When I moved over from WordPress to a self-hosted site, one of the biggest things I gave up was having article notifications pushed out to subscribers via email. I’ve switched to a new service and imported everyone who subscribed to this blog into the new list. If you’d no longer like to follow the blog by email and have been added to the list, there’s an unsubscribe link at the bottom of the email message. If you’d like to receive email notifications, fill out the form on the right sidebar and confirm your email address.
I gave myself a less than stellar task on Saturday night. I wanted to quickly replace the images that still pointed to WordPress.com with images uploaded to this website. My downfall was trying to cheat and use a search and replace plugin to update the file paths. Instead, those paths were just deleted and the older posts no longer had images. So I found myself updating all the posts with new images. Fortunately, there were only 57 posts to update. Everything should be back to normal, and suggested posts now have thumbnails. The task was a pain in the ass and took two hours, but it was fun to revisit older articles and the earliest webcomic roundups from 2019.
Africa | Page(s): 362 | Patreon
As Africa mourns Safari’s death, Mosi hears her in the distance. It’s the same sad noise she made when calling for him. He wonders if she’s looking for him, and begins to come out of hiding. The pieces are in place for a family reunion. However, I have the sinking feeling that it’s not going to be joyful. Mosi has a flashback to when he was a younger cub and Africa called for him after the lion attack. I feel like all of this trauma and sadness could have been avoided if he’d just gone to her when she originally called him. Yes, I know he was afraid of her anger, but he didn’t really have a plan and would have been in rough shape without Bibi’s help.
Now, when he exits the brush and goes to her, he might be devastated to learn that his mother is actually crying for Safari. (Though one reason she did go to the swamp was to find him.) Worse yet, Mosi has hangups regarding Mondo (who’s innocent in all this), and might take his anger out on the serval cub. If Mosi doesn’t, he might yell at Africa for taking in Sabra’s child, and accuse her of not caring about him or Binti. There’s just so many ways this could all go badly.
Again, we have the parallels between Chui and Mosi. Let’s just hope Mosi turns out to be the better leopard in the end.
To Catch a Star | Page(s): 459, 460, 461, 462 | Patreon
After successfully scaring off the pack, Takedown finally notices the trail of blood leading out of the forest. Meanwhile, the Supernova continues to run from Lupi, luring them away from Shadow with the star. The plan is working well until they trip over Backlash, who’s come to rest in a field of flowers. Lupi gives up the chase, noticing their friend is badly hurt, and the star instantly loses its pull on the sun wolf. The Supernova tries to lure Lupi in again by getting closer. Just before they can succeed Shadow arrives, driving them off. She then notices Backlash’s horrific state and begs him to wake up, while the sun looks on emotionless. At the sound of Shadow’s voice, the young wolf slowly opens his eyes.
First off, it’s incredibly touching that Lupi’s love for Backlash is so strong that seeing him down was able to snap them out of their trance. It’s been shown that the sun can’t help themselves when around a star, but seeing their friend down finally got through to them. Though I’m unsure if they completely understand the extent of Backlash’s injuries. Second, I’m kind of surprised that Tussle and Sweep aren’t around. I was certain that they took their friend to safety. I guess when Takedown went off, they ran away. Or maybe they decided to pursue Danger? To be fair, I’m a little disappointed if his only friends in the pack didn’t help him once Takedown was distracted.
Actually, I’m surprised that Backlash even had the strength to drag himself out of the forest and into a clearing. I was positive that Takedown killed him earlier, but he’s more resilient than I could have ever guessed. That resilience isn’t enough to save his life, but at least he can rest among the flowers he loves while surrounded by friends who love him. For now, he’s still alive, but considering how much blood he’s lost and how bad he looks, the end of his life is near.
The next question is if the trio will leave before or after Takedown arrives. The wise thing to do would probably be to get to safety, but it seems unlikely that Backlash could even travel given how close to death he is. I’m guessing there’s going to be something of a showdown between Shadow and her friend’s older brother. Even though she’s slightly larger and isn’t afraid to kill, he’s way more vicious. Though anger over Backlash’s death, could allow Shadow to hold her own. Not to mention Takedown is missing an eye. I’m curious to see how these next set of pages play out.
As Backlash nears the end, I’m not completely sure how I feel about it. Will Shadow and Lupi be forced to give up their dream of creating a better world in order to revive their friend? Will they press on, and hope that somehow he’ll be a part of the new world? Or will they just move forward without him, grieving him along the way? Also, will his death be the event that triggers Lupi finally becoming their own fully realized character instead of someone who’s mostly passively been along for the ride? I’m just trying to figure out the significance of having a main character killed off at this point and if the goal will change because of said death.
The Order of the Black Dog | Page(s): Issue 27, page 35 | Patreon
Julia and Mel try to gather their thoughts to talk to the smiling man. He reminds the girls that mortals weren’t really built to be in the realm he inhabits. Julia gets it together and tells him that they need Kenazil to stop the Black Mass (aka The Black Idol). The smiling man (who confirms he’s a god) chastises the two. The gods have trouble keeping the Black Dog on a leash– there’s no way mortals could hope to control her. Mel insists there’s no other option, and she has to try. The black cat grins again stating she would be ripped apart. Mel simply doesn’t care.
