such a title if his loyalty is to Klause exclusively.

If it is to Klause exclusively, though, he's a dead man. One Jager is no match for four Jagers, and armored spark, and the daughter of Chub.

[FoE]

Hmmm ... I don't know. Vole seemed pretty confident that he could take on the other four Jagers. Maybe not all Jagermonsters are created equal...?

(Incidentally, I don't know how to put the two dots over the 'a'.)

On a side note, look at dem fangs on Gilgamesh. Iz he half-wolf or sometink?

[Gez]

I was thinking it might also be one of the castle's subsystems, if it's reaching out to the city walls. Not that Angry Gil doesn't make more sense, though.

[John Campbell]

Yeah, that's the way Sparks speak when the madness takes them.

I'm thinking Vole is about to be the latest in an increasingly long series of people who've discovered the hard way that it's a Bad Idea to underestimate Gilgamesh Wulfenbach.

[Rockphed]

I, for one, look forward to a return of Angry Gil (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20060306). :smallbiggrin:

Poor Wooster. He is forever doomed to be a minion.

And too bad that we won't get to see a Choreographed fight between Oggie and Vole. Oh, well, maybe we will get to see Gil rip that grin off of Vole's face.

[Midnight Lurker]

For just a moment, I thought it was the BEAR talking. "AAIEE! THE BEAR IS A JAGERMONSTER!" :) Then I noticed it wasn't speaking Hollywood German.

[Sampi]

Well, the pseudo-german accent is nearly nonexistent with General Krizhan in some places here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20031027)

And the speech bubble is the same. But could be Gil as well. He would get a boost from hearing Vole's plan to kill Agatha.

[Tirian]

I'm hoping that the Jagers are taking Gil to meet an aspect of the castle, as I've said before. Still, I would be very surprised if this weren't Angry Gil, who probably has as much influence over Vole as Agatha has over the rest of the Jagerkin when he gets into that voice. Looks like dis is one of dose plans vhere ve don't kill anybody.

[Sampi]

True, I also find Gil a more likely candidate. What Vole will do, I wonder. He may yet lose his hat.

[Dorizzit]

I imagine the voice is Mamma Gkika's, although I don't know.

[BRC]

Either Zeetha or Maxim IMO

[thorgrim29]

Either Gil or Zeetha, but it's not Maxim, thats for sure....

[slayerx]

I'm gonna second Gil or Zeetha... though i'm leaning more towards Zeetha, as i think Gil is too out of it to do anything... grant it, it would be cool for him to get himself together out of hatred at the thought of Vole wanting to harm Agatha and taking him down a notch before passing out

[Tirian]

The first frame of this (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070221) is an example of what Zeetha sounds like when she's trying to get your attention. The speech bubble at the end of today's strip typically belongs to an agitated Spark or a high-level construct (like the Castle or Von Pinn or probably whatever Mamma Gkika is).

[Oracle_Hunter]

The first frame of this (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070221) is an example of what Zeetha sounds like when she's trying to get your attention. The speech bubble at the end of today's strip typically belongs to an agitated Spark or a high-level construct (like the Castle or Von Pinn or probably whatever Mamma Gkika is).

Gah, I'd forgotten how panel four looks.

I'm always afraid to ask, but is their GG fanfic out there, and what are the OTBs (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/OTP?from=Main.OneTruePairing)?

After looking at said panel, I can only imagine that the Zeetha/Agatha slashes must be prolific!

[slayerx]

The first frame of this (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070221) is an example of what Zeetha sounds like when she's trying to get your attention. The speech bubble at the end of today's strip typically belongs to an agitated Spark or a high-level construct (like the Castle or Von Pinn or probably whatever Mamma Gkika is).

Ah, very good point... with that, i'm changing my betting to Gil rising up out of anger ^^

though it is possible that i might be "Mamma"... though i rather thought she was a jager and that it not a jager accent, but hey could be wrong

[Gez]

I'm always afraid to ask, but is their GG fanfic out there
Yes! (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20051212) :smallbiggrin:



After looking at said panel, I can only imagine that the Zeetha/Agatha slashes must be prolific!
Well, if you look at Agatha's flirting track record (Gil, Lars, Tarvek, I'm not counting Moloch), she doesn't seem to be uninterested in boys.

[BRC]

Looking at the direction the speech bubble is coming from, I'm going to go with Gil. from the looks of things Vole is standing between Gil and the Jagers, with Gil behind him. the voice bubble is coming from over his shoulder. Either it's Gil or somebody else coming from up the tunnel.

[LoresLost]

The new Girl Genius is up and it is Gil 1, Vole 0 and three very shocked Jagers. (I hope Gil remains standing after that shot he gave Vole)

[chionophile]

Okay, that's hot. Gil is made of awesome.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Called it! :smallbiggrin:

[Tirian]

Okay, that's hot. Gil is made of awesome.

It's very very warm. It would be hot if he were doing it out of concern for Agatha instead of because he is having a tantrum over not being respected.

And let's just face facts, all you silly Vole fans. The man is a barely a mook. He looks menacing, and you keep looking forward to his fights, but he has now been taken down by a coffee pot and by a roundhouse kick from a man who can barely stand. At this point, I'm thinking maybe he could beat Krosp in a fight, but I'm not going to put any money on it.

[Gez]

At this point, I'm thinking maybe he could beat Krosp in a fight, but I'm not going to put any money on it.

Cat -> claws. Krosp would win. :smalltongue:

[Rockphed]

Cat -> claws. Krosp would win. :smalltongue:

Krosp has, to date, failed to catch either mice or Mimmoths very well. I think it might be an even match.

[Dorizzit]

I am happily proven wrong in my initial assumptions.

[stm177]

Dang, I was sure it was Zeetha.

[Gez]

Dang, I was sure it was Zeetha.

I'm not sure Zeetha would know of the Sneaky Gate and other Mechanicsburg secrets, so I don't see how she could have been there to intervene.

[battleburn]

Still, all three of the other Jagers together were not enough to scare Vole.
He must be really strong, but he underestimated Agatha and really didn't expect Gil.
Vole is still a strong guy, he just gets defeated by the plot.

[Oracle_Hunter]

It's very very warm. It would be hot if he were doing it out of concern for Agatha instead of because he is having a tantrum over not being respected.

And let's just face facts, all you silly Vole fans. The man is a barely a mook. He looks menacing, and you keep looking forward to his fights, but he has now been taken down by a coffee pot and by a roundhouse kick from a man who can barely stand. At this point, I'm thinking maybe he could beat Krosp in a fight, but I'm not going to put any money on it.

Yeah, Vole is a regular Worf (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/TheWorfEffect) :smallbiggrin:

Also: Hooray for Angry Gil! His "daddy issues" (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/WellDoneSonGuy) are in full display too!

[CGM3]

It's possible that Vole has been "coasting" on his reputation as a Jaegermonster (whom sane people do not cross) for so long that he unconsciously expects everybody to be intimidated by his mere presence. Now that Gil has knocked that ploy into a cocked hat, Vole might fall back on the physical prowess that's the foundation of that intimidation factor.

It's also possible "Gil's" three Jaegers may prove a match for him when the excrement intersects the rotary atmospheric impeller. :smallbiggrin:

(I predict somebody's going to lose a hat here.)

[GGfan]

You know, I just thought of something. How does Vole know that Agatha actually made it into the castle? When last he saw her, she stunned him with a coffee pot, and then finished the job with a giant wrench. She only urged Carson to take her to the castle AFTER he was out. Now, it's possible, since he was close enough to the wall to intercept Gil and the Jaegers, that he overheard her talking to Carson on the wall, just before they headed off to get Agatha changed... but I don't think it's likely, since she'd have had to be talking loudly enough for the hundreds of people around her (including several Wulfenbach soldiers) to hear as well.

Any thoughts?

[stm177]

It's the logical place for her to go.

[GGfan]

...
I was thinking he positively stated that both girls were in the castle, but he really only says that they'll both be killed when the castle is destroyed. My bad.

[Farmerbob]

And Vole gets his ass kicked... again.

[stm177]

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php

Vole is getting his blue tushie kicked.

[Corestimah]

The last two panels strongly imply that Gil is getting as tired of negotiating as Klaus was upon his return to Europa. I think that Vole is in for a world of hurt, maybe even an appointment with the local undertaker. Either way I hope that Gil zaps Vole with his lightning scepter as he did the "nurse" who first tried to assassinate his father (the other devices melted, but the stick should still be functional as a personal defense weapon).

I wonder if Mama Gkika will even need to do much for Gil, considering how lively he is right now. She may only need to staunch his wound, and then back to Klaus and DuPree (and Dr. Sun).

[TigerHunter]

This is pushing my suspension of disbelief.

Vole is a Jäger. He's a fighting machine with super-human strength and fighting ability. And know he's getting his ass handed to him by a... what, ~16 year old boy who is about to fall unconcious (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080225) and needs support to even remain standing. (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20071207)

Did I mention that earlier today, Vole ripped off a man's arm (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070611) with the apparent effort a human being might put into ripping a piece of paper? So what happened to make him so pathetic now?

[slayerx]

This is pushing my suspension of disbelief.

Vole is a Jäger. He's a fighting machine with super-human strength and fighting ability. And know he's getting his ass handed to him by a... what, ~16 year old boy who is about to fall unconcious (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080225) and needs support to even remain standing. (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20071207)

Did I mention that earlier today, Vole ripped off a man's arm (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070611) with the apparent effort a human being might put into ripping a piece of paper? So what happened to make him so pathetic now?

