#278 – Keep it down
Thursday, October 22nd, 2009Have you ever donated and not received the pdf? I have been getting a lot of complaints about not being redirected lately but still a lot that aren’t. If you weren’t redirected to the pdf, even if you only donated 0.01$ I still want you to get the pdf so don’t hesitate to email me (see Contact in the menu bar)
Also I have recently cut the manuscript down even more. So there aren’t a heck of a lot of pages left. 10 perhaps 15 if I am going to draw things out a bit, but I don’t really want to.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
Love? ……………….
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 pm
D:
Oh Anders.
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
October 22nd, 2009 at 3:57 pm
Bjorn is not amused.
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
You are publishing one of the best and most unique webcomics on the web. I hope you can find a way to keep doing it!
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Those to boys are SO going to have it out!
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:45 pm
10-15 pages left?!?! I’ve been lurking for a really, REALLY long time…but I had to comment! It makes me happy to know they will have a resolution (of sorts at least), but man…I’m hoping for happiness. Excellent work, I have enjoyed watching your style change and grow. =)
G
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Hah, I like the news. Nice small detail.
Keep up the good work Rene!
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:56 pm
It’s… nearly over? No!
Any plans for your next project yet?
October 22nd, 2009 at 5:24 pm
awww… why for the cuts?
and i <3 your comic, good job!
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:05 pm
I wonder if his adventures from last night are in that newspaper?
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Has he missed it? Or has she not given birth yet?
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
@Emma Kate – there is no such thing as sleep once labor has begun.
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
It’s kinda sad to hear that it’s going to end soon. Yep, just donated a shiny Internet dollar – no redirection
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Oh god oh god oh god is the baby not ok
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:40 pm
Oh my gosh! 10-15 pages! I’m so excited to see what happens but I’ll be sad when it’s over. I love love love love love love your comic and you’ve done an amazing job thus far. I know the final pages of the story will be just as great!
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Please don’t cut the story just because people are impatient…
—
On the redirection – when I donated, I remember that the redirection didn’t do what I expected, but I was able to sort it out; as I recall, I expected a download to start, when in fact the redirection had shown me a rather unobvious download link.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:14 pm
the baby will be fine – drugs can induce sleep.
The surprise is… twins! I recognize bellies that big. The doctor heard two hearbeats for the first time.
Just guessin’ – and hopin’.
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
BTW, LOOOOve the perspective on Anders in the first three panels!
October 22nd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
I recently started reading and couldn’t keep myself from the archives, even at work! I got my boyfriend to read it too and we both really like the artwork and window into swedish life. It’s great to have a webcomic that we can both enjoy. Thank you!
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:35 pm
DAWWWWW ANDERS, panel 4
October 22nd, 2009 at 8:46 pm
So I guess that means that we don’t get Yumi’s back story? /: I didn’t notice that she was dating what’s his name until I read it a third time and revisited the comments.
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Does anyone know what the headline of the paper Bjorn is reading is? I think it might refer to Anders because I see “fotogrie”
October 22nd, 2009 at 9:49 pm
@Filipp D: Could you please email me if you are having troubles. I would prefer one area of contact for these issues.
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:05 pm
The newspaper headline reads Daily News, and the top story is “Artist in trouble again!”
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:12 pm
To those of you who can’t read the paper, it says:
“THE DAILY NEWS
Photographer in trouble again”
October 22nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
“So I guess that means that we don’t get Yumi’s back story? /: I didn’t notice that she was dating what’s his name until I read it a third time and revisited the comments.” – Charmaine
Wait, what? Who was Yumi dating? I missed that too D:
October 22nd, 2009 at 11:26 pm
I love Yumi!!
And also Bjorn. Oh the suspense!
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:45 am
You can…sort of…sleep through labor, especially earlier on. I think it would be more unusual for her to have gone from not even pushing, to having the baby out, tested, cleaned up, and put in the nursery, with Maria all cleaned up and already asleep. I suppose it might happen though. Or more time elapsed than Anders thought…?
I also love the angles. Reminds me a little of the (animated) beginning of Run Lola Run.
October 23rd, 2009 at 1:51 am
I’m fairly certain she isn’t in labor anymore, she must have had a c-section or something of the sort, judging from the pages where her doctor talks to Maria, saying ‘Hm’, and when Anders is saying he’s sure they have ‘a careful eye on the baby’.