I had the foreboding feeling that Kenazil might be worse than the threat of the Black Idol, and the smiling man is pretty much verifying that fear. Still, Mel and Julia are too stubborn not to try. I think their stubbornness might win over the smiling man, as seeing them try would be too entertaining to pass up. If they fail, it’s the biggest “I told you so,” ever. If they succeed, well everyone’s a bit safer from the influence of the Black Idol.
That said, how is one small dog god going to eat something as massive as the Black Idol? The entire thing is in the moon. Worse yet, would other gods seek to take advantage of the likely chaos? The more I think about Julia and Mel’s plan, the more worried I become.
Lost Scent | Page(s): 42 | Patreon
Motte continues to pull the sled until she takes a break around sunset. Tulpi begs her to stop, due to looking ill. Motte insists she’s fine, but she can’t hide her fever from her smaller companion. The larger dog again insists she’s fine, but Tulpi looks around for help. I’m guessing back at the cave or while out looking for a sled, Motte caught cold. By that I mean she’s spent too much time in cold weather, not that she’s come down with a cold virus. Or she could have. Who knows? Either way, Motte likely pushed herself way too hard during and after the blizzard. Hopefully there’s a town or a house nearby so Tulpi can look after her friend, and the trio can get out of the freezing weather.
The lighting and backgrounds on this page are just awesome. Even when there’s not much happening in Lost Scent each page is a joy to look at.
I’m well aware that my schedule puts me a page behind the latest public release. That said, my preference is to write these roundups on Sunday afternoon/early Monday morning before bed. Which means I won’t get around to covering page 845 until next Monday. That’s the problem with Home and the fact that it’s posted on the 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th of each month instead on a set day of the week. Anyway, on to page 844.
Roamer and Kargo reach the former Snowcap Tribe territory and there’s no sign of anyone ever having lived on the mountain. Roamer finds it to be amazing and surprisingly clean, and Kargo remarks that scavengers must have taken whatever was left behind. The two then continue to explore the territory and the younger dog visualizes what their new home could look like, including a breathtaking view for his and Rogio’s hut. When questioned about it, he says Kargo’s hut could be next to theirs. The older dog declines as Rogio likes his privacy and decides on a different area. The two then head back, so they can report to Ronja.
This page makes me wonder how much time has exactly passed between Iberion angering the spirit and these two returning to the territory. I guess it’s convenient not to see the remains of what was once a settlement, but you’d think some hints of the old tribe would be around. Otherwise, it’s just Roamer picking out the best spots for him and Rogio (though I question being that close to a river), and for Ronja. Granted, this is some world-building in a comic that desperately needs more of it, but it seems like the entire tribe should be choosing where they want to live. It could have been a great moment to see everyone in the tribe interacting and deciding where to go based on their wants or needs. Instead, we’re robbed of seeing this moment. I don’t think it would have been difficult for Roamer to note the territory, then mention to Kargo that everyone can decide after the move.
It’s also a bit rude of him to claim a great view for himself and Rogio. Maybe the spot could have better served as a place to reflect, relax, or meditate. As for insisting that Kargo place his tent next to Roamer and Rogio’s, it seemed like Kique is trying to build the blocks for the polycule relationship. Thankfully, Kargo declined the offer regarding the tent, and it seems like Roamer is having a hard time bringing up Rogio’s suggestion. I suppose it’ll happen some day, but I’m dreading that day.
The backgrounds of this page aren’t too bad, though the copy and paste trees are a bit of an eyesore. If the author believed in using lighting more often, this page would land on the more on the visually pleasing side.
On Hiatus:
Golden Shrike | Page(s): | Patreon
Neither Roamer or Kargo seem to be ok with polygamy lol. I think if Roamer was ok with it he would have talked about that two months ago. Its amazing how forced this situation is‚ the only one alright with this is Rogio because he gets to bang another‚ Kargo still looks uncomfortable with the two dating. Also Roamer sugesting that is just weird “hey now you will be able to hear us having sex!”
It’s funny, for how often Kique changes characters’ personalities to suit the plot, the slightly better developed characters still have parts of their personality breakthrough. By that I mean, Roamer isn’t really down with Rogio’s idea, but he doesn’t push back. Yet he can’t bring himself to make the suggestion to Kargo. When given the chance to get closer to Roamer via the tent situation, Kargo declines. In other words, you’re absolutely right. None of these characters except Rogio want this. XD
What, who wouldn’t want to move right next to their ex’s room and hear them banging their new boyfriend every night? It’s not weird at all! (It’s totally weird.)
These characters are so weird in the bad way lmao. Rogio just wants some doggy dick. Remember when he was horny for Rhov just two days after meeting him? He comes off as a really promiscuous individual which I’m not saying he’s evil for that or anything but he’s really creepy about it‚ it’s like he sees other males as sex objects rather than potential partners. Is he even in love with Roamer? They seem more like friends with benefits than a couple and I die of cringe everytime Kargo is around them. As you said theres hoping Rogio wont get to bang Kargo but I highly doubt it. If he was a good partner he would talk with Roamer over his feelings for Kargo and try to solve it instead bringing up a poly relationship as the first option but now he has dumped the pressure into Roamer to choose this.