Actually, it shouldn't be so much... Jagers are known for great strength, but they haven't shown above normal speed. Vole's great strength means NOTHING if he can't touch Gil. If Vole can't grab Gil he can't use that Jager strength to rip him apart. So it doesn't matter how strong Vole is because Gil is faster, has better reflexes and has more skill.

And one thing you learn about if you were to start practising martial arts, is that what you learn can do wonders and allow a much smaller and physically weaker martial artist to take down a much larger, stronger, and yet, unskillful man... Jager's don't train like fighters do, like gil does, they are just built strong and throw their weight around... Hell this isn't the first time we've seen Gil effortlessly dealing with an imposing enemy; he knocked out Othar with no problem, and Othar is VERY strong by Human standards

Also, i would say Gil is in his early 20's

As for Gil's current condition... we can let it up to him sorta getting his second wind... i'm recall there have been cases where people have been able to do amazing things out sheer force of will... Gil is probably gonna passout completely the moment he he is done kicking Vole's ass

[Oracle_Hunter]

Actually, it shouldn't be so much... Jagers are known for great strength, but they haven't shown above normal speed. Vole's great strength means NOTHING if he can't touch Gil. If Vole can't grab Gil he can't use that Jager strength to rip him apart. So it doesn't matter how strong Vole is because Gil is faster, has better reflexes and has more skill.

And one thing you learn about if you were to start practising martial arts, is that what you learn can do wonders and allow a much smaller and physically weaker martial artist to take down a much larger, stronger, and yet, unskillful man... Jager's don't train like fighters do, like gil does, they are just built strong and throw their weight around... Hell this isn't the first time we've seen Gil effortlessly dealing with an imposing enemy; he knocked out Othar with no problem, and Othar is VERY strong by Human standards

Also, i would say Gil is in his early 20's

As for Gil's current condition... we can let it up to him sorta getting his second wind... i'm recall there have been cases where people have been able to do amazing things out sheer force of will... Gil is probably gonna passout completely the moment he he is done kicking Vole's ass

Plus he's (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030314) very (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030317) nimble (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030319).

Gil may not have his father's superstrength (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040730) but he still possess the ability to Spark Rage. We've seen this before (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20060306) and it's just part of the world.

[dogmac]

I reckon Gil is about 25 actually. Certainly not 16ish.

And Vole, for all his strength, is a very very stupid Jaegar.

[FoE]

Anyways, it's not as though Vole is going down with a single hit. And I didn't see any complaining when Agatha knocked him out with a wrench.

[slayerx]

The last two panels strongly imply that Gil is getting as tired of negotiating as Klaus was upon his return to Europa.

i'm not sure about that... i mean, Gil is saying that he's getting tired of being called weak and naive because he is willing to negotiate; he himself does not see it as being weak. This would be a sharp contrast to his father who has given on completely on negotiation and does not want to hear Gil embracing it. Klaus treats negotiation like it is weak and ineffective, while Gil still believes in it being the best approach... Gil is just sick of people looking down on him for being nice

Right now, he's smacking around Vole to hit home that fact that just because he is willing to talk things out does NOT mean he's at all weak. Gil is willing to talk first, but if action becomes necessary then he will be more fearsome than his father is... "speak softly but carry a big stick" and all that

[Hell Puppi]

I think "beware the anger of a patient man" quote fits.

[Lord Iames Osari]

I reckon Gil is about 25 actually. Certainly not 16ish.

And Vole, for all his strength, is a very very stupid Jaegar.

I'd peg Gil as being closer to Agatha's age - a year or two older, maybe. Three years older, tops. That puts him in the range of 18-21 years old, assuming I'm correctly remembering Agatha being 18.

[slayerx]

I'd peg Gil as being closer to Agatha's age - a year or two older, maybe. Three years older, tops. That puts him in the range of 18-21 years old, assuming I'm correctly remembering Agatha being 18.

Just found this
http://girlgenius.wikia.com/wiki/Internal_Chronology
If this chronology is correct, then Gil would be about 19-20 years old, considering he looks to be about 1 year old when he and his father returned (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040804)

[Sampi]

And, as I expected, Vole has Lost His Hat (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080303).

Yay for Gil! I guess all those hours practicing with fencing clanks paid off.

[dremac]

I think Vole would take exception to all those here who are calling him a Jager. ;)

Also, keep in mind that Jagers aren't known for being the "unmoveable object" type of fighter. Sure they're tough as nails and can take a lot of punishment but it's not like they're bulletproof (see Dimo's arm getting melted). For all we know Gil may have done no more than the equivalent of shoving Vole a few times and it's gonna take all four of the other Jagers to keep Vole from tearing Gil apart when his injuries catch up to him.

Additionally, Gil isn't just any normal guy, he's a Wulfenbach! Klaus being well aware of the Jagers true loyalties probably trained his son how to fight them long ago, not to mention all of personal training with clanks and such Gil has done.

Finally, for my money Gilgamesh Wulfenbach is the most interesting character in the whole strip and as we all know the more interesting a character is the more improbable outlandish moves they can pull off. :D I mean they guy did just stare down an entire clank army why's he gonna back down from one Jager?

Oh and in case you didn't realize I like this comic. :D

[Gez]

Anybody noticed the flames in the background? Dramatic lighting for Gil's fight, or something real?

[AmberVael]

Anybody noticed the flames in the background? Dramatic lighting for Gil's fight, or something real?

There's the possibility it has something to do with giant flaming war clanks (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20071207)but I could be wrong.

[Gez]

Yeah, but they're inside now.

[Dorizzit]

I think it's just decoration.

[Thayus]

Yeah, but they're inside now.

They're inside, but as of the last clear view we have of the entrance, it hasn't shut yet.

-Thayus

[slayerx]

They're inside, but as of the last clear view we have of the entrance, it hasn't shut yet.

-Thayus

Actually it's probably just dramtic lightning as we have seen for most any time a spark gets pissed off... we've seen it before with Gil, Klaus and agatha

[Porthos]

Meanwhile, over in France, It looks like Othar has gotten himself in an interesting situation. (http://twitter.com/Othar/statuses/766147222)

Should be fun to see where this one goes. :smallbiggrin:

[John Campbell]

This is pushing my suspension of disbelief.

Vole is a Jäger. He's a fighting machine with super-human strength and fighting ability. And know he's getting his ass handed to him by a... what, ~16 year old boy who is about to fall unconcious (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080225) and needs support to even remain standing. (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20071207)

Did I mention that earlier today, Vole ripped off a man's arm (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070611) with the apparent effort a human being might put into ripping a piece of paper? So what happened to make him so pathetic now?
Remember the fencing clank (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040216)? And its successor (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20060213)? And the implication that Gil has been having these literal fighting machines brought in from the wastelands, upgrading them, and then fighting them to the death (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20060215)? And that none of them have yet succeeded in being challenging, even after those upgrades?

Size and strength aren't everything. Gil is an exceptionally skilled fighter, and that's much more effective in a fight than Vole's apparent brute-force-and-ignorance style. Vole might be able to tear Gil in half effortlessly, but that's not going to happen as long as he keeps using slow, stupid, blatantly telegraphed moves, because he's never going to be able to lay his hands on Gil.

And, yeah, Gil is wounded. I suspect he's tapping energy reserves that he hasn't actually got in order to do this, running on sheer force of will. But he's a Spark, and a strong one. Sparks have enough force of will to make the laws of physics sit down and shut up. When the Spark madness wears off, he's going to have to pay back that energy debt - I'll be surprised if he remains conscious for more than two panels after he's finished dealing with Vole.

(Oh, yeah, and the pile of enough dead assassins to flabbergast DuPree (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070720)?)

[PePe QuiCoSE]

i have read the whole comic over the weekend, and i'm not going to read 29 pages of comments to find out what you guys have already talked about. I just skimmed through the first and found myself agreeing that the name it's not an attraction bringer. I only gave the comic a second chance after seeing in it topwebcomics for so long. Good thing i did :smallsmile:

So, what i wanted to comment, this early panel (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20021111), does anybody else think it is the other Lucrezia?

I still have a lot of things to say of this comic (besides the praise :smalltongue:, i'd never think i would dig so much this steampunk concept) but it wouldn't be much more other than wasted bandwith.

[Oracle_Hunter]

So, what i wanted to comment, this early panel (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20021111), does anybody else think it is the other Lucrezia?

Almost certainly - no other GG character wears quite that much lipstick :smalltongue:

[GGfan]

My moneys more on either a reworked Von Pin, or someone much like her as she appears to be mostly clank. And I much doubt that clank-Lucretia/Other would be helping her daughter (who will presumably by that point have defeated her) to take the first steps down the path that ultimately led to her own defeat. Knowing the Folgios, I'd also say it has 110% chance of being someone we haven't met yet.

Of course, knowing them, it also has 120% chance of being someone we HAVE met, or someone we are about to meet. It could be Mama Gkika, judging from the similarity of the workmanship of Maxim's arm. It could be any number of people.

[Rockphed]

So, what i wanted to comment, this early panel (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20021111), does anybody else think it is the other Lucrezia?

I think it is Von Pinn messing with Future Agatha's (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040126) time thingie.

[Midnight Lurker]

I think it's the "true form" of The Other.