October 23rd, 2009 at 4:16 am
im rooting for Bjorn, he has been by her side for support almost the entire term, he has grown up. Anders is still a young man at heart.
god rene, you make an amazing comic. Can’t wait for the next one.
October 23rd, 2009 at 5:11 am
It might not even be a c-section. Babies can come pretty fast after a certain point, I had less than a half hour of pushing, and my sister had all of ten minutes.
If there was an emergency c-section (which might be the case…I remember earlier in the story the doctors mentioned that Maria’s placenta was low, which might cause complications for a vaginal delivery-placenta previa) he would definately miss out on the delivery because they tend to move really fast and get the baby out as soon as possible.
Either way you’re exhausted afterwards and tend to sleep.
I’m thinking that Anders missed out
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:17 am
I am usually a lurker as well, just had to add my 2 cents.
I second that, once my water broke it was less than 20 mins. They weren’t prepared when it happened with my first. They all assumed that since it was my first baby there would be hours of pushing involved. So needless to say my son was almost born with no one in the room! His head was coming out and the nurse is yelling at me to stop, like I could!
October 23rd, 2009 at 6:25 am
You can totally sleep during labor. After given drugs, I took a 45 minute nap and delivered 3 hours later. It was the nap that helped things along, actually. I was so exhausted that the labor wasn’t progressing.
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:07 am
Actually I myself was in labor for about 36 hrs and while I certainly didn’t sleep the entire time I was sleeping towards the end and I had a natural birth just some pain meds and no epidural. Xo…. Got my kid out in 10 minutes though. First time posting even though I’ve been reading the comic for about 2 1/2 years now. Love the storyline Rene! It’s very down to earth and original didn’t care much about the lapses in updates because my own little one is up and running; and you have two! I admire you for that because no matter how many grumbles of complaints you got you always came through with barely a negative comment in response. You handled it like a lady and I commend you. If you never make another comic, I truly believe you made a very big impression. All my best and good luck in future endeavors! <3
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:11 am
man… that was quick… i hope the baby is okay…
(hooray for the comments deciphering the mysteries of this page
)
October 23rd, 2009 at 7:22 am
All I have to say is if anything bad happened to that little baby I will be crying.
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:36 am
Rene, what are you planning on doing when you’re done with a<3m? Are you going to do another webcomic?
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:55 am
Epidurals: they let you sleep through labor.
October 23rd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Yes, epidurals. Or just regular, mild drugs. Sometimes they knock the mom out after 12-16 hours if they realize she still has a long way to go, so she can gather some strength. It took me a few days, and I slept more than once, not too well but still.
October 23rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
The angle and perspective in that third frame are perfect – they tell you so much about Anders’ frame of mind.
October 24th, 2009 at 9:30 am
so has anyone mentioned Ander’s Pixies shirt? because I’m really digging Ander’s Pixies shirt.
October 24th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
I hope the baby and maria are okay. But I wish Anders would just leave her alone. The whole pregnancy its “Oh well your kinda large now so Im gonna sleep with every girl I see.” But now that he realizes that what he wanted in the very first comic is comming to term its “HONEY!!! LOVE!!! SWEETIE!!” Its bullshit Anders. I hope you get a horrible STD.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Jakehite: someone mentioned it comics ago– that it’s the same from the flashback
Brittany: sort of seconded
because I don’t know if the asshole’s ever going to get it right.
October 24th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Also, I kinda want Maria with Bjorn, but I know Rene isn’t going to have it end that way :/ I just know it! hmph.
October 25th, 2009 at 1:06 am
Just ten more pages? But there seems like there’s so much left to find out–what happened to Maria’s baby and how did she end up with Anders/break up with Bjorn? Why are she and Tina enemies? What happens to Tina now? What happened with Anders and Little Shit? What does Lena know/do she and Anders stay friends? There’s so many I can think of, not to mention the current happenings with the baby and all that…
October 25th, 2009 at 3:47 am
but… but i love anders loves maria
October 25th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
the giggles is amused >=)
October 25th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
I’ve seen several web comcs end with things unanswered. Also movies and TV shows. We’re not owed anything. Se said she doesn’t want to drag it out.
October 25th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
True, we’re not owed anything, But I find myself thinking she’s probably just tired of us and that’s why the comic is ending soon. But then again, i could be that this is actually her vision, so whatever. I doubt we’ll convince her to make it longer than she has in mind.
