So, one of my favorite web comics that I read is Questionable Content. It's written by Jeph Jacques and started in 2003. A big reader of web comics himself, Questionable Content started out as a hobby; he only updated a few times a week. But in 2004 he quit his day job to update the comic five days a week. He is now one of the most successful web comics out there. It's easy to see why.I literally read all the archives in one weekend. It was incredibly addicting. Even though his art is very primitive and cartoony in the beginning, it works. The jokes are good, though you need to have a knowledge of pop culture and the indie scene. Even though I don't listen to a lot of indie music, I still enjoyed the humor. It's a bit sassy. But what also adds to the comic is the fact that the art gets better as you go along. It's fun to watch his work progress and grow. The characters are still cartoony, but backgrounds appear, shading, and proportions are more realistic.
The art isn't the only thing that gets better. As the comic goes along the characters become more three dimensional. Faye starts off as a snarky girl with anger issues, but becomes a strong woman who is trying to deal with some very serious and very real issues. The story also becomes less of a discussion about music, and more into a intriguing dramedy with lots of interesting, real characters. The thing that keeps me coming back to this comic is the fact that even though it's a comedy, it doesn't always end like a comedy. I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say relationships don't always go they way you wish they did, and it's not always bad. I do get sick of those cliche endings, and even though there are some of those, there are also plenty of real ones. People don't get together, they fight, they move on with their life, they do stupid things they regret. It's one of the few comics I feel is actually realistic.
Of course, it helps that this comic just happens to take place in a town near where I live. I love getting those little in jokes he sticks in that only the locals will get. Some of the places he mentions I've been to. But even if you don't live anywhere near the apartments of Questionable Content, you'll enjoy it. I say start from the beginning, you'll get a more well rounded view of the story and characters. Though, if you didn't want to go through the 3000 plus worth of strips, and not read them all in one weekend like I did, you can just jump in the beginning and you'll catch up quick. Please give this comic a read. You won't regret it.
So, if you know the comic, let me know what you think by leaving a comment. Or if you don't, and start because of this article, let me know what you thought of it. Thanks for reading!
