Mike sure does seem to like this particular “reality.” I suppose it doesn’t hurt that I have a good time drawing junk, for some reason. Probably because it’s hard to mess it up, since it’s already… you know, JUNK.
This has been a strange week, but in the interests of civilization, I won’t dwell on it, except to say that my heart and thoughts are with the people in Belgium, Iraq and Pakistan on this Easter Sunday, and that whatever one’s religion, beliefs, or philosophy, the hallmark of enlightened civilization is a commitment to peace – and not just for your own, nor only so long as you get what you want, but as a truly universal, unconditional virtue that transcends all. I continue to pray for it and to strive for it in whatever small way I’m able.
This week, finally, I want to draw your attention to some fellow SpiderForest inductees – this time, from the realm of Sci Fi. If you’re reading this, you already know one of the three (it’s ME!) but the other two, Cosmic Dash and Derelict, are both really beautiful and totally engaging works – I heartily recommend them to you! (A word of caution – Derelict is rated “M” so you may not want to read it on a work computer – but it’s still a super-awesome piece with artwork to DIE for!)
“Why don’t you take a stress pill and rethink how to phrase it.”
😀
I don’t think they’ve yet made a pill strong enough for what she’s got.
Am I the only one that hears this in HAL’s calm voice?
I was thinking Sarek’s line from ‘Star Trek iV: The Voyage Home’:
“It is difficult to provide an answer when one does not understand the question…”
Truble is, I find the HAL voice anything but calming… Also, are we going to get an explaination of Mike apparently being psychic and magical?
Yes, and not to toss out a spoiler, I hope, but he’s neither of those things.
So, my guess is that we are talking a Matrix-y / virtual reality thingamajig happening here. Probably on mu;tiple levels. Raising the question of “What really is real?”
Well, in the words of George Costanza, “It’s not a lie if YOU believe it.”
My guess? They’re all AI programs, run as an apocalypse scenario to see how people would react. Mike’s figured this out and thus has control over the environment. So yeah, the Matrix, if Neo was a tank.
Now there’s an interesting theory! I couldn’t POSSIBLY comment but it is an interesting theory!
Douglas Rain as Mike? Personally I’d go for Kevin Spacey!
I can’t help it, each time interacts with one of the protagonists in this “reality” Depeche Mode’s “In Your Room” starts to play in my head…
“In your room
Where time stands still
Or moves at your will
Will you let the morning come soon
Or will you leave me lying here
In your favourite darkness
Your favourite half-light
Your favourite consciousness
Your favourite slave
In your room
Where souls disappear
Only you exist here
Will you lead me to your armchair
Or leave me lying here
Your favourite innocence
Your favourite prize
Your favourite smile
Your favourite slave
I’m hanging on your words
living on your breath
feeling with your skin
Will I always be here
In your room
Your burning eyes
Cause flames to arise
Will you let the fire die down soon
Or will I always be here
Your favourite passion
Your favourite game
Your favourite mirror
Your favourite slave
I’m hanging on your words
living on your breath
feeling with your skin
Will I always be here”
0_o
I have to admit I never thought I’d see this comic linked with Depeche Mode!
Never say never, eh?
Great band, though.
Golly… when you put it that way it really gives it a new omnious and frightening meaning.
Tho’ the more and more I think about it i start to think it makes more sence that they all got radiation poisoning to the point of hallucinations… or is it that we are seeing the allucinating mind of sarah post the letal radiation dose trying to interpret what happens around her unconsciously?
Looney you say? go talk to the all mighty tank wizard lord and when you come back tell me who’s looney?
😀
Well said! But then in times of stress reality can seem to break down, can’t it? And that’s the REAL world. Add in an atomic war and a cybertank, well, let’s just say they aren’t playing with a full deck as it is.
…
There’s a new game
We like to play you see
A game with added reality
He sure has a lot of explaining to do.
Yes he does. Even I can admit that.
maybe mike prefers this ‘reality’ because of all the memories swimming around in his head, this one is HIS.
this comic is bizarre and fascinating btw. i am really really enjoying it so far. i will follow it in the future i think.
Caught up!
Phew, it was one hell of a ride!
I loved it, though it’s hard to take, like a punch in the guts. This comic is strong. Terribly depressing and full of drama. I love every inch of it!
You’re awesome, keep going!! I’ll follow ya to hell and back!!!
Wow, man – I read all your comments, and you really just binge-read the whole story! I’m impressed!
Thanks so much for the comments and the support! I’m glad you like the story! It does me good to know I’m providing some decent entertainment, here. 😉