October 26th, 2009 at 1:32 am
Dear Rene,
Please do the TNMT comic you Tweeted about. Yes, it’s a good idea, but it’d be THE BEST IDEA ever if you did it.
Thank you,
Katherine
p/s I couldn’t find a way to fit that as 140 characters. But you’ll read this! You don’t even have to approve it!
October 26th, 2009 at 4:04 am
I’m really curious about Maria’s first baby and her breakup with Bjorn.
October 26th, 2009 at 5:21 am
Huh. Only 10-15? Down from 30-or-so just a few updates ago? Looks like we won’t get a strip #300. I could have sworn a while back you said you had many more pages planned than this. Well, plans then aren’t plans now, obviously. If you don’t want to, it doesn’t happen.
The updating’s been very start-stop-start for a while, so I’ll have to give this a proper reread at the end. Part of me thinks Dominique’s correct in her assessment, not that that would change anything.
Good luck finishing, and I hope you’ve been enjoying your work.
October 26th, 2009 at 6:41 am
I didn’t mean we are owed anything; it just feels like there is so much left to the story, so much left to how things came together. If we don’t see why Maria and Tina became enemies, how does their rivalry (and what it caused) make sense? If we don’t see how Maria lost her first baby/broke up with Bjorn/got with Anders, why did we flashback to all that in the first place? And what was the meaning of Maria’s comment about how drunken sex can happen to anyone? Where does it tie in?
Where ever the comic stops, that is as much as we deserve/get because it’s a free comic and that’s that. But there’s so much story left to tell that it seems abrupt to leave out so many dangling plot threads.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:31 am
GAHHHH I know this takes time but the SUSPENSE IS EXCRUCIATING!!!!
October 26th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Considering the title of the comic, I think it’s fairly obvious that things will likely resolve between Anders and Maria. Does he deserve a happy ending with Maria? Maybe or maybe not. Both of them have made mistakes, after all.
I’m agreeing with finding it surprising that it will end in 10-15 pages…I truly hope things are answered and that they don’t seem too rushed. The ending of a story is just as vital as the beginning, after all. =3
October 26th, 2009 at 12:47 pm
Comments on everything!
I get a feeling that a good deal of that backstory is available in the pdf. Maybe after the comic is over, anything else left unsaid could be put into a blog entry or something? *looks hopeful*
I like Anders, if only because I know guys like that. They really love a girl, but they’re so confused and lack the emotional understanding to know what the right thing is all the time. But at least he’s trying.
I don’t think the baby’s born, simply because I think the comic has been building up to the birth and Rene wouldn’t simply gloss over it. I second the epidural idea, since in #275 the doc said the anesthesiologist was on the way, just busy.
October 26th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
The baby is somehow noticeably not his or Bjorn’s. Surprise!
I was rather astonished at the change in Anders from the fairly nice and stable fellow seen in the flashback… evidently due to meeting Maria. If we’d seen that first, we’d be rooting for him and hissing at her, methinks. Interesting how everybody’s flawed, really.
October 26th, 2009 at 7:13 pm
Only 10-15 pages? :’( I hope there’ll be no loose ends…
October 27th, 2009 at 12:32 am
Very well done!
I have been reading your comic since last wednesday and I think it’s amazing! You gave the story a very nice arc and the artwork has been brilliant! I look forward for the final sketches, even though I wish I’d have some more to read ;P
Keep up the good work!
October 27th, 2009 at 4:54 am
Response to rhichi’s comment: Ugh, please don’t do a blog entry. Just finish like you’d like to. I would feel dumb reading about a comic when a comic is a comic for a reason.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:30 am
10 strips (even 15) seems like you would really be cutting the story short. There are quite a few loose ends, and I sincerely hope that you don’t rush or cut out anything just to try and “get it over with” or appease all of the impatient readers.
If you are able to successfully and tactfully end the comic that soon while still tying off the current loose ends, then by all means do it, but please don’t rush anything. It would be a shame to see such an artfully story and characters thrown under the rug with a choppy ending.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:36 am
Despite the name of the comic, I hope Bjorn is triumphant.
I’m just not sympathetic towards Anders anymore. Maybe that’ll change, but.. egh – Bjorn’s the better guy.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:53 am
is the baby ok?
