These last few weeks have kind of been a whirlwind of stress, stress and more stress. Worldwide: we have men walking into schools, killing students. We have religious groups wanting to protest the funerals of little girls. We have government officials predating on congressional pages, and other officials turning a blind eye. This morning, we now have a little North Korean man jumping up and down screaming, "Look at me! Look at me! I'm dangerous, too!" as his men test a weapon that, in all honesty, no one has a right to make, much less use. It's a crazy world my friends. I think it's all a bunch of stupidity if you ask me. I am of the very serious opinion that far too many people are thinking with far too little of their brains. The running theory is we use about 10% of our brain capacity. I propose that mankind (or at least the ones running things) is running on something closer to 1.25% interest (The .25% is because I'm a generous type fella).
Closer to home, my wife is going into the hospital in about two weeks, for surgery. If that's not stressful enough, my employers have decided that I've missed too much time taking care of her, that if I take time off to be with her, that I'll lose my job. Understandably, neither my wife, nor I, are overly enthused by the deep caring and consideration that my employer has during this trying time. All this admist further craziness that is anyone's life in this 21st century.
Is it any wonder that my wife and I spend so much time playing in our own little world, to forget the real one? I have a few more escapes, I think, than my wife does, though. I'm hooked on a number of online comics, artists, and such, that help keep my mind sane enough to deal with the inane ignorance of the world.
Now, for me, it's all about story, story, story, art, and humor. I hate anything that can't look at itself and chuckle, guffaw, or snicker, at the very least. The big thing, though, as you may of noticed, is story. If I can't care about what happens to the characters, I can't care about the comic, story, game, etc. Here's a few of my favorite little escapes to start you off, if there's any you think I'd like, let me know, I'll check'em out, and let you know what I think.
Inverloch- (www.seraph-inn.com)- A beautiful story with beautiful art, this has got to be one of the artistic creme de la creme, and the story's well done too. I love the characters, the concept, and how it's all evolving. It's a pretty close to living storyline. I love it. There's also enough light heartedness to keep me smiling. The romantic aspect is sweet, and I can't wait for certain characters to hook up. If you read it, you know what I'm talkin' about. If not... well then... read it from th beginning. That's where all good stories have to start, and where most end.
Applegeeks- (www.applegeeks.com)- Speaking of evolution, like the difference between a Powerbook and a IIe, Applegeeks is a comic that has metamorphosed into something truly Gunn toating. What started as a comedic web strip has become an interesting sci-fi storyline, complete with light-heartedness still included. I enjoy every day this comic is updated. Hawke and Ananth are genius. Also, don't forget to scroll down and take a gander at Applegeeks-lite.
Mega-Tokyo- (www.megatokyo.com)- Okay... sometimes there are coolness to the extreme, then there are those cool things that are cool but you don't know if you should admit to the rest of the world that they are cool, or that you think they are cool. Fortunately, Mega-Tokyo isn't one of these kind of things. Sure, it's mostly about Piro's misadventures in love, but come on... there's Boo!!!!! (Yes, Boo from Balder's Gate, he's a substitute conscious... Go for the eyes, Boo! The eyes!!!) This is where I first actually began to understand that oft misunderstood tongue of L33T. (To be honest, I'm surprised no one's made a push to have that taught is class. Honestly, if Ebonics can be taught...) Hmm... rambling again. Anyways, this is a great comic, done in classic black and white. Good characters, good writing, good story, and great art. This is where I got the idea to raise my hand in class during Computer Building 101 and ask, " So... it's best if we just start working on these naked, right?" I think I almost caused my poor lab partner to pass out. I am not a small boy.
Those, mi amigos, are my TOP THREE favorite webcomics in general. There are others that I frequent, but I think I'll mention them another time. This is as good a place to start as any.
Now... in regards to gaming. There are a number of interesting little products out there that get my little mental gears aspinnin'. Right now the top one is Dragon Magic for D&D. Now, I don't own this book just yet, and the best view I've gotten of it has been stolen glances in the gaming store, but from what I've seen, I'm intrigued. There's just not been enough dragon-specific stuff lately. My friend, Bob, would probably weep and wail and gnash his teeth, because of the fact that there's even more prestige classes. On the other hand, I've gone for two VERY GOOD Forgotten Realms sourcebooks without a single prestige class in either. WotC is learning.
If you haven't read Dragons of Faerun, you really should. It's a great update for the Realms. Also, if you're a DM, it's a great source of material for nasty little things to bring into your game. Three dragons are also finally "officially" updated to 3.5, and there's a note to update the dragons mentioned in Monsters of Faerun, written way back in days of (3.0) yore. All in all, a pretty sweet book. At least that's my opinion.
Well, that's how I see things right now. Cats and dogs living together in the streets is just around the corner. I'm just waiting for Vigo to show up in Manhattan, then I'll know the apocalypse is at hand. (That or for the next presiditial canidate to come to his (or her) inauguration atop a pale horse.)
No comments:
Post a Comment