It’s been a minute, but I finally got one of these roundups done on a Monday. Who knew that getting proper rest could help? Also taking a break from doom-scrolling on social media. (Though I am keeping an eye out on the news. It’s not going great here!) But this isn’t a general news site, thankfully. So how about some webcomic news?
If you’ve been following After Honour on DeviantArt, you’ll know that it’s been on hiatus. It’s back, and the first issue will be remade, complete with slightly tweaked character designs. I’m just hoping that the remake doesn’t get in the way of posting newer pages, but it’s the author’s call at the end of the day. She also admits she’s been going through a lot and just had to take a break. Definitely a relatable feeling.
I used to cover it in the earlier days of this site, but I stopped because of the long hiatuses for Ghost of the Gulag. The comic is currently updating again and has been doing so for the last couple of weeks. My RSS reader finally realized this fact. Hah. So if you’ve been missing that comic, it’s back for the time being.
Africa | Page(s): 409 | Patreon
Bibi and Mondo’s time together has been less chatting and more wandering. It makes sense given the two are complete strangers despite being similar-sized cats. Bibi finally asks the serval if he’s okay, as he hasn’t said anything the entire day. She tries to lift his spirits by validating his frustration and gives him the opportunity to vent about anything, even his adopted mother. The reality of Mondo not sure about even calling Africa “Mom” again is laid out. The kit isn’t sure what to think after learning about Sabra (and her fate). Before the pair can have a real conversation, Bibi cuts it short by yanking him away after something rustles in the grass.
Even though the pair are complete strangers, I still think Bibi spending time with Mondo will be good for him. He can learn things from a cat closer to his own size than he can from his adopted mother. After all, the caracal has a different viewpoint on life given her smaller size. I don’t know if she can mend the broken relationship between Mondo and Africa or even if she should, as that’s not her job. It’s something mother and son will have to work out in the future. For now, there’s the immediate danger of something approaching from the grass. Could it be Chui? Or perhaps the African Wild Dogs on their way home? I’m doubtful it’s Bes as he seems too lazy to travel, and Faida’s currently putting down a rebellion.
What Lurks Beneath | Pages(s): 859, 860 | Patreon
After about a month off, What Lurks Beneath is finally back. As indicated by the chapter 31 cover, this will be an issue about Trout. In the aftermath of Tusk being sent to the sea, and Hake leaving The Family, we have Wrasse sitting alone on the beach. No doubt the old man is full of regrets about how everything played out, especially since he witnessed Hake and Tusk growing closer. Sturgeon approaches and reminds the old cat of her previous warning about putting a paw on her brother. To that the Lionheart admits he did it because the prince was going to get himself killed. Sturgeon acknowledges this and tells the old cat he did a good job.
Also, she’s relieving him of his Lionheart duties. Which means he’ll likely go back to being an Enforcer. As Wrasse asks Sturgeon if she’s sure, she admits that it might be possible to know too many things. The old cat is slightly confused. I admit, I’m not sure what she’s getting at either. On a meta level, we know that Sturgeon does know too many things. She knows The Tide isn’t really a god, their religion is built on a lie, who’s actually responsible for Trout’s attempted assassination, and an entire host of other things.
At this moment, she could be referring to Trout and Hake’s decisions that have put a rift on The Family. Personally, I’m thinking I’ll understand by chapter’s end what she means here. I’m still thinking Wrasse will remain loyal to Hake and may even use his privilege to keep an eye on him. That could be keeping him safe from Daisies or The Family that wish him ill, or even making sure he’s fed. Though on that front I’m also sure that Kelp and Mollymawk will help the former prince out.
Lost Scent | Page(s): 76| Patreon
Arky is confused to see a new face and asks the Borzoi who she is. Motte replies honestly. One of the twins waves Arky over who was actually sent out to bring back coal earlier. Morgan notes how crowded it’s going to be and tells the group to watch out for the edge. Caleb snarks that he can see PIG rolling over the edge of the container. Motte goes to help Morgan and the scene takes on a festive atmosphere for the night.
Storywise, there’s not much happening on this page except for mood building. With the tension between Morgan and Motte gone, everyone really can relax. I’ll even note the Borzoi mix’s slight smile in the third panel. She almost never smiles. We also get to see more of the dogs’ personalities on display. Arky is the life of the party, Danell shares a drink with him after giving Tulpi a blanket. Desna cooks fish over the fire, and Motte actually partakes in food and drink. (And no, I’m not sure if I got the names of the twins correct.)
I get the feeling that the girls will be staying with Morgan’s group for a while. It’ll be interesting to see The Selkie in action.