You know what kind of fans this comic has when they are okay with this threesome but not with the comic having straight ships. They just want to see three guys banging because this is just a yaoi comic which is just using the “representation” excuse. Yeah sure ! representation my ass. I can’t wait for Ferah and Felidae to be the most chaste couple in existence
Yeah, it’s kind of wild that we’re supposed to forget that Rogio wanted Rhov only after knowing him for a few days. It’s almost like Kique can’t write proper male friendships (especially with Rogio) for shit. It feels like Ranach might be the only male he’s treated like a proper partner, if I’m being honest. I just can’t believe Kique and his super fans are okay with Rogio basically forcing Poly on Roamer, without even bothering to get his partner’s true feelings on it. Feels more like he just lusts after Roamer, and Roamer just goes with it because he doesn’t know any better.
It’s amazing how fast this became a yaoi comic. I remember people from Asmundr wanting more representation since everyone was straight there. Kique went too far in the other direction with almost all M/M relationships, a few straight ones, and F/F relationships just pushed off screen. Yikes.
Kique is a male fujoshi tbh. Every male must be horny for each other without allowing them to have platonic relationships‚ it’s fujoshi behaviour and ofc his fans are just the same. They don’t care about good writing or the characters’s feelings or what makes sense they just want guys kissing each
other. And you know what‚ that may be okay just don’t try to pretend this is not the case like‚ be sincere
Maybe Kique forgot you can have different kind of relationships like you can have queer relationships without deleting straight characters just like you can have good female characters without erasing males but he just goes with mxm because its the only thing he cares about since females suck in his eyes (thats why straight ships are mid for him and fxf are a just big no) Even in Asmundr everyone was straight at least you got females in (some) kinda good relationships‚ the girls in Home don’t get to have spotlight in the romantic department‚ the only positive is that Kique allows females to have friendships with each other unlike with the boys
And let’s be honest‚ how are we supposed to believe puppies are a thing in this universe when 90% of the male population are into each other?
If Kique were honest about what this comic was, it would save us so much time. I remember him getting angry at the idea his comic was like yaoi, but here were are. M/M relationships are the norm, M/F are mostly there to produce pups or cubs, or hybrids, and F/F have to be off-screen because he simply can’t stand women. My god, how is this comic so much worse than Asmundr, which is was okay at best? (We know how, but just watching the fall has been something else.)
And puppies only happen because there are just enough straight couples keeping things going, BUT incest is also a thing in this universe for no particular reason except Kique is interested in it. X_X
I’m really not a fan of the polyamory foreshadowing between Roamer, Rogio, and Kargo. Roamer and Rogio do not have any chemistry whatsoever, their relationship is solely based on fucking their troubles away and self-pitying and blaming others for their problems. Kargo and Rogio do not have any romantic chemistry either, and back in the chapter “Void”, Kargo told Rogio that he had once abandoned him when their friendship had mattered most. It’s obvious that Kique still has a soft-spot for Roamer x Kargo, the main couple that the story was going to revolve around from the very beginning, and I guess he still likes Roamer x Rogio, so he’s trying to have it both ways…?
I don’t know. I REALLY don’t like it. 😐 I can’t believe the polyship is actually happening,when I honestly thought people were only guessing. I didn’t think Kique would go this far. He should not have pushed Roamer into a relationship with Rogio in the first place, he should have just gone with his original vision and left Rogio to die to Ghoul Vesall, and kept Kargo x Roamer.
I’ve seen comments from people on Comicfury who do not approve of this. I’m surprised Kique didn’t delete them and I’m surprised he actually responded. XD
same here on letting those anti-poly comments pass. and in general people pecking at character faults lately. wouldn’t be surprised if kique does come out of left field one page to shut down comments again.
and your def right on kique liking the old and new roamer pairings that hes just gonna shove in what he wants. like nonsensical fanfiction revolving around a poorly written yaoi smut “plot”. its what he does with every character motivation. its just built on “i want this” with no proper tie ins or pacing. or he steals bread crumb theory’s/ metaphors he likes from commenters.
Roamer x Kargo have way more chemistry than Roamer x Rogio ever did. Back in the older days of this comic, people were pushing for Roamer and Rogio to be friends, and if Rogio wasn’t going to die, then maybe they should have JUST been friends. Though this comic went off the rails when Rogio’s fate was changed, so maybe Kique shouldn’t have changed that part of his limited script either. Meh.
It’s pretty messed up that he wants it both ways. I’ve resigned myself to the fact that it’s probably going to happen. Best we can hope for is that Kargo and Rogio are into Roamer without being into each other. Personally, I’d rather see Kargo move on and find someone else worthy of him, OR have him get back together with Roamer. BUT only after Roamer apologies to him and dumps Rogio. These scenarios aren’t going to happen, though. 🙁