[Ganurath]

I think it is Von Pinn messing with Future Agatha's (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040126) time thingie.*gawks at how the Heterdyne signet Agatha's wearing has the Wulfenbach wings attached to symbolize a union of houses*

So much for eternal peace in Europe...

[slayerx]

My moneys more on either a reworked Von Pin, or someone much like her as she appears to be mostly clank. And I much doubt that clank-Lucretia/Other would be helping her daughter (who will presumably by that point have defeated her) to take the first steps down the path that ultimately led to her own defeat. Knowing the Folgios, I'd also say it has 110% chance of being someone we haven't met yet.


What makes you say that clank Lucrezia's appearance there is any sign that she was helping her daughter? It could be that Clank Lucrezia is the one you made time trval and what-not possible, but while posing as the original lucrezia, Agatha mangaes to get control of her machine.

The second Lucrezia is all clank, and considering that she is a very powerful spark it would be no surprise that she would give herself a few upgrades in the future. I don't see why it would be someone we haven't met... i mean, the person looks certainly evil, a villian and "the other" is certainly the main villian of the story; it seems very proper for the main villian to appear ominously like that, such an appearance is no place for secondary villians... the only other person i would expect to do make a sudden appearance at the beginning like that would be someone who would one day be an ally, and it certainly does not look like any ally.

and here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20051230) we see where it mentions the Lucrezia's the other return, Lucrezia's arm grabbbing one of the priestesses by the neck with a rather clank like arm... much like the one seen in the vision at the begining...

[John Campbell]

*gawks at how the Heterdyne signet Agatha's wearing has the Wulfenbach wings attached to symbolize a union of houses*

So much for eternal peace in Europe...

Yeah. I first noticed that during the first Weasel Queen arc, and went back and checked... it's consistent across all the glimpses we've gotten of Future Agatha, both through the time portal and in the side stories (except the one with the fighting exoskeleton where we never see her locket at all). Also in a couple of the random front-page splashes now.

I'm not 100% convinced that it represents a Gil/Agatha union, though. Sturmhalten troops (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20051012) and others there, including sometimes (but not always) Tarvek (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20060206), also have the Wulfenbach wings attached to the Sturmvoraus sword-and-gear (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20051031). I think it just signifies that they've submitted to Klaus's overlordship.

[GGfan]

What makes you say that clank Lucrezia's appearance there is any sign that she was helping her daughter? It could be that Clank Lucrezia is the one you made time trval and what-not possible, but while posing as the original lucrezia, Agatha mangaes to get control of her machine.

Yes, but the clank we can see is asking someone we CAN'T see a question, while pointing directly (apparently) towards Agatha. The implication is that they're playing around with time travel windows, trying to make something happen, and as shown here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040126) Agatha is clearly accepted as in command by the Geisterdammen, so why would she need to pretend to be clank Lucrezia?


The second Lucrezia is all clank, and considering that she is a very powerful spark it would be no surprise that she would give herself a few upgrades in the future. I don't see why it would be someone we haven't met... i mean, the person looks certainly evil, a villian and "the other" is certainly the main villian of the story; it seems very proper for the main villian to appear ominously like that, such an appearance is no place for secondary villians... the only other person i would expect to do make a sudden appearance at the beginning like that would be someone who would one day be an ally, and it certainly does not look like any ally.

Again, it appears that they're trying to make something happen, and if the easiest way to do that is to scare a past-Agatha, they'd pick someone who looks scary. Von Pin looks VERY scary, if you recall, but they put HER in charge of children.


and here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20051230) we see where it mentions the Lucrezia's the other return, Lucrezia's arm grabbbing one of the priestesses by the neck with a rather clank like arm... much like the one seen in the vision at the begining...

That, I admit, is a very good point. But as the characters currently stand, I still say Lucrezia's not likely to help her willful daughter (who takes more after her father in character, from what we've seen) to set in motion a chain of events ending with her DAUGHTER calling the shots instead of HERSELF. She'd need some serious character changes along the way, and we haven't seen any of that... yet. I'm not saying it's impossible, just improbable.

[Midnight Lurker]

We have no evidence that the Clank Questioning Someone About Agatha time-window occurs at anywhere near the same time as the Agatha Trying To Find Omar time-windows. They could be years apart for all we know.

[slayerx]

Yes, but the clank we can see is asking someone we CAN'T see a question, while pointing directly (apparently) towards Agatha. The implication is that they're playing around with time travel windows, trying to make something happen, and as shown here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040126) Agatha is clearly accepted as in command by the Geisterdammen, so why would she need to pretend to be clank Lucrezia?


Actually, notice how Gil refers calls agatha "mistress" in quotes... this could likely means that the Geisterdammen did NOT accept Agatha in command and that Agatha is putting on an act and is pretending to be the flesh and blood Lucrezia; the priestesses follow both of the lucrezia's not just clank one. Also, keep in mind that their are traitors amongst the Geisterdammen who no longer follow Lucrezia who are likely to later help Agatha.

Also, what says that what the clank in the time window is doing is supposed to help Agatha? She could very well be trying to do something bad to her... what the clank is doing likely has nothing to do with what Agatha is doing with the time windows later on with gil and moloch. Clank Lucrezia could just be testing the time window but wasn't able to do what she wanted with it cause it was not complete, but later on Agatha acting like the flesh and blood Lucrezia gets control of it and uses it for her own needs

[GGfan]

Ah, but notice how Gil is also wearing the uniform of a Geisterdammen? Presumably, somewhere down the plot-line he will find it convenient if not absolutely necessary to impersonate a "true believer" or become a "convert", in which case, calling Agatha "mistress" would be part of his persona. Which IS a persona, otherwise the "mistress" part wouldn't be in quotations. But you're right, that does make it more likely that Agatha is, at that point, impersonating The Other.

As for the time windows occurrences happening years apart, even though they happened rather closer together in the "past", I don't think it's likely. It could be that the first one which scared Agatha enough to send her running straight down the alley into Zinzer brothers WAS, in fact, a first attempt (which would make the question asked relevant to the situation), but I think it's more likely to be the point at which Agatha and Co. first FOUND the time device, and are trying to figure out how it works, than clank Lucrezia building it. Once they get it working and discover it's one of the other's machines... that would be when Agatha takes on the "role."

Also, I believe Klaus referenced SEVERAL occurrences of the "distortions" happening over several weeks, so it seems likely that all of them were caused by one party simultaneously figuring out how the device works and using it to influence what happens. After all, they already know what's *supposed* to happen, because of what they remember.

[chionophile]

Okay, now that was funny.

[Stam]

You can almost see the lightbulb going on. :smallsmile:

[stm177]

Now if Gil would only start doing some unauthorized brain surgery, he'd really be his father's son.

[Rockphed]

Now if Gil would only start doing some unauthorized brain surgery, he'd really be his father's son.

No, Klaus is the Ultimate power in Europe. Thus Everything he does is authorized.

[Corestimah]

Poor Gilgamesh truly looks horrified at his realization. Yeah, that IS how dear Klaus feels CONSTANTLY. I would sure as hell feel that way were I a spark in that situation. Hopefully Gil will be able to effect repairs on his lightning engines and repel another wave, perhaps by equipping stealthy soldiers with similar lightning focus devices and deploying them in strategic locations in order to take out all of a group simultaneously (though that would likely tax the engines to the utter limit).

[Dorizzit]

You go, Gil! (heh, that expression at the end was totally priceless)

[SnowballMan]

Nothing says you've finally gown up like the day you realize what your parents were saying actually does make sense.

[Megalomaniac2]

Light dawns on marble head. Do it, Gil! Embrace the dark side even more fully than you already have!

[Oracle_Hunter]

This is my new favorite page.

Why, you may ask?
1) Sheds new light on Klaus's character
2) Gil gets character development
3) Gil gets character development while beating the crap out of a Jaeger :smallbiggrin:

Need I say more?

[slayerx]

1) Sheds new light on Klaus's character
Ya, i thought something like this was the case with Klaus... ever since way back when Klaus pointed out that he really does not like ruling the empire... he doesn't want to be the tryant dictator, he wants to go our on adventures again, exlpore new lands, explore new areas of science, dissect a brain or two, and create insane constructs and clanks... But he knows that there needs to be control and there needs to be a dictator to direct it all and knows that he's the only man for the job; Democracy is great and all, but the plus side to a dictatorships is that what needs to get done WILL get done... as the saying goes, it's a dirty job but somebody's gotta do it

this latest page though shows how Klaus came to that line of thinking without the need for a flashback showing this "enlightenment"

Gil now really understands how his father feels and understands what motivates his actions... but at the same time he doesn't want to become his father... Will Gil fall to the darkside, or will he find a balance, a way to get everything done without resorting to his father's line of thinking?

[Ganurath]

This is my new favorite page.

Why, you may ask?
1) Sheds new light on Klaus's character
2) Gil gets character development
3) Gil gets character development while beating the crap out of a Jaeger :smallbiggrin:

Need I say more?I'm afraid you're wrong. Vole is no Jaegerkin.

[dremac]

Yeah, Klaus Wolfenbach may be the most sympathetic "bad guy" I've ever seen in a webcomic. Or he is for me at least. :)

[Gez]

Democracy is great and all

The problem is that I'm not sure democracy can work in Girl Genius' world. Because of the Sparks. On the one hand, they are insane -- when they're hyperfocusing on their science, they lose all rationality. On the other hand, they have a supernatural charisma and magnetism. People willingly flock to them as minions, forgoing their own rationality. It's especially strong for the Heterodynes and the residents of Mechanicsburg; but it's actually true for everyone and all Sparks. If Spark survives his breakthrough (not killed by a frightened mob or by his own creation), he will attract minions; all the noble Spark houses have started like that.