In The Lion’s Den: The Scarlet Uproar | Page(s): 43, 44| Patreon
As Harzuk and Kay take a walk down the street, the rabbit asks about what life was like living with a giant. The feline admits that she and her giant weren’t exactly friends. Harzuk inquires about it, and Kay says it’s hard to explain as she casts her gaze down, and pins her ears back. The rabbit wastes no time in getting to the heart of the matter. Kay and her giant didn’t have a friendship. The feline was essentially treated like a pet. Each piercing question hits its mark as Kay becomes more and more uncomfortable.
She finally tries to bail out of the conversation by declaring she has to use the litter box. She spies a public bathroom, but before she can pull the door open a strange gloved and hooded figure stops her. They tell her to keep her paws off their property.
Harzuk was quickly able to piece together how Kay was treated by her giant by just asking a series of questions. The questions weren’t really meant to have an answer, as the rabbit noted she was on the correct track and just kept pushing. I’m guessing she’s come across other critters who were more or less pets to their giants. As for Kay, the pain and frustration of what she endured was clear on her face. Maybe it’s a double ouch for someone as proud as herself to be reduced to a pet, and it being painfully obvious to someone else.
Again, her experience was so very different from Dunbar’s. In his story, he was treated like a friend and entrusted with his giant’s life force. I’m curious if we’ll learn why Kay received such a different treatment. Was it just how some giants roll? Or something else?
That will have to wait, as the feline is in yet another awkward situation with a resident of The Lion’s Den. Was that really a public bathroom? Why does this person have a sack on their head? Will Harzuk help her new feline companion out, or will she laugh at these new events?
Golden Shrike | Page(s): 299 | Patreon
Iralee asks the rest of the herd elders how they’re faring. Despite the elderly does being unable to walk, they still have their wits. The herd’s grandsire was an old stag, explaining his condition. One of the elders asks the God-Caller if she knows what happens in the sky. Iralee admits she can call the sky, but getting an answer is a different matter. The herd’s dame asks if the rumors about the sky being different is to blame. With a sigh, the Caller asks Somora to gather the herd for a speech. She reveals that what’s happening to this herd has been happening everywhere else as well.
The topic of possibly putting the enfeebled deer out of their misery isn’t brought up. I suspect the topic is a bit too grisly to even consider, and a natural death would be preferred. Again, this is my own speculation regarding the matter. Unless it’s touched upon in the story, I won’t be referring to it again. However, the realization that the sky is now different is starting to spread. Fawns that are stillborn, and elders that can’t pass on are becoming commonplace. It’s unsurprising that Iralee is being honest about what’s happening. That said, will this reveal cause a bunch of deer to become believers? Will they seek out Anataras and Eve on their own? Or will everything descend into chaos? We’ll see!
After Iberon and Ranach return to camp, a silence falls over the area. Iberon leaves the former Meteor on his own, much to Ranach’s surprise and worry. As night settles over the camp, the Lead Wrangler is still awake and angry. Getting up, he wakes up Siqhaala and notifies her that he’s leaving. As the pair walk past a sleeping Ranach, Iberon shoots the dog one last angry look while Siqhaala seems concerned.
Let’s start with the nice. I like the sunset on the first panel. The evening sky colors are gorgeous. The forth panel with the half moon above the treeline looks great too. (Though, the concept of the planet having two moons is completely gone now.) I also appreciate how Kique put some effort into all the trees looking slightly different on the last panel.
As for this turn of events, I’m glad Iberon is finally tired of Ranach. Though the previous conversation with him makes his anger a bit baffling. I think the link between Ranach trying to comfort him, while hiding something should have been clearer. It just feels like Iberon is angry for no good reason, even though we in the audience know that Ranach isn’t to be trusted. While that’s finally happening, the buildup and pay off are just missing. Iberon was distrustful of him, yet he put in good words for him with the Viscountess, and even slept with him.
Being suspicious now feels like a complete 180. If there had been a stronger focus on the former Meteor Tribe Jarl trying to misdirect or manipulate Iberon’s thoughts regarding the skull, and what happened with Snowcap Tribe, the anger would be warranted. After all, no one likes being manipulated. Instead, the Meteor just mentions Iberon didn’t meant to kill his brother, and that just infuriates him.
On another note, it’s weird to me that Ranach even cares. I feel like the only reason he’s concerned about what Iberon thinks is for a possible forced redemption, and for another shot at loving someone who reminds him of Rogio. A better use of Ranach’s worry would be the fear of his (attempted) murder of Rogio coming to light, and Iberon trying to kill him as a result.
Since Iberon is leaving, I guess this could possibly set up reunification with his little brother if this plot isn’t forgotten about.
On hiatus:
The Order of the Black Dog | Issue 29, Page: | Patreon
Related posts:
Powered by YARPP.