October 27th, 2009 at 10:06 am
10 comics left? please let anders and maria work out
October 27th, 2009 at 1:43 pm
Oh Rene, I am desperate to see Anders and Maria back together. I would give you a private jet to do more than 15 pages.
I read everyday, I feel so attached!
October 27th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
Hi Rene, this sure has been a great story so far. Some parts I cried over. Some I laughed and laughed. And what I enjoy most is that they are human. I’ve really come to love them all. Right now, I couldn’t even say what I hope for in these coming pages. Well, other than looking forward to more awesome’tude. Thank you for all your efforts and contribution to the world. And Best Wishes for whatever you decide to do next!
October 27th, 2009 at 8:00 pm
i love this comic! It is so good, and I initially liked it because the artwork reminded me of the Moomins
I can easily see it being resolved shortly. And honestly, I think it’s easy to see why her and Tina are enemies. Tina had a normal family and nice things, whereas Maria and Johann had to be taken from their family because of neglect. I don’t think that needs stating really.
I want the baby to be ok! I would love to see something tie in with the bird story from Anders’s past.
You are much more of an artist than the other webcomic authors who everyone likes to compare you to. I don’t mind not having frequent updates if I end up with a compelling story and beautiful artwork
October 28th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
I want to know why Tina is the way she is–why has she got this clingy/codependent/self-sacrificing streak going on? I know there aren’t simple explanations for personality traits, but I still wonder *what happened* to Tina when she was a kid….
go Bjorn!
October 29th, 2009 at 5:25 am
Hi! I don’t remember whether or not this is my first time commenting, but I feel like I need to put in my own love before the comic ends. I remember not knowing what to think when I had read up to what must be the halfway mark. But once I got past my American confusion, I loved the comic for what it was. Seeing you evolve as an artist was a trip, and I’ll follow you in whatever you do in the future!
October 29th, 2009 at 8:44 am
(sob) plleeeeeaaaassse
October 29th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Pssh. Anders only loves the idea of loving Maria. He’s a royal douche, a man-boy who doesn’t even realize when he fucks up and therefore can/will never take responsibility for all the trouble he causes. He reeks of immaturity, and the stench is so ripe I can smell it through the internet. It’s just sad how many women fall for all that bullshit charm and “artistic” sensibility oozing from him like poison from one of those candy-colored, tropical tree frogs.
… But please don’t take my vehemence the wrong way. Honestly, the only reason I can hate on Anders so much (and enjoy it!) is that he’s such a well-fleshed out character. I’m fan of this comic!
October 29th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
Rene, thank you for your wonderful comic. It is my number one web read, because of the compelling story and beautiful art. I am looking forward to seeing the conclusion. I find it kinda interesting how unforgiving some are of Anders’ mistakes, while forgiving Bjorn his (and even Maria hers). It is really refreshing to have human characters in a webcomic.
October 29th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
I just read through this whole webcomic in one day (at work, even
) and I have say, this is amazing. I can’t believe it’s ending already. 
Can’t wait for whatever comes next!
October 30th, 2009 at 12:33 am
Okay the first thing I thought of was ALM (this makes me wish I used Twitter).
http://www.psfk.com/2009/10/pic-origami-tea-bags-designed-to-expand-as-tea-steeps.html
October 30th, 2009 at 12:37 am
And what I meant to say there was the *first ever* ALM. The one with the tea.
October 30th, 2009 at 2:18 am
@Adam There is sleep during labour if they give you hella drugs! I slept once I was given an epidural…a very nice thing.
October 31st, 2009 at 11:34 pm
Rene -
I think this comic rocks. No matter when you choose to end it, it’ll be perfect. *grin*
My only problem with the comic is that the comments drive me crazy, but that’s just because I think I’m the only one out here reading that genuinely doesn’t hate Anders. In fact, I kind of dislike Maria. You must be doing something pretty damned great, to make so many people care so intensely about some handdrawn characters in a webcomic, right?
In conclusion, you are rad.
November 1st, 2009 at 2:07 am
@ kate
If you read the comic, it’s pretty clear the trauma Tina suffered as a kid!