[Dorizzit]

Plus, let's not forget the mass chaos particularly potent breakthroughs create. A Democracy would have to have people with such confidence in their leaders that an event causing mass chaos would make them lose faith within the first two months.

[slayerx]

The problem is that I'm not sure democracy can work in Girl Genius' world.

It don't work in real life either :smalltongue: ... no system really does...
Democracy gives freedom and power to the poeple, but conflicting ideals make sure very little gets done; not to mention the number of poisonous politicians that infect the system... and dictatorships... well only evil tyrants use that kind of gov't anymore; so no good can come of that... nothing really works, there are problems with every system, its really just a question of what works better than others...


On the one hand, they are insane -- when they're hyperfocusing on their science, they lose all rationality. On the other hand, they have a supernatural charisma and magnetism. People willingly flock to them as minions, forgoing their own rationality. It's especially strong for the Heterodynes and the residents of Mechanicsburg; but it's actually true for everyone and all Sparks. If Spark survives his breakthrough (not killed by a frightened mob or by his own creation), he will attract minions; all the noble Spark houses have started like that.

We have heard of noble families who do not have the spark but have managed to come to power... all that spark loyalty means is that we can expect to see most sparks being voted into power; and from what we've seen of sparks a lot of them can make fine leaders... however, Sparks make up a VERY small minority of the population and would be heavily outnumbered by non-sparks that were voted in... and though each spark may attract a personal following, not everyone succumbs to this (hence the mobs and those who fear sparks) and thus balance can be maintained... Really Klaus for instance has shown that he generates more hate and fear then willing minons... Also, you bring up mechanicsburg and the heterodynes, however devotion of that level seems to be rare as Krosp and the others found their enthusiasm to be odd to the point where the suspected some kind of revenant-like influence... Furtharmore, if one spark starts acting up, the others can work to get rid of him (smack him down with the power of law to back it up). Really the only way it wouldn't work is if all the sparks started acting up, on their own and were not willing to follow democracy rule, but from the sparks we have seen, they do not show such a level of insanity...

Really, form what we've seen, Sparks tend to all together normal minded and only have brief episodes of madness; usually when they are inventing or get very angery... sparks that are bat**** crazy most of the time like the heterodyne family tend to be in a minority amongst the sparks

[slayerx]

double post...

[Gez]

We have heard of noble families who do not have the spark but have managed to come to power...

Yeah, yeah. Like Dead Fencing Girl back on Castle Wulfenbach. They predate the Spark. I don't have the time to go reference hunting here and there but it's been said they've lost much of their power and that few of them still have any influence. The real leaders now are the Spark, and we've seen examples of their own houses: the Heterodynes, the Wulfenbachs, the Aaronevs, the Mongfishs...

[stm177]

The timeline is a little weird for sparks appearing. I believe it was during the Renaissance, but Castle Heterodyne and house Heterodyne are older than that. Now, the sentient castle was created in the 1600s.

The Heterodynes appear to be one of the oldest noble bloodlines, and the oldest spark bloodlines too. In a feudal world, that's important.

I disagree that Klaus is just a dictator. He's more like the Holy Roman Emperor. He nominally controls a lot of feudal states underneath him, but doesn't try to run those states. Of the towns we've seen, only Mechanicsburg had permanent troops stationed there. A 20th century dictator was much more than that whether authoritarian or totalitarian.

Klaus puts out fires between feudal states, and chases down troublesome sparks.

[GGfan]

So you're saying Klaus is more like a "High King", keeping all the little ones in line, settling disputes, meeting out punishment to the naughty ones?

[stm177]

Maybe he's a long lost descendant of the Storm King - and a Gil / Agatha marriage would bring on a Golden Age. :smallbiggrin:

[slayerx]

Yeah, yeah. Like Dead Fencing Girl back on Castle Wulfenbach. They predate the Spark. I don't have the time to go reference hunting here and there but it's been said they've lost much of their power and that few of them still have any influence. The real leaders now are the Spark, and we've seen examples of their own houses: the Heterodynes, the Wulfenbachs, the Aaronevs, the Mongfishs...

Yes but what you don't know is WHY their power is waning... Are they loosing power because the general population no longer supports them, or is it because they could not stand up to the might of the armies build by sparks? Klaus pointed out that when he returned their was war and chaos everywhere; and Sparks were likely to be the ones doing the most damage with giant clanks and armies of constructs. Essentially a leading reason why the nobles are dying out is not because people don't support them, but because they can't keep up with the sparks. Zulenna's family for instance survived because they had the heterodyne boys help protect their lands. the army of a noble family family was probably nothing compared to the army of a spark family

However in a democracy, the non-sparks are voted into power and don't need a private army to protect them as they will be protected by the democratic army, which is the combined might of all the people; spark and non-spark alike, everyone who holds the democracy... and again, from what we've seen from sparks, most of them are not all around insane like the heterodyne's were

[Gez]

Yes but what you don't know is WHY their power is waning...

Because it's being taken over by Sparks.

And if I have to be more clear: the Sparks would hog the candidacy and electoral mandates worse than billionaire families from the East Coast. Their charisma and magnetism would sway public opinion like <insert cheap metaphor for something that sways a lot>. And the problem arises because when they're at their most insane, they're at their most convincing.

[BRC]

That is an intresting point, the presence of Non-spark nobility means that sparks have not always been around. or, Maybe they have, but technology had not developed to a point where they could be really effective. So far as I can tell Sparks are not born with knowledge about electricity, chemistry, physics Ect. They can usually figure it out on their own preety quickly, but they need a basis somewhere. This means that Sparks would be nowhere near as powerful when technology was still middle-ages type stuff. Then it progresses in a few places, and suddenly sparks have all they need to build clanks, zombies and death rays. Somebody gets a basic knowledge of electricity and cobustion, sparks move from being able to build really complicated horse carts and Da-vinci types to their current level of power.

[Guancyto]

You know, I'm actually starting to worry about the dear Baron.

First he promised to explain everything when Gil gets back, which is generally a death sentence. Now Gil has graduated both personally and publicly to someone capable of ruling the empire, so the story doesn't need Klaus as much as it did.

Troublesome.

[slayerx]

Because it's being taken over by Sparks.

And if I have to be more clear: the Sparks would hog the candidacy and electoral mandates worse than billionaire families from the East Coast. Their charisma and magnetism would sway public opinion like <insert cheap metaphor for something that sways a lot>. And the problem arises because when they're at their most insane, they're at their most convincing.

that does not answer HOW the sparks are currently taking the power in girl genius. Your arguement for Democracy not working is that the nobles are unpopular... however i have presented the scenerio that the nobles very likely are not loosing power to the sparks because of lower popularity but because they did not have the military might to stand up against them... The nobles did not loose power because they were unpopular with the people, but because Sparks rolled in with the war clanks and armies of constructs and TOOK the power. Nobles like Zullenna managed to keep their power because the heterodyne boys helped protect their lands... again, sparks taking the power of the nobles by force would not happen in a democracy because the spark and non-spark nobles would be protecting each other; the non-spark nobles would have the combined democratic armies to protect them... as it stands in the current history of girl genius, the noble families all had to protect themselves with what power they had, a fight that the militarily-inferior non-sparks had no hope of winning on their own

Also, sparks make up a very small minority of the population, especially the strong sparks... Sure many of them would make it to power, but depending on how many people are part of the power would determine how much of them are sparks and how many are non-sparks... For instance, of the 50 noble families, only most of them are sparks, meaning their may be less than 50 really influential sparks. and a large democracy could have something like over 100 representatives which could lead the non-sparks outnumber the sparks by virtue of that their not being enough really influential sparks to fill all those seats (i think it's only strong parts that influential while minor sparks like those in the circus don't get much attention from general people).

Yes the sparks would probably continue to take the leading presidential-like spot, but is this really a problem? As we have seen, most of the strong sparks we have seen have been quite sane with only brief periods of insanity... Klaus, Gil, Agatha, Travek and so forth all seem quite sane. as such there is not much problem with the overall leader being a spark since only the sane ones would be voted in... the truly insane ones would get their asses handed to them by the sane sparks and the general population that hates and fears their insanity

[Gez]

that does not answer HOW the sparks are currently taking the power in girl genius. Your arguement for Democracy not working is that the nobles are unpopular...

No. It is that THE SPARKS ARE DEPRIVING OTHER PEOPLE OF THEIR FREE WILL AND COMMON SENSE. Even if they don't mean to, it's just part of their nature.

And there are Sparks who completely mean to, and find ways to make sure that it happens: see the Other's revenants.

I'm not sure how I can make it simpler than that. When Spark A goes near commoner B, commoner B either reacts violently and form a mob to lynch Spark A, or he becomes Spark A's willing minion. There's no real middle ground.

[kagato23]

Spark Democracy would fail for one simple reason: The sparks who lost elections would believe themselves right still.

And, in mad scientist fashion, revert to "FOOLS! DO YOU NOT SEE? I WILL SHOW YOU! I'LL SHOW YOU ALL!" And either forcibly implement every policy/invention their election campaign promised, or just begin attacking the populace for their blind sightedness.

Sparks tend to not work well together in large groups, because they keep going to war with each other. I suspect their is a reason everybody has a seperate lab in Wulfenbach's castle.

