No, it’s Taki. A bit bustier and w/blond hair, but Taki nonetheless.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
My favourite character to play in the SC series, pity 5 really was a let down nearly broke my heart beating the story mode in about 30 minutes.
Jaycee
I haven’t played SC in years, but yeah, Taki was always one of my favorite (pervalicious) characters. Sorry to hear the series has gone downhill… 🙁
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lunaroki
What’s SC?
Jaycee
Soul Calibur.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
I’m not sure there will be another either. 5 there’s next to none of the old regulars, it’s basically their kids, and the final battle between the wielders of Soul Edge and Soul Calibur is suggested to bring the cycle to an end finally. For replay value I think 2 is far better than 4 or 5, I haven’t managed to get my paws onto 3 to compare sadly.
Jaycee
Sometimes, it’s best to let brands fade away while they’re in their glory days than constantly release diluted iterations that kill it forever.
That aside, did Taki have kids? I’d like to visualize how it got done, and who’s the lucky bastard who got to do it (her?). I would imagine she’s quite limber… :-)~~~
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
I’m really not sure myself who the father was there’s a real lack of biographical detail in 5 compared to earlier games. There’s about 5-6 of the originals that return though, including Ivy and Maxi, who since he’s hanging out with some of the kids might well be at least one of the dads.
SC 5 was Battle Arena Toshinden 4 for me all over again. All of the characters you know and love are replaced with their children or pupils with little closure. This goes to show you expand on the roster little by little so we don’t get shocked with a big change. Tekken and Dead Or Alive have managed to keep selling, SC could have done it too if they didn’t make each story ending so damn final.
But yes sometimes it’s better for them to just stop before it gets worse, I’m looking at you Bloody Roar. You and your sloppy stories, tease us with Uranus and rather than build on where the heck she came from and other issues that should have been addressed but was glossed over they would rather throw in new antagonists and problems that made no sense. You earned that franchise killer game!
Jaycee
You said “tease us with your anus.” *snort*
Yeah, I’m a child. 🙂
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
Yeah and my second favourite had no stand in at all, ah Talim here’s hoping you make it to Legends at least because I know you aren’t dead.
What armour? It really doesn’t cover anything vital, it might do to deflect a blade if you blocked right on the armguards but overall it’s just for show, but then Taki is not exactly in the business of getting hit either, the two short blades (cross strapped over the butt) would be of more benefit to preserving her integrity. Only about 5 characters throughout the Soul Calibur series had real armour, and most of that had notable weakpoints though it was accurate enough to it’s origins.
Heh that’s far from the worst explanation for it that’s come around.
Not that it matters, half the players are teen boys so the more flesh the bigger the headstart on their health bar you get.
Ahhh SC I didn’t play for story I played 4 and 5 to make my own Sexy character. HEY!!! Idea! Lets all boot up our SC 5 copies and make Heather or any of your fave B.F. characters!
Several things on my mind:
1) Where did the areola go on panel #2?
2) I’d love to spend a couple of hours under those robes…
3) My namesake will be smitten by those amazing mammaries when he’s back from the spider-quest.
I was under the impression that it was still open.
What say you, Jaycee?
Jaycee
I say little.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lurker
> I say little.
Yes, you’re busy “doing it”…
Can I at least assume that if/when you decide to retire the character, you will say so?
Meanwhile, absent evidence to the contrary, I eagerly await the continuation of his misadventures.
Peace,
Lurker.
Jaycee
I could be mistaken as to the tone of your comment (this _is_ the internet, after all, and anonymous written communication doesn’t lend itself well to proper conversations), but I get the impression that you feel I’m under the obligation to disclose at this very moment my future intentions about the Lurker character.
For the time being, I don’t feel any obligation to decide one way or another, or to make announcements about it.
Truth be told, I kind of regret introducing the character in the first place, as it seems to be causing more distress than entertainment (which is the primary goal of this webcomic). What seemed to be a “good idea at the time” may, in fact, have just been a bad move on my part.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lurker
Nah, that it just my “failure to communicate”.
I made an assumption that since you haven’t said anything, you did not yet make a final decision on the issue. That’s all.
Was that wrong of me?
If so, please accept my apologies.
Peace,
Lurker.
Jaycee
Wrong, no, but I suspect there’s probably part of the equation that’s hidden from view. Most creative types are confronted with it, and it can be such a challenge to deal with that many just throw their hands in the air, give up and close their comment sections altogether.
I’m talking about a perceived invasion of their creative space. Most readers have nothing but the best intentions, but there’s always that minority that frame their feedback in the form of demands for changes or for explanations. This leads to a downward spiral where creators either lose their spirit, or just shut out the outside world.
