Quote

[rowyn]

"when i began the strip i promised myself to avoid using "threats of violence" as a punchline, as it's too easy and kinda' mean. "

--Chris Baldwin, on his strip " Little Dee"

I wanted to preserve this quote, because it resonated with me. "Threats of violence" are a very cheap and easy sort of punchline, and I admire his resolve. I'd never thought about it before.

Also, the revised punchline for today's strip is funnier anyway. :)

Comments

[jordangreywolf.livejournal.com]

Hee hee! Looks like a cute comic. =)

[detroitfather.livejournal.com]

Threats of violence ... hmmm ... I suppose that must be why it's called a punch line!

[koogrr.livejournal.com]

agreed!

[howardtayler.livejournal.com]

I don't know where Schlock Mercenary would be without threats of violence, followed in many cases by actual violence.

As to what's "easy," well... that's another story altogether.

--Howard

[level-head.livejournal.com]

It's interesting. I have apparently the same reaction as the Lady Rowyn above -- I don't care for threats of physical violence, personally. As you know, I'm a fairly big person, have had martial arts training -- and from what you drew, perhaps still somewhat intimidating ];-)

In any event, I cannot remember a time when I would use expressions that were very common around me as a child, such as "How would you like a fat lip?" I've seen many people make such mock threats, or raise their hands as if prepared to strike someone, at a bad pun or humorous comment.

And as the Lady Rowyn will tell you, I strongly react when someone even jokingly threatens someone in my presence or care. I don't do or say anything, necessarily (though I sense that I've become very alert), but I will try to gently coach the threatener later that this is a bad idea. Managing the visceral reaction is necessary, or I'd lose my moniker. ];-)

While I'm very difficult to goad into a fistfight -- perhaps it isn't possible to do so verbally -- a threat to someone else is another matter entirely...

In any event, all of this being said, I tremendously enjoy Schlock Mercenary. In the context of that comic's world and situation, the violence that is part of the humor works, and works very well.

And I would note something as an aside -- as a general rule, Tagon's Toughs don't often make idle threats of physical violence. They warn, and they kill, but they're very serious about it. ];-)

===|==============/ Level Head

[rowyn]

I gotta confess that I like "Schlock Mercenary" a whole lot better than "Little Dee". :) But, in all fairness, the "followed in many cases by actual violence" gives a very different feel to the strip than one that depends on idle threats, or upon the kind of cartoon violence that has no consequences.