[slayerx]

No. It is that THE SPARKS ARE DEPRIVING OTHER PEOPLE OF THEIR FREE WILL AND COMMON SENSE. Even if they don't mean to, it's just part of their nature.


Same difference really, all that means is commoners prefering sparks to nobles... however that doesn't change my point that it is far more likely the the nobles houses haven't been loosing their power due to people leaving them but that during times of wars the Sparks rolled in a took all of their land and power by force... really if the spark was as influential as you say it is and THAT was the reason for the nobles loosing power then all the nobles should be gone by now with them as well becoming spark minons... no, i find it much more likely that the loss of the noble houses has been because they were wiped out during the wars

Really, outside of mechanicsburg we have not seen such a strong amount of following to the spark... so far, Mechanicsburgs and revenants are the only ones who follow the sparks so blindly... and since those are the only cases that makes them exceptions to the rule. Really, even in beetleburg it was never said that everyone loved Beetle because of the spark, they very easily could have loved him for more legitimate reasons since he kept a lot of his darkside a secret. Yes the sparks have a certain magnetism, but it has not been shown to be nearly as strong as you say it is.


Spark Democracy would fail for one simple reason: The sparks who lost elections would believe themselves right still.

And, in mad scientist fashion, revert to "FOOLS! DO YOU NOT SEE? I WILL SHOW YOU! I'LL SHOW YOU ALL!" And either forcibly implement every policy/invention their election campaign promised, or just begin attacking the populace for their blind sightedness.

And these would be the first sparks to be wiped out by the democracy... They will go out in rampaging spark fashion and the sparks in the democracy will strike back overpowering them. Eventually you weed out the crazy and unreasonable sparks and are left with only the sane ones


Sparks tend to not work well together in large groups, because they keep going to war with each other. I suspect their is a reason everybody has a seperate lab in Wulfenbach's castle.
We have not seen much of sparks working together... Because all we say was the time of chaos when everyone had their separate lands and attacked eachother. One would seriously ask how the things were back when the heterodyne boys were around as Klaus mentioned how he came back and saw nothing but chaos "like as if the heterodyne boys never existed"...
And i would say that the reason they have separate labs is because each spark has their own projects they wish to work on and thus enjoy working in private

[kagato23]

And these would be the first sparks to be wiped out by the democracy... They will go out in rampaging spark fashion and the sparks in the democracy will strike back overpowering them. Eventually you weed out the crazy and unreasonable sparks and are left with only the sane ones

We have not seen much of sparks working together... Because all we say was the time of chaos when everyone had their separate lands and attacked eachother. One would seriously ask how the things were back when the heterodyne boys were around as Klaus mentioned how he came back and saw nothing but chaos "like as if the heterodyne boys never existed"...
And i would say that the reason they have separate labs is because each spark has their own projects they wish to work on and thus enjoy working in private


See, I'm not sure the democracy would survive long enough to do that. You'd see this played out across Europe. There'd be no ability to focus and take out the "crazy" losers because A: This will happn in virtually every election, and b. the winners were just as crazy and respond with similiar measures to their rebellious loser counterparts. No guarantee only the sane ones will be elected.

And then, even the elected officials will start fighting amongst themselves.

Democracy simply couldn't survive in this world right now. The sparks are all natural leaders, and Democracy means you need leaders that can also be followers. First time constituents disagree with their elected official... well, you send a letter about taxes, they send back something that tries to eat your house.

[dogmac]

Hehehehe "My father once wrote a monograph on how to communicate in the workplace"

I bet he did.

[Corestimah]

Extracting coherent memories from an electrocuted corpse :smallwink: :smallbiggrin: Such is the stuff of Klaus' Awesomeness.

I would like to have seen Klaus' monograph, though I wonder what this business of seven popes is about :smallconfused:

Girl Genius continues to be my favorite webcomic (with OotS, Erfworld, and Buck Godot tied for second).

[FoE]

I don't think many Sparks would consent to participating a democracy. Sparks are power-hungry, but they don't seem interested on sharing power. (Some Sparks will serve others, but only because they can't achieve power through their own ends and are afraid of being wiped out.) That's why it's so dangerous right now for Klaus' empire; so many Sparks percieve it as being weak, so they will take the chance to seize power for themselves.

"All seven Popes ordered it burned." That's fantastic. :smallbiggrin:

@^: Well, it's obvious in the world of Girl Genius, the Catholic church (or whatever it is called) is ruled over by a council of popes rather than just one. And they're all Clanks. Along with their parishioners. :smalltongue:

[Oracle_Hunter]

I don't think many Sparks would consent to participating a democracy. Sparks are power-hungry, but they don't seem interested on sharing power. (Some Sparks will serve others, but only because they can't achieve power through their own ends and are afraid of being wiped out.) That's why it's so dangerous right now for Klaus' empire; so many Sparks percieve it as being weak, so they will take the chance to seize power for themselves.

"All seven Popes ordered it burned." That's fantastic. :smallbiggrin:

@^: Well, it's obvious in the world of Girl Genius, the Catholic church (or whatever it is called) is ruled over by a council of popes rather than just one. And they're all Clanks. Along with their parishioners. :smalltongue:

No, no, I think we're dealing with a Pope - AntiPope sort of situation: the Church has fragmented under competing doctrines but, instead of being Protestant, the whole thing has fragmented into different Catholic factions.

I'm sure the Popes wanted to fight it out, but I bet Klaus didn't let them.

I'm sure the Mecha-Pope has a confessional/oil change combo deal :smallbiggrin:

[Gez]

No, no, I think we're dealing with a Pope - AntiPope sort of situation: the Church has fragmented under competing doctrines but, instead of being Protestant, the whole thing has fragmented into different Catholic factions.

Or maybe the Church has never fragmented at all. Initially there were five Popes, they were the Patriarchs of Rome (now the Catholic Pope), Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem and Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), in that order. Then there was a lot of issues (fall of the Roman Empire, Arab conquest, Independence of Rome, etc.) so that only remained Rome and Constantinople, and the ties between them were severed. So Rome evolved into the Catholic Church, with just one Pope above all others, while Constantinople evolved into the Orthodox Church, in which there are a lot of popes.

With the alternate history of Girl Genius, maybe two more patriarchs joined as the influence of Christianity expanded ('cause these five cities are all in the Mediterranean Sea, so a more balanced distribution wouldn't be a bad idea), and we have a Heptarchy instead of a Pentarchy.

[BRC]

am I the only one who really liked Dimo's expression in Panel 3

[Dorizzit]

"Ectually, ve dun tek orders from hyu."

*SMACK*

"WHAT WAS THAT?"

"Nottink! Ve's goot!"

Priceless.

[GGfan]

Good lord! You gotta wonder what he wrote in it if it was banned by seven popes! Probably something along the lines of "Fools! Cooperate and get things done or I will destroy you all!!!" Or "Phase 1: state request in reasonable tones without threatening. Phase 2: when faced with disobedience/outright rebellion/physical harm, apply large wrench to backside of offending party's head. Phase 3: don't allow anyone to apply Phase 2 to you."

Anyone else wondering if the seven popes were/are sparks posing as "saints" or even gods? Kinda like Lucrezia's cult?

[Human Paragon 3]

I never noticed Dimo's ear was so... twisty before.


Mecha Pope? Is that anything like Robot Devil?

/Get your coat.

[sihnfahl]

I never noticed Dimo's ear was so... twisty before.
Or the fact it looks like a tentacle?

[Ganurath]

Or the fact it looks like a tentacle?I always assumed it was a horn. Jaegers have horns, after all.

[FoE]

It actually looks like a small goat's horn. Yet another reason the Jagermonsters are considered unholy in the eyes of the Mecha-Popes and are not allowed to visit the Steel Vatican. (It's pretty difficult for them to get to anyways, considering how the giant Clank crab the city rests on is constantly moving around.)

Blessed are those who walk in metal form, whose bodies are not tainted by the weaknesses of flesh and blood. The Lord of Gears hath spoken.

[DanielX]

Two possibilities for "Seven popes":

1. Unlikely (given the "all seven popes" wording) but perhaps being pope just doesn't last long in this universe, given that a pope who makes Sparks angry doesn't last long, and there have been 7 since Klaus wrote his book. :smalltongue:

2. Schisms.... the Catholic Church may have suffered from various events that didn't help it stay together (perhaps Rome was destroyed by the Other). Heck, the discovery of Sparks in the 16th/17th centuries may have led to a lot of division between the "they're all spawn of Satan! Destroy them!" and "Sparks? Sure, I'm a minion!" factions... right around the time of the OTL Protestant reformation.

[Oracle_Hunter]

Two possibilities for "Seven popes":

1. Unlikely (given the "all seven popes" wording) but perhaps being pope just doesn't last long in this universe, given that a pope who makes Sparks angry doesn't last long, and there have been 7 since Klaus wrote his book. :smalltongue:

2. Schisms.... the Catholic Church may have suffered from various events that didn't help it stay together (perhaps Rome was destroyed by the Other). Heck, the discovery of Sparks in the 16th/17th centuries may have led to a lot of division between the "they're all spawn of Satan! Destroy them!" and "Sparks? Sure, I'm a minion!" factions... right around the time of the OTL Protestant reformation.

3. Sparky Intervention - Popes are prone to being "disappeared" or altered by sparks. They are powerful individuals (probably) and might seek to preserve their power through secret sparky intervention. And their rivals may seek to get the sitting Pope out of the way in a similar fashion.