November 1st, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Miranda – I don’t really hate Anders either. It isn’t because of the “artistic charm oozing from him”, he just seems okay-ish. He is wrong sometimes…a lot, yes. But he really has not done anything that should make people HATE him. He isn’t a lady-killer, he isn’t a total jerk. He is just a bit of a man-whore who tends to get in over his head. And him hooking up with Tina…well, he was wrong for that, but how Maria was acting was PRETTY DAMN LOW. He stood up for her and got the shit beaten out of him, he went over to see Maria’s family for a while, and she just acts like a total BITCH to him the whole time just because he wants to leave a good impression on the family.
‘S just my opinion, anyway.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:13 am
I’m very excited to see how Rene wraps up this storyline. I have faith in that whatever Rene does, it will pay appropriate homage to her characters and what she has built up to this point.
What I don’t know, is just when this conclusion will come about. Is there a schedule for when she will post the rest of the comic? Is she spacing it out in order to build the already strained suspense, or according to how long it would take to post twice as many comics regularly? I would hope that she wouldn’t simply put it off, in hopes that fans would grow tired of checking her ill-timed posts or rush her captivating story and then grow too occupied with the many chores and joys of life to upload ALM. Maybe she feels she’s done all she can for the characters, and is on to bigger better things (which I’m sure in whatever capacity, art or personal adventure, will be wonderful). But is it really so difficult to post a schedule (which she may indeed have done and despite my desperate browsing somehow missed) or upload the newly cropped conclusion to her masterpiece on a pseudo-regular basis?
This comic is far too good to be wasted on suspense or absence of mind.
Rene, I want only the best for you. I truly think it will be helpful for YOU to finish this wonderful thing you’ve started and then be free to do whatever moves you most.
November 2nd, 2009 at 6:50 am
@Crista, You might want to follow her twitter. She usually lets people know there about delays in the story.
For the past several months her health and the health of her kids has been the culprit behind the delayed updates.
She removed the posted schedule because life was too hectic to keep up with it (school, being a single mom with two small children, illness, the occasional trip to see her boyfriend who lives several hours away—it all adds up) and keep up the quality. According to Rene, she’s most concerned about getting the art just right, she wants us to have the best she’s capable of instead of being sloppy just to fit a schedule.
I’m sure once everyone in her house recovers from the H1N1 flu, we’ll start seeing updates again.
November 2nd, 2009 at 9:52 am
@miranda and Almost Literally
I totally agree about Anders. I like him still. It’s Maria I hate. Every time I turn around, people say “ohhh Maria is so cuteee.” But, I just constantly think back to her being a complete bitch to him during the time he was trying to visit her family and make a good impression. They treated him like hell. And even when he trusted her, she STILL went and made an ass of herself, trying to get him fired. She my be outspoken and bold, but shes a bitch, and shes immature.
Either way, Anders has fucked up quite a bit too. And this is why I actually like this comic. They aren’t stereotypical for main characters. They all mess up, and do immature things. It just makes me think of them as characters that are really growing, and yet digging themselves deeper in their own mistakes, even though they truly feel strongly for each other. It’s realistic, and its a nice difference compared to most stories that consist of problems caused by slight misunderstandings or minor details. This is the dark and rough time of their relationship.
November 2nd, 2009 at 3:47 pm
@Crista Also, when she did have a posted schedule, people berated her for not keeping up with it due to illness etc. So she removed the schedule and posts the comics as they are completed, rather than rushing them in order to maintain a set amount of comics every week. Personally, I’d rather see the comic done to the artist’s satisfaction instead of being rushed and I think Rene is doing a great job considering the circumstances.
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
@K: do you mean her abortion? I’m thinking that at that age Tina was already weirdly desperate to please her partner and do whatever they wanted, whether it was good for her or not, and that this behavior has earlier roots. It’s the earlier roots I wonder about.
I agree with Angelo that one of the pleasures of this comic is that both of the main characters are very flawed and realistic!
November 2nd, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Adding to the “yay, Anders” stuff going on, I have to say that I always liked him, as well. People go on about what a horrible person he is, but I think that tha majority of his horribleness come from mistakes. He’s messed up quite a few times, and done a few very stupid things, and has inadvertantly been mean to people, sure. But it was always inadvertantly.
Some people in this comic that people love to bits were just cruel. I like Maria, and I do think that she’s a “so cuteeee” character, but I also think that her actions are just so much more childish than Anders is. And sometimes children are really, really mean.