I realize this probably sounds weird. My personal choice has been (from the get-go) to maintain a relationship with my audience, but also to never cross that line where I just become a passenger in my own car. I know that this is how many strips die… This is kind of why I’ve been careful about not answering these kinds of questions one way or another.
I hope this makes sense. I figured there was no harm in trying to explain it.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
It makes perfect sense to me, but then I write stories and work on computer games so I’ve faced that situation to some degree as well. Though mostly I just have to deal with “when are you going to release x”… yeah whenever I can get myself back into the grove to work on it, staying focused on any one task for a long period can be a challenge in itself without undesired input that can throw your plans into disarray.
I personally don’t mind the Lurker but I always thought he was a throw away character anyway no offence to our Lurker here. The sort of individual you’ll introduce for a specific purpose but never reuse. I’m not surprised though people have grown attached to him, after all people fell in love with a number of characters the creators never liked from a few webcomics I read. And I get the feeling you’re pretty attached to most of yours.
Lurker
It makes perfect sense Jaycee.
That said, let me present another angle:
The fact that some readers get so engrossed in your story or empathize with your characters to the point of actually “making demands” (as you put it) is a testimony to your skills as a storyteller.
Here’s how it is supposed to work:
Reader writes: “How could you revert Marie to her old ugly form?! This is cruel, find a way to restore her beauty at once!”
Jaycee’s mind translates: “Your Marie character is so lifelike and well fleshed out that I actually find myself caring about her, even though she’s fictional.”
Stress avoided.
Jaycee
No worries, I’ve been at this long enough that it’s precisely how I interpreted the comments. I don’t stress over it, I take it as a compliment. That’s what I implied when I referred to the readers’s best of intentions.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lurker
> I personally don’t mind the Lurker but I always thought he was a throw away character anyway no offence to our Lurker here.
I assumed so too. But then Jaycee and Wondollar made such a good job with him that I started eagerly anticipating his next appearance.
I’ll be a little saddened if he never comes back because, in my opinion, he was the closest thing to a naive and innocent person that BF had to offer.
Peace,
Lurker.
CeriCat
Yeah even HRH the prince wasn’t so naive or innocent really. I think though you’ll find most writers find their characters capture a part of their heart, even their villains. You also find they have the capacity to surprise you, as a friend said “I absolutely hate this character of mine, but every time I try to kill them off they manage to figure out an escape route”.
If you don’t get how that works, well you’re actually lucky. Andrew M. Greeley wrote it pretty well in his novel God Game about how creative writers tend to associate with their characters, though admittedly mine have never drunk my scotch or slept in my bed.
I have no idea if the last panel is a reference to something (and if it is, does that mean that the sexy nurse outfit is also a reference, just like the SC one in panel 2?), but it reminded me of a Vorlon encounter suit.
Very astute observation, Oberon. There will be a follow-up to this at some point, but meanwhile, know that you’ve put your fingers on something meaningful. 😉
But no, the nurse in panel 3 is not a reference to anything. Except to the sexy nurse trope. Which, you know, is sexy.
63 thoughts on “#0229: Extreme Faerie Makeover”
Nathan Weber
Haha, the Taki outfit made me laugh out loud. 😀
Guesticus
‘Taki’? Is that what/who the second one is? Was thinking The Great Kazuzu with an armour upgrade (except Heather isn’t green :()
Jaycee
No, it’s Taki. A bit bustier and w/blond hair, but Taki nonetheless.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
My favourite character to play in the SC series, pity 5 really was a let down nearly broke my heart beating the story mode in about 30 minutes.
Jaycee
I haven’t played SC in years, but yeah, Taki was always one of my favorite (pervalicious) characters. Sorry to hear the series has gone downhill… 🙁
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lunaroki
What’s SC?
Jaycee
Soul Calibur.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
I’m not sure there will be another either. 5 there’s next to none of the old regulars, it’s basically their kids, and the final battle between the wielders of Soul Edge and Soul Calibur is suggested to bring the cycle to an end finally. For replay value I think 2 is far better than 4 or 5, I haven’t managed to get my paws onto 3 to compare sadly.
Jaycee
Sometimes, it’s best to let brands fade away while they’re in their glory days than constantly release diluted iterations that kill it forever.
That aside, did Taki have kids? I’d like to visualize how it got done, and who’s the lucky bastard who got to do it (her?). I would imagine she’s quite limber… :-)~~~
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
I’m really not sure myself who the father was there’s a real lack of biographical detail in 5 compared to earlier games. There’s about 5-6 of the originals that return though, including Ivy and Maxi, who since he’s hanging out with some of the kids might well be at least one of the dads.