Example: After being poisoned by a rival, Pope Lazarus I was spirited away by a sparky retainer to attempt revivification. Meanwhile, the cardinals (with surprising speed) confirmed his rival as the new Pope Mechanus III. After Pope Lazarus I was successfully revived, he came back to reclaim the papacy but was driven out of Rome by the Clockwork Swissmen. Pope Lazarus I currently holds court in Sicily, where rumors of his new-found appetite for brains are quickly quashed - and the gossips are never seen again.

[eMpTy Kay]

the phrase "all seven popes" makes it sound like the individuals are all popes at the same time, giving Gez's theroy more standing. After all, if they were seven consecutive popes, I would not have expected "all". Replace Pope with some other ruler ('all seven prime ministers', 'all seven presidents', etc. vesus 'seven prime minister', 'seven presidents', etc.) it sounds like they are all at the same time holding the position.

by the way, where did I miss the reference to a Clank Pope? Seems the thread started talking about a robatic catholic church and I don't remember where this was mentioned.

[Oracle_Hunter]

by the way, where did I miss the reference to a Clank Pope? Seems the thread started talking about a robatic catholic church and I don't remember where this was mentioned.

You gotta keep up if you want to stay in the game. So far we have:
1) Pope Mechanus III, the Clank Pope
2) Pope Lazarus I, the Zombie Pope
3) Pope Clement XIII, the Luddite Pope

Anyone else see any others?

[BRC]

You gotta keep up if you want to stay in the game. So far we have:
1) Pope Mechanus III, the Clank Pope
2) Pope Lazarus I, the Zombie Pope
3) Pope Clement XIII, the Luddite Pope

Anyone else see any others?
Lessee, Considering the minimal impact of religion in the GG Universe (That we have seen so far), I would throw in Pope Pious XI, the Atheist pope.

[FoE]

Don't forget Pope Zzizzidrix the XXXL, the Praying Mantis Pope. He's the head of the Giant Insect Congregation. He rose into his position a few months ago by biting off the head of his predecessor.

[Gez]

When the House of Heterodyne fell, its servants reacted in different ways. Some joined House Wulfenbach. Some decided to go search for a Heterodyne heir. Some sought an answer to their inner turmoil in religion. Pope Hans I, the Jagerpope, is still not formally recognized by the others, and so couldn't be officially the Eighth Pope.

[Ganurath]

Let's not forget the Late Pope Vrin, the Revenant Pope.

[chionophile]

The birds and the... weasels? I guess it's not that much weirder than the birds and the bees. That saying never made sense to me anyway - did someone just invent it as code so that children would have no idea what the hell the adults were talking about?

[Lord Iames Osari]

:smallbiggrin::smallbiggrin::smallbiggrin:

I love this strip. Jaegers FTW!

Best lines:

"Is he gone?"

and

"Und hy vill teach him how to avoid those two."
"Ah. Den he may haff a chence."

[Ganurath]

The birds and the... weasels? I guess it's not that much weirder than the birds and the bees. That saying never made sense to me anyway - did someone just invent it as code so that children would have no idea what the hell the adults were talking about?...I believe we already covered with Ferretina how... violent weasels can be when they're intimate.

[Oracle_Hunter]

Okay folks, where did Jenka get her information (on the Highest Authority)?

Show all your work!

[Rockphed]

The birds and the... weasels? I guess it's not that much weirder than the birds and the bees. That saying never made sense to me anyway - did someone just invent it as code so that children would have no idea what the hell the adults were talking about?

Is there any other reason for euphemisms?

[Nerd-o-rama]

Okay folks, where did Jenka get her information (on the Highest Authority)?

Show all your work!She's a Gil/Agatha shipper, and is merely overstating her position.

[Syraider]

is cool this xD:smallbiggrin: :smallbiggrin:

[stm177]

Jager Generals maybe? Klaus has them on the frontier right now, but the Jagerkin army has to show up at some point.

[dogmac]

Maxim could teach ME how to impress the gorls any time he likes. I've got a bit of a crush on him. (Yipes! On a Jaegar!)

[Oracle_Hunter]

Maxim could teach ME how to impress the gorls any time he likes. I've got a bit of a crush on him. (Yipes! On a Jaegar!)

:smalleek:

Ewwww, Jaeger slash! Get it off, get it off!

Besides, who could pass up six-time Mr. Europa (Construct Division) and second-place finisher in the annual "King of Castle" beauty pageant held on Castle Wulfenback: Boris (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20031126)

He's very handsome after all :smalltongue:

[dogmac]

Get it off, get it off!

Funnily enough, that is pretty much what I imagine Maxim's chatup line to be.

[Oracle_Hunter]

Funnily enough, that is pretty much what I imagine Maxim's chatup line to be.

Well played, though I would expect that Maxim is the type to say "no, leave da hat on, gurly" :smallbiggrin:

[Johnny Blade]

Well played, though I would expect that Maxim is the type to say "no, leave da hat on, gurly" :smallbiggrin:
Heh...:smallbiggrin:

Does anyone here know what the Foglios would think about some guy slaying their strips?
Because that just gave me an (obvious, so very obvious) idea.

(All I found was something about fansites in the FAQ:

Remember that the indicia on the books says, "No part of this book may be reproduced in any form (including electronic) without permission in writing from the publisher; except for brief passages in connection with a review."
I guess this applies to slays? Yes/No/Maybe?)

[Tirian]

Okay folks, where did Jenka get her information (on the Highest Authority)?

Show all your work!

There is just no doubt that no one is a better authority on Agatha than her Kolee-dok-zumil. Jenka and Zeetha go way back in the Wasteland-wandering days.

[Oracle_Hunter]

I guess this applies to slays? Yes/No/Maybe?)

Well, if you want to get technical, you can probably get away with a direct parody of GG via slay under the Fair Use Exception under US Copyright Law. But it'd probably be hard to actually make a good looking slay of such beautiful artwork - as compared to the making excellent slays from terrible artwork (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37014).

Far better (?) to just write the fanfic

[Johnny Blade]

Yeah, well, what I have in mind doesn't work as a fanfic.
I guess I'll just do it, send the result to the Foglios, post it here with a link to the site and all the copyright information about characters and artwork I can possibly find, and just hope they like it and give their OK. Looking at information about this (http://www.copyright.gov/fls/fl102.html), slays seem to be legal even if they are no parody, after all.

[battleburn]

She's a Gil/Agatha shipper, and is merely overstating her position.

No, Jenka stated before that she was going to get orders from someone ranking higher than herself. Later it was mentioned that all four Jaegars were send of by the generals to find the remaining Heterodyne. It seems obvious that that is where she got her information from.

[Tirian]

Later it was mentioned that all four Jaegars were send of by the generals to find the remaining Heterodyne.

Where did that come up? I had more of a sense that the wild Jagers were being more true to their genetic disposition and were mildly antagonistic towards the ones that "settled" into the Baron's employ.

[FoE]

Ah, we stopped counting down the seven popes. Let's see how far we got.

1) Pope Mechanus III, the Clank Pope
2) Pope Lazarus I, the Zombie Pope
3) Pope Clement XIII, the Luddite Pope
4) Pope Zzizzidrix the XXXL, the Praying Mantis Pope
5) Late Pope Vrin, the Revenant Pope.

Just one Pope away from a full set!

6) Pope Skylord I, the Air Pirate Pope. He mostly spends his time roaming around the skies in an airship, shooting down "unbelievers."

This is in honour of my evil love, Bangladesh Dupree. Sexiest girl in the comic (though a brunette Agatha is a very close second).

And finally, we have:

7) Pope Bloopdipblooppol the IV, the Underwater Pope. "And then the chosen people descended under the waves, and there they multiplied and were prosperous."

And the unofficial eighth pope is Pope Hans I, the JagerPope. Of course, he's due to be recognized in a century or two, when Klaatu the First and Eternal Space Pope arrives on Earth.

[stm177]

Where did that come up? I had more of a sense that the wild Jagers were being more true to their genetic disposition and were mildly antagonistic towards the ones that "settled" into the Baron's employ.

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20051010

There's the comic where the wild jagers talk about how they volunteered to leave the main cohort of Jagers to search for a Heterodyne.

[battleburn]

Thank you. I knew that link was somewhere, but I couldn't find it.

[John Campbell]

Hmm... today's dialogue seems somehow......... familiar.

[Porthos]

Compare (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030514) and Contrast. (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080312)

Nice bookending of scenes there. :smallcool: Especially when you compare Agatha's (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030516) reaction when told "not to blow it" with Moloch's. :smallwink:

[Rockphed]

I don't know what you are talking about (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030514).

edit: Accursed Ninjas!

edit: or I could just have a horrible spot check.

[FoE]

Nice role reversal. Agatha sure has come a long way, hasn't she? Once, a frightened, incompetent lab assistant unable of building a simple working construct. Now, a confident scientific genius facing down hardened criminals without blinking.

[Ganurath]

And that, ladies and gentlemen, is establishing dominance. Remember your leathers.

[Nerd-o-rama]

...dammit, Foglios. You and your fetishes that happen to coincide with mine AHEM!

[Megalomaniac2]

WORD for WORD callback. I absolutely love it!

[chionophile]

...dammit, Foglios. You and your fetishes that happen to coincide with mine AHEM!

The "being pinned to the floor by a powerful woman and told not to freak out" fetish?

[FoE]

...dammit, Foglios. You and your fetishes that happen to coincide with mine AHEM!