Still, the fact that the comic is so close to the end makes me want for a happy ending for them more than ever. I want Anders Loves Maria to end Anders and Maria loving each other than having a baby that is perfect and awesome and so is life in general. I just really hope that happens. XD
November 2nd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
I’m growing impatient. I would like a new strip please Rene.
Oh and I hope your piggy flu gets better.
November 2nd, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Hi everyone! I’m so sorry it’s taking such a long time. Without exaggeration, I have never been this sick before. I can be out of bed for short times only until I am absolutely exhausted. But I am getting much better already.
I’m working on the comic as we speak, but chances are it won’t be up anytime soon. Being in bed for 10 days has left me with a lot of other things to get done as well. But soon. So soon.
November 3rd, 2009 at 4:03 am
glad to hear that you’re getting better!
this comic is so utterly stunning, rene, and i so look forward to its conclusion!
November 3rd, 2009 at 9:17 pm
@angelo
well of course she wanted to get him fired from that job, Tina is her mortal enemy! At first you feel like ” oh maria is being totally out of control” until you find out that Tina’s family kicked johan and maria out even though tina’s accidental pregnancy was equally her own fault. I mean, we all know she was not taken advantage of. Maria has a right to be angry at Tina, for screwing over her brother and clinging on to Anders. Maria is far from perfect, but I feel her actions are a lot more legit and justified than Anders constant fooling around.
man we talk about these people like they are real! thats how good this comic is!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 12:01 am
ellie – I agree partly, but still, Anders was trying to do something good and that job was important to him, and Maria was acting childish and holding grudges.
That is true about how good this comic is. No other comic I’ve read has fleshed its characters out anywhere near as well as ALM has.
November 4th, 2009 at 4:39 am
That makes me happy. Very happy.
November 4th, 2009 at 8:22 am
@ellie:
Mortal enemy? That is childish. It is pure childish. Her family did kick her and Johan out, and you said that Tina WASN’T taken advantage of, which is completely not true, really. As johan definitely convinced her to have sex with him when he said, “what, dont you trust me? Its not like i want to have a kid!” And then he nearly stormed off, acting like a prick, making her feel guilty for even doubting him, thus letting him get his way. That was a very dick move, being very controlling.
Anders tried making a good impression. He tried his hardest to fit in for them, and it was very important to him. All the while, Maria throws a hissy fit rather than being truly supportive for him. He was there for her, and yet she just took his trust and crushed it. In response, he tried to clean up the mess that Maria left on Tina’s house, and in a drunken haze of rage, the “Tina saga” started. Not to say Anders was not wrong in his actions with Tina, because it definitely wasn’t his best choice, but if I was in Ander’s position, and if Maria WASN’T pregnant, I would have definitely dumped her instantly for being such an immature bitch.
ALSO, lets not forget that SHE kept the whole Tina story from Anders. If she would have just explained to him, “Listen… this is why Tina is my enemy… please don’t work there…” he would have understood, and would have dropped it.
Again, I am not saying Anders is any better than her. What I am saying is, the majority of the hate given to Anders because of his actions is unfair, considering how much of a bitch Maria is to him, and how stubborn she is.
This is why I love this story. Every character is a compilation of major flaws, and yet they still have their personable characteristics. The fact that the story is centered around the downward spiral of their relationship is what really makes the story good. Mistake after mistake after mistake, and constant lies, and stubborn choices. Most stories consist of minor mistakes that get blown out of proportion. This is such a change of pace compared to most stories, and that is where it is most successful. It relies on the flawed side of characters and how they endure through to the end (whether happy or not) to really shine through as a truthful piece of art work.
November 4th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Out of interest, how many people did Anders fuck while Maria has been pregnant? Three?
November 4th, 2009 at 11:57 am
@quinn:
What is wrong with you? Rene is sick. Where do you get off thinking it’s okay to be demanding she provide you with FREE entertainment while she’s sick with a major virus? H1N1/Swine Flu isn’t a pansy-ass head cold, it’s a major sickness that can actually kill a normally healthy young adult. Go read the archives if you’re feeling so needy! What is with people being so demanding about FREE comics lately? Seriously every comic I read has a dick whining about updates over the last week. These artists take a significant portion of their lives to share their craft with us and you dare to be demanding?! It’s disgusting. /rant
November 4th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
one, i believe. just tina. little shit tried. he denied her. correct me if im wrong, and there are more though.