CeriCat
Natsu probably isn’t the daughter of Taki, but she is her replacement, and apparently pupil.
http://soulcalibur.wikia.com/wiki/Natsu
Adork
SC 5 was Battle Arena Toshinden 4 for me all over again. All of the characters you know and love are replaced with their children or pupils with little closure. This goes to show you expand on the roster little by little so we don’t get shocked with a big change. Tekken and Dead Or Alive have managed to keep selling, SC could have done it too if they didn’t make each story ending so damn final.
But yes sometimes it’s better for them to just stop before it gets worse, I’m looking at you Bloody Roar. You and your sloppy stories, tease us with Uranus and rather than build on where the heck she came from and other issues that should have been addressed but was glossed over they would rather throw in new antagonists and problems that made no sense. You earned that franchise killer game!
Jaycee
You said “tease us with your anus.” *snort*
Yeah, I’m a child. 🙂
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
Yeah and my second favourite had no stand in at all, ah Talim here’s hoping you make it to Legends at least because I know you aren’t dead.
TJ
HELLOOOOOOO NURSE!
Awww, boobs vanish from panel 4, boooooo!
Jaycee
They haven’t actually vanished, they’re still there, but hidden behind the robes. Rest assured no one could make such behemoths disappear. 🙂
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
TJ
You know what they say, out of sight, out of mind.
Jaycee
Speak for yourself. Boobs are _never_ out of my mind. 😉
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
TJ
yes, but since i can’t see her boobs, my minds focus on the next set of tits i see.
Jaycee
Ooh, how shallow of you. Much respect, sir. 😉
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
TJ
Ty for the kind compliment.
CeriCat
So you’re focused on the Faery’s instead.
TJ
She always on my mind, unlike some, I love her, it part of my like of small women, heh.
CeriCat
I’d settle for a woman of my height that could hold a conversation.
TJ
I was going to say shrunken women, but fairy are naturally that size.
Jaycee
Diminutive women, perhaps?
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
Bed bugs?
CeriCat
Just beware the bondage faeries.
Guesticus
Damn, that brings back some fun, fond memories
CeriCat
Frog with the cannon bone huh?
TJ
Bondage fairy sounds hot.
CeriCat
Careful, the frog didn’t come out of that one too well.
Gallstone
I would’ve gone with the armour. She’ll probably need it soon enough… =_=;
CeriCat
What armour? It really doesn’t cover anything vital, it might do to deflect a blade if you blocked right on the armguards but overall it’s just for show, but then Taki is not exactly in the business of getting hit either, the two short blades (cross strapped over the butt) would be of more benefit to preserving her integrity. Only about 5 characters throughout the Soul Calibur series had real armour, and most of that had notable weakpoints though it was accurate enough to it’s origins.
Jaycee
Well, all she needs is Uterus Force.
Explanation
CeriCat
Heh that’s far from the worst explanation for it that’s come around.
Not that it matters, half the players are teen boys so the more flesh the bigger the headstart on their health bar you get.
Gallstone
It covers her body while providing freedom of movement, anyway. ^^
Sentai
Ahhh SC I didn’t play for story I played 4 and 5 to make my own Sexy character. HEY!!! Idea! Lets all boot up our SC 5 copies and make Heather or any of your fave B.F. characters!
Jaycee
Oh, that sounds awesome. I don’t have these games, but if you make BF characters w/them, send them to me and I’ll put them up!
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lurker
Several things on my mind:
1) Where did the areola go on panel #2?
2) I’d love to spend a couple of hours under those robes…
3) My namesake will be smitten by those amazing mammaries when he’s back from the spider-quest.
Jaycee
2) Sorry, only enough room for one person, and that position has already been… ahem… filled.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lurker
Please?
I don’t take much room…
Jaycee
Oh, all right, let’s share and take turns.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Guesticus
3) wasn’t it already implied your namesake may not be returning? o_O
Lurker
I was under the impression that it was still open.
What say you, Jaycee?
Jaycee
I say little.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lurker
> I say little.
Yes, you’re busy “doing it”…
Can I at least assume that if/when you decide to retire the character, you will say so?
Meanwhile, absent evidence to the contrary, I eagerly await the continuation of his misadventures.
Peace,
Lurker.
Jaycee
I could be mistaken as to the tone of your comment (this _is_ the internet, after all, and anonymous written communication doesn’t lend itself well to proper conversations), but I get the impression that you feel I’m under the obligation to disclose at this very moment my future intentions about the Lurker character.
For the time being, I don’t feel any obligation to decide one way or another, or to make announcements about it.
Truth be told, I kind of regret introducing the character in the first place, as it seems to be causing more distress than entertainment (which is the primary goal of this webcomic). What seemed to be a “good idea at the time” may, in fact, have just been a bad move on my part.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lurker
Nah, that it just my “failure to communicate”.