Hmm ... now that I think about it, there's a lot of fetish play in this comic. Not only do all the women have large breasts and are scantily-clad (even the freakin' Clanks have breasts, except when they're naked), but a large majority of them (most notably, Agatha) wear corsets and have strong, dominant personalities. Von Pinn is pretty well the personification of this trope.

[Dorizzit]

"You're not going to kill me?"

"Not unless I have to."

"Okay, I can work with that."

Priceless. :smallbiggrin:

[Corestimah]

The symmetry between this strip and that earlier one is marvelous :smallbiggrin:

I REALLY look forward to the next strip; I wonder what Moloch will say, and whether he's been to the library yet? Also, how much (or how little) effort will Agatha need to expend to win Moloch to her side? (I would guess very little, considering the current strip's events!)

I also wonder what professor Tiktoffen's reaction to Agatha will be when she reveals herself to him. He may be trying to play both sides against the middle, but I suspect that he's very much dedicated to Oublenmach and Strinbeck and will therefore pose a significant problem to Agatha.

Will simply reconnecting the castle's control circuits allow it to use its voluntary defenses against Zola and co? It would certainly spare Agatha having to kill her. Also, why is the castle so vitally important to Mechanicsburg's defenses? Does it have something to do with the screamer guns, or something we haven't seen yet?

[Nerd-o-rama]

The "being pinned to the floor by a powerful woman and told not to freak out" fetish?
They don't have to be ordering me to do that specifically...

Dammit, why am I talking about this?

[The Kool]

Compare (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20030514) and Contrast. (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080312)

I KNEW it was him! I kept chasing him down, even looked at that, but it didn't look the same for some reason. Oh my, I wonder if they'll comment on it? If anyone, it would be him.

[Ganurath]

They don't have to be ordering me to do that specifically...

Dammit, why am I talking about this?Because Agatha has a commanding voice, a curvacious figure, a dominant personality, and wears a balance of leather jumpsuits and semitransparent undergarments?

[Nerd-o-rama]

Because Agatha has a commanding voice, a curvacious figure, a dominant personality, and wears a balance of leather jumpsuits and semitransparent undergarments?
Well obviously. I'm just wondering why I'm talking about it to strangers on the interwebs.

[Oracle_Hunter]

Well obviously. I'm just wondering why I'm talking about it to strangers on the interwebs.

Because that's what the interwebs are for!

[stm177]

We haven't had anyone in their underwear for almost a month, so this comic can't be fetish fuel.

Moloch appears to know that Agatha claims to be a Heterodyne. When he knew, well probably back on Castle Wulfenbach?

[TigerHunter]

...I heartily endorse this comic.

Moloch's reaction was simply priceless.

[Oracle_Hunter]

I wonder if we'll discover that the subsystems respect the Mongfish Voice, or that the Kitchen is just pulling a fakeout...

Also: got to love the egg-beater thrown into the Storm of Pointy Things :smallbiggrin:

[dogmac]

There is also the spoon.

I think that Agatha will do a good authoritive "STOP THAT NOW" and they'll all drop.

But yes, it does talk.

[FoE]

More likely the kitchen is doing a "scare the newbie" routine, and suddenly all the silverware will go dropping to the floor before striking Agatha. Remember what Wilhem said: "Nobody's ever been killed in there ... We think the place is alive, and just likes to mess with us." Plus Moloch doesn't seem scared, even though there's a few dozen sharp utensils aimed at him and Agatha.

On a related note, has anyone seen this strip (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070614) before? I don't remember ever reading it before. I think it's a new strip that was added in to the archives.

[Oracle_Hunter]

There is also the spoon.

I think that Agatha will do a good authoritive "STOP THAT NOW" and they'll all drop.

But yes, it does talk.

Ah, but that is clearly a Hoffmannite Throwing Spoon (http://www.airshipentertainment.com/buckcomic.php?date=20080228) - deadly at any speed.

EDIT

On a related note, has anyone seen this strip (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070614) before? I don't remember ever reading it before. I think it's a new strip that was added in to the archives.


:eek:
The Foglios... they're Retconning in real time? Retconning... exposition?!

This is almost as wacky as Howard Taylor's original Time Traveling Story Idea (http://www.schlockmercenary.com/blog/index.php/category/cartooning/)!

[chionophile]

Oooh, this should be good.


On a related note, has anyone seen this strip (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070614) before? I don't remember ever reading it before. I think it's a new strip that was added in to the archives.

wtf, where did that come from? Those crazy Foglios and their conniving ways.

[dogmac]

Shoving things up on a THURSDAY!

I only recently went back over that story arch and it wasn't there then.

Cunning Foglios.... it's a plot to make me read the entire archive AGAIN to see if there are any other hidden strips.

[Hell Puppi]

Don't remember that either...damn...time for another archive trawl!

[Ganurath]

Don't remember that either...damn...time for another archive trawl!Nothing between Gil's visit to the circus and Agatha's arrival in Mechanicsburg, I was browsing the archives after FoE mentioned how all the females tend to be heavy chested.

[Oracle_Hunter]

Nothing between Gil's visit to the circus and Agatha's arrival in Mechanicsburg, I was browsing the archives after FoE mentioned how all the females tend to be heavy chested.

For research, right? :smallwink:

[Ganurath]

For research, right? :smallwink:Oh, no. I have no shame in being a dirty-minded little nerd.

[Hell Puppi]

Nothing between Gil's visit to the circus and Agatha's arrival in Mechanicsburg, I was browsing the archives after FoE mentioned how all the females tend to be heavy chested.

Well I've lost track of who everyone is... I read all of the archives a while ago, but since then I've read at least 7 more archives of comics...

Dominic Deegan, Sluggy Freelance, American Elf, Zebra Girl, Octopus Pie, Scary Go Round, DMOTR, Misfile, suicide for hire, Goats, Overcomensating, Gunnering court...

Yeah I need to refresh my memory a bit. Keeping up on the storyline is becoming difficult..

[BRC]

It's official, the Foglio's are the Ministry of Truth!

[stm177]

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070614

Ha, page 47.5 huh?

It's not really a retcon. It's more of a directors cut edition!

[John Campbell]

Timestamps suggest that it appeared on Monday.

[Admiral One]

yeah, i read it on tuesday while going through the archives

[Fatexx544]

I am new to the girl genius comic, so I thought this "new" back-comic was in there all along.

On the topic of the current comic, I don't think she can control the castle with her voice. Remember here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20071022), where she tries to command the castle. She convinces the castle to obey because there is a chance she is the real Heterodyne, but the castle did not appear to be compelled to obey like the people of Sturmhalten.

I agree that this is merely a scare tactic the non-lethal kitchen uses on recent arrivals. What I want to know is how she is going to reach the library. It appears, from Moloch's presence, that she will be on kitchen duty for months, but the heir in pink could kill the castle in as little as a day.

Maybe this question has already been addressed, I haven't read the entire thread.

[Lord Iames Osari]

Nothing between Gil's visit to the circus and Agatha's arrival in Mechanicsburg.

And nothing between Agatha's arrival in Mechanicsburg and the opera synopsis.

[stm177]

I'd like to see what Dingbot Prime can do with the castle, and Zola getting upset at all the little dingbots running around messing up her plans.

[TigerHunter]

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070614

Ha, page 47.5 huh?

It's not really a retcon. It's more of a directors cut edition!
More of a "Phil? I was just reading through the archives... wasn't there another page between these two?"

I'm happy--two strips for the price of one, plus I remember how that felt point felt awkward, almost like there was a strip missing. :smalltongue:

[chionophile]

Now that you've got me looking back at those strips, would someone mind explaining what happened in panels 4 and 5 here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070615)? Who says "No, wait!" and why? What's the "SHING" sound effect for?

[TigerHunter]

Now that you've got me looking back at those strips, would someone mind explaining what happened in panels 4 and 5 here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070615)? Who says "No, wait!" and why? What's the "SHING" sound effect for?
Probably a poor choice of sound effect. Sh-clunk probably would have worked better.

Panel 4:
Vole: Sigh. I'll take care of it...
Gil: Nah, I'll do it. You go get Agatha.
Sifu: No, WAIT! Don't send Vole! He's--

Panel 5:
*flamethrower extends from the clank*
Everyone thinks: Oh sh*t...

[SnowballMan]

Now that you've got me looking back at those strips, would someone mind explaining what happened in panels 4 and 5 here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070615)? Who says "No, wait!" and why? What's the "SHING" sound effect for?


I was confused on this when I first read it too. Nearest I can gather is that Sifu was trying to get Gil to reconsider sending Vole when the Clank "shinged" out it's weapon.

As for the altering of pages, this has been done before. I have copies back from when they were publishing GG as a regular comic (you crazy kids with your internets and your getting things for free). I noticed the online pages had fixed some dialog which didn't make sense and also some artwork which made it look like Agatha had two left hands.

[BRC]

I just realized somthing, what will happen in Mechanisburg now that there is a machine that produces narcotic coffee.

[stm177]

I just realized somthing, what will happen in Mechanisburg now that there is a machine that produces narcotic coffee.

Agatha promised to "fix" that. :smallsmile:

[Dorizzit]

No, she promised to fix that guy. :smalltongue:

[John Campbell]

I was confused on this when I first read it too. Nearest I can gather is that Sifu was trying to get Gil to reconsider sending Vole when the Clank "shinged" out it's weapon.