November 4th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
C’mon, Rene…this isn’t fair.
You hint that something might be wrong with the baby and then leave us hanging for 2 weeks?
I get that you have other obligations and responsibilites and normally I’m a very patient loyal reader, but this is just cruel!
Give, girl!!!
November 4th, 2009 at 6:26 pm
it’s true. If maria had just explained it I’m sure Anders would have understood. At the same time I’m sure something like that is hard to talk about. Overall I just have to say I have love for Anders and Maria, I JUST CANT STAND TINA! That’s all. Plus though Johan pushed her a bit, she is the one who brought him out to a tent in the middle of the woods. You know she wants it
.
anyways. all good points. good good stuff! Cant wait to read more!
November 5th, 2009 at 12:30 am
I kind of feel more sorry for Tina. I don’t like her…well, if she was real, and I knew her, I wouldn’t TRUST her. She just seems so sneaky…
November 5th, 2009 at 1:07 am
@ Angelo- No, he deeeefinitely fucked Little Shit. And I think her friend. And Tina.
November 5th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Anders didn’t actually fuck old flame Jenny waaaayyy back at the beginning of the story, but he “was pretty tempted” and even told someone else that. But he did manage to restrain himself, and once again it was partially in response to Maria’s immature behavior. So once again no clear-cut good guys or bad guys…except Yumi who is always a good guy in my book
November 6th, 2009 at 1:56 am
the only thing i hate more than johan, is the incredibly long wait between each update!~
November 6th, 2009 at 7:23 am
But he was in bed, naked, with Little Shit.??
November 6th, 2009 at 8:29 am
What happened to Yumi? Did she get with her roommate? :/
November 6th, 2009 at 8:31 am
@Martha
Little Shit thought he was going to, but he was upset over the happenings of the day and asked if she would settle for cuddling and talking and she did. Nothing happened, but little shit should be happy. Most girls like her wouldn’t even get that much :]
November 7th, 2009 at 1:58 am
@Martha
Remember, he was hopped up on coke, drunk, and completely freaking depressed about the terrible night of events he just went through. Little Shit tackled him, made out with him, brought him home, and was stripping off all her clothes waiting for him in bed before he took a breath to slow down. He stopped her and said that he would much rather just talk. That was pretty much Ander’s rock bottom moment of the series, where it seemed absolutely hopeless for him and Maria. Him not sleeping with her was him not wanting to sink any lower.
November 7th, 2009 at 8:50 am
I want her to be with Anders. Not that he deserves her – the philandering little assmonkey.
Actually I’m pretty much Anders and I want things to turn out alright for him.
November 7th, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I agree with Danielle. Where did Yumi and whats-his-face go?
November 8th, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Rene, hope you’re feeling better.
November 9th, 2009 at 1:27 am
10 to 15 comics? I feel like there are so many questions, story lines, so many hints of a significant backstory… Considering the pacing of the rest of the story (though maybe it only seems slow because of all the pauses in posting) I wonder how Rene will pull all the lose ends together without over packing and rushing through… or maybe she won’t.
November 9th, 2009 at 2:37 am
Glad Renee’s feeling a bit better, and i totally understand the wait for the next part of the story… but I emailed 2 weeks ago about not receiving the pdf after donating and haven’t heard back. To be fair, I didn’t donate much, but I’m a student..
Hmm.
Excited for the next post though!
November 9th, 2009 at 2:46 am
Sadie, that is no good. Could you please re-mail me because I can’t find a missing email that I haven’t responded to.
November 9th, 2009 at 12:50 pm
Thanks Rene, will do! Sorry to hassle you
November 10th, 2009 at 3:56 am
Hey Rene. Just got over the H1N1 myself. picked it up on a flight to Ireland. hah. That sickness is no joke! and as a single mom, i can sympathize with having to get caught up on everything. its a NIGHTMARE! anywho, I hope you’re getting to feeling better and getting things sorted. I know its tough as balls when you have munchkins on top of a million other things to do.
hang in there! *hug*
November 10th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Hi Rene!
Just want to apologise for my previous whiny e-mail.
I hadn’t read back through the other comments and so had no idea you’ve been so sick!
I feel like a total pea-brain now, but I am really glad you’re feeling a little better!!!
Take all the time you need to get back on your feet…we’re not going anywhere!
: )