I made an assumption that since you haven’t said anything, you did not yet make a final decision on the issue. That’s all.
Was that wrong of me?
If so, please accept my apologies.
Peace,
Lurker.
Jaycee
Wrong, no, but I suspect there’s probably part of the equation that’s hidden from view. Most creative types are confronted with it, and it can be such a challenge to deal with that many just throw their hands in the air, give up and close their comment sections altogether.
I’m talking about a perceived invasion of their creative space. Most readers have nothing but the best intentions, but there’s always that minority that frame their feedback in the form of demands for changes or for explanations. This leads to a downward spiral where creators either lose their spirit, or just shut out the outside world.
I realize this probably sounds weird. My personal choice has been (from the get-go) to maintain a relationship with my audience, but also to never cross that line where I just become a passenger in my own car. I know that this is how many strips die… This is kind of why I’ve been careful about not answering these kinds of questions one way or another.
I hope this makes sense. I figured there was no harm in trying to explain it.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
CeriCat
It makes perfect sense to me, but then I write stories and work on computer games so I’ve faced that situation to some degree as well. Though mostly I just have to deal with “when are you going to release x”… yeah whenever I can get myself back into the grove to work on it, staying focused on any one task for a long period can be a challenge in itself without undesired input that can throw your plans into disarray.
I personally don’t mind the Lurker but I always thought he was a throw away character anyway no offence to our Lurker here. The sort of individual you’ll introduce for a specific purpose but never reuse. I’m not surprised though people have grown attached to him, after all people fell in love with a number of characters the creators never liked from a few webcomics I read. And I get the feeling you’re pretty attached to most of yours.
Lurker
It makes perfect sense Jaycee.
That said, let me present another angle:
The fact that some readers get so engrossed in your story or empathize with your characters to the point of actually “making demands” (as you put it) is a testimony to your skills as a storyteller.
Here’s how it is supposed to work:
Reader writes: “How could you revert Marie to her old ugly form?! This is cruel, find a way to restore her beauty at once!”
Jaycee’s mind translates: “Your Marie character is so lifelike and well fleshed out that I actually find myself caring about her, even though she’s fictional.”
Stress avoided.
Jaycee
No worries, I’ve been at this long enough that it’s precisely how I interpreted the comments. I don’t stress over it, I take it as a compliment. That’s what I implied when I referred to the readers’s best of intentions.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Lurker
> I personally don’t mind the Lurker but I always thought he was a throw away character anyway no offence to our Lurker here.
I assumed so too. But then Jaycee and Wondollar made such a good job with him that I started eagerly anticipating his next appearance.
I’ll be a little saddened if he never comes back because, in my opinion, he was the closest thing to a naive and innocent person that BF had to offer.
Peace,
Lurker.
CeriCat
Yeah even HRH the prince wasn’t so naive or innocent really. I think though you’ll find most writers find their characters capture a part of their heart, even their villains. You also find they have the capacity to surprise you, as a friend said “I absolutely hate this character of mine, but every time I try to kill them off they manage to figure out an escape route”.
If you don’t get how that works, well you’re actually lucky. Andrew M. Greeley wrote it pretty well in his novel God Game about how creative writers tend to associate with their characters, though admittedly mine have never drunk my scotch or slept in my bed.
Kol Drake
Totally disregarding that she is a princess in disguise — I’d take one from column… er, panel 1, 2 or 3… 4 just creeps me out.
Snow-Wolf
DOCTOR DOOM IS DISPLEASED WITH YOUR ATTEMPT AT “SUBTLE”!
Jaycee
Oooh, this was Fifty Shades of AWESOME! 😀
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Oberon
I have no idea if the last panel is a reference to something (and if it is, does that mean that the sexy nurse outfit is also a reference, just like the SC one in panel 2?), but it reminded me of a Vorlon encounter suit.
Jaycee
Very astute observation, Oberon. There will be a follow-up to this at some point, but meanwhile, know that you’ve put your fingers on something meaningful. 😉
But no, the nurse in panel 3 is not a reference to anything. Except to the sexy nurse trope. Which, you know, is sexy.
–Jaycee
“I’m doing it.”
Oberon
Woo hoo! I win the Internet!
I seem to recall having correctly predicted something here about a year ago, too. So now I have a matched set of Internet. Ohhh, how shiny!
lockezero
At the rate the faerie is going she’ll be wearing a g-string, booby tassles and a flashing neon sign on her head. Would be interesting to see though.
da Doctah
It occurs to me (and it took me a while to track down the appropriate installment) that you’ve gone back to the well previously visited in https://www.bloomingfaeries.com/comic/public/0184-curses-whew/
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