That's clear enough. What I'm wondering is what Sifu is doing to Gil's brooch. Pressing it? Trying to conceal the Winged Tower? Nothing at all and it's just a trick of perspective that makes it look like he's got his finger on it?

[slayerx]

That's clear enough. What I'm wondering is what Sifu is doing to Gil's brooch. Pressing it? Trying to conceal the Winged Tower? Nothing at all and it's just a trick of perspective that makes it look like he's got his finger on it?

Trick of perspective... he's just holding up his finger and it just looks like he's pressing the broach...


I just realized somthing, what will happen in Mechanisburg now that there is a machine that produces narcotic coffee.
eh, it's Mechanisburg, home of the most insane spark family in history... they've probably done a lot worst than getting people hyped on really good coffee =p

Though that coffee shop is probably gonna put all the other shops out of buiisness with it's Spark Roast Coffee (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/ggmain/strips/ggmain20071015.jpg)

[Oracle_Hunter]

Now that you've got me looking back at those strips, would someone mind explaining what happened in panels 4 and 5 here (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070615)? Who says "No, wait!" and why? What's the "SHING" sound effect for?

I think SHING is the universal super-sci-fi sound effect for turning on an overdesigned pilot light for your flamer. Think of it as a very large, and very awesome, Zippo :smallbiggrin:

[Ganurath]

I just realized somthing, what will happen in Mechanisburg now that there is a machine that produces narcotic coffee.Funding for the reconstruction of the Kestle?

[dogmac]

I just realized somthing, what will happen in Mechanisburg now that there is a machine that produces narcotic coffee.

Booming tourist trade!

God knows I want to go there.

[Aquillion]

http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20070614

Ha, page 47.5 huh?

It's not really a retcon. It's more of a directors cut edition!My guess is that it was added to the print edition because it needed an extra page, and they decided to put it up online, too.

Regarding today's strip... has it occured to anyone else that Agatha's voice is, as far as we know, not so much recognizably Heterodyne as it is almost identical to her mother's? That could cause some problems in the castle, especially if it was really her mother that was responsibile for the big attack that damaged it -- some parts of the castle might still ID Agatha as an enemy based on her voice.

[BRC]

My guess is that it was added to the print edition because it needed an extra page, and they decided to put it up online, too.

Regarding today's strip... has it occured to anyone else that Agatha's voice is, as far as we know, not so much recognizably Heterodyne as it is almost identical to her mother's? That could cause some problems in the castle, especially if it was really her mother that was responsibile for the big attack that damaged it -- some parts of the castle might still ID Agatha as an enemy based on her voice.
Well I think the parts of her voice that spark creations recognize are similar enough for it both to work.

[slayerx]

Well, let's just hope no one heard Agatha yell that =/

And now we a certain von zinzer knows Agatha is the heir... this is probably good for her. Despite what Moloch thinks Agatha did to his brother, he has shown that he is willing to work with her if it's for his benefit; just as he did on Castle Wulfenbach... As long as he thinks that she is his fastest ticket out of there, faster than Zola, then he will work with her and not sell her



Regarding today's strip... has it occured to anyone else that Agatha's voice is, as far as we know, not so much recognizably Heterodyne as it is almost identical to her mother's? That could cause some problems in the castle, especially if it was really her mother that was responsibile for the big attack that damaged it -- some parts of the castle might still ID Agatha as an enemy based on her voice.
well, the castle's main intelligence has already heard her voice... it thinks that she may certainly be Lucrezia's daughter but isn't 100% sure that it she is Bill's daughter... So the castles main intellgence seems to not mind that she is the daughter of Lucrezia... If her mother really was behind the attack it's entirely possible that the castle doesn't actually know who was responsible either

Futharmore, the castle is also waiting for an heir, and the child of Bill and Lucrezia is the most likely possibility from it's current knowledge... so no matter what it thinks, it knows that the next heir being related to Lucrezia is a very high possibility and as such will wait until it sees whether or not she truly is a heterodyne... if she is a mongfish, but not a heterodyne, then she will be flattened like any other heir

[dogmac]

Told you :P

(not that I am one to brag or anything, but.....)

[stm177]

I wish I could yell at my car, and have it stop acting up.

[Oracle_Hunter]

I wish I could yell at my car, and have it stop acting up.

On the down side, you would have to keep an eye out for your car swerving to run over pedestrians - not to mention being unable to switch the radio from the "all organ music, all the time" station.

EDIT:
New comic!
Funny that Agatha would forget that the Central Brain can't talk to most of its extensions (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20071017). And yes, claiming to be the scion of a thousand-year line of madmen, sociopaths, and folks who are just plain mean - not all that it's cracked up to be.

[chionophile]

Couldn't wait for someone else to post, eh OH? :smallsmile:

I hate waiting for the next comic. I want to know how she has to prove herself. I hope it's not "by not getting cut with these knives". Cause that would be bad.

[Ganurath]

Couldn't wait for someone else to post, eh OH? :smallsmile:

I hate waiting for the next comic. I want to know how she has to prove herself. I hope it's not "by not getting cut with these knives". Cause that would be bad.Blood sample, collected like an Old School Heterodyne?

[Oracle_Hunter]

Blood sample, collected like an Old School Heterodyne?

Huh. That's a depressingly mundane reason for Hell's Kitchen's response. I was expecting a "Science or Death" contest where Agatha has to figure out how the Kitchen is manipulating cutlery before it kills her.

Well, maybe I'll be right anyhow...

@Chionophile
http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/info/cast/bios/winslow.jpgHi!

[stm177]

She might have to run around in her underwear.

[Gez]

She might have to run around in her underwear.

Might? Might? She does. There's no uncertainty behind this. :smallbiggrin:

[sihnfahl]

Blood sample, collected like an Old School Heterodyne?
And here I was thinking something far more.

She has the voice, yes. But that doesn't necessarily make her 'master' of the Castle.

She has to prove to the Kitchen that she's also a spark... and not just ANY spark - a Heterodyne spark. Since styles run in families, Agatha has to stop the Kitchen like a Heterodyne would...

[GGfan]

Most likely the slash is meant to provoke Agatha into doing something sparky... or not. After all, the kitchen just told her she has to prove herself now. Knowing the castle... it probably means RIGHT NOW!

[Stiz]

First of all...... My thanks to you all for haveing this masive thread that pointed me to GG. It really is as great as everyone has said and now i wait on the edge of my seat for the next post!
Dang...... addicted to another comic... /sigh

[Oracle_Hunter]

First of all...... My thanks to you all for haveing this masive thread that pointed me to GG. It really is as great as everyone has said and now i wait on the edge of my seat for the next post!
Dang...... addicted to another comic... /sigh

Here The Stiz, have a Winslow!
http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/info/cast/bios/winslow.jpgHi!

Welcome to the fold, and feel free to join in on the speculatin'

[Rockphed]

And here I was thinking something far more.

She has the voice, yes. But that doesn't necessarily make her 'master' of the Castle.

She has to prove to the Kitchen that she's also a spark... and not just ANY spark - a Heterodyne spark. Since styles run in families, Agatha has to stop the Kitchen like a Heterodyne would...

Or she could just destroy the castle. Turn all of the Tourists into monsters. Create a Fountain out of sausage and dance around in her undies. That would convince everybody that she is a heterodyne. And give her a nice army to boot.

[stm177]

The castle could want her to Heterodyne (singing while sparking).

[Lord Iames Osari]

Hey, guys. Just thought I'd plug my Girl Genius-themed WW game (link in my sig). We're looking for lots more players, so please sign up.

[Corestimah]

The castle could want her to Heterodyne (singing while sparking).

Ultimately yes, but I think that the kitchen had a purpose in slicing Agatha's arm. She is now bleeding, and what better way to verify her Heterodyne-ness than by sampling her blood?

On another note, Agatha's face and question in the last panel of today's strip (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080321) intrigue me. I think that she has a very good idea as to why the kitchen attacked her, and how to make it stop. Also, her expression bears a resemblance to Klaus' expression in the last panel of this strip (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040430). I think this is an interesting parallel.

[Oracle_Hunter]

Ultimately yes, but I think that the kitchen had a purpose in slicing Agatha's arm. She is now bleeding, and what better way to verify her Heterodyne-ness than by sampling her blood?

Aww, I was hoping for a Spark Death Match too. But yeah, blood test :smallsigh:


On another note, Agatha's face and question in the last panel of today's strip (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20080321) intrigue me. I think that she has a very good idea as to why the kitchen attacked her, and how to make it stop. Also, her expression bears a resemblance to Klaus' expression in the last panel of this strip (http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20040430). I think this is an interesting parallel.

That's just the Spark "Eureka!" face. Alternatively it's the "I get to smash/blow up lots of stuff!" face. :smallbiggrin:

[Gez]

She's entering the "madness place."

[Aquillion]

And here I was thinking something far more.

She has the voice, yes. But that doesn't necessarily make her 'master' of the Castle.

She has to prove to the Kitchen that she's also a spark... and not just ANY spark - a Heterodyne spark. Since styles run in families, Agatha has to stop the Kitchen like a Heterodyne would...Its response in the latest page ("BLOOD!") would seem to hint at it wanting a blood sample.

Or being stark raving loony, which is not mutually exclusive to the above.

[stm177]

It's strange that the kitchen can talk without being connected to the main brain -- assuming the voice in the crypt was the main brain.

Once all the castle's brains are reconnected together, perhaps there is one dominant personality?