Haunted 1-4
In which Yuan’s inner monologue doesn’t match his furniture.
I don’t know why I’m being coy about what he’s done when seasoned CT readers can point to exactly which chapter this is. Maybe it’s because many webcomics feature unsolved mysteries as a driving story element, and we can pretend we’re one of those for a hot second.
Also: In case you haven’t done so already, if you’re keeping tabs on white supremacists, report anyone you recognize at the riot to fbi.gov/USCapitol. I, infuriatingly enough, had to do this.
The worst thing about the attempted coup last week is that it isn’t over yet. The same domestic terrorists are planning attacks on January 17th, January 19th, and Inauguration Day. Dr. Golbeck has been keeping track of them and updating the general public.
Anyway, my plan here has always been to practice communication skills on my silly fanfic blog before making accessible mathematical philosophy/critical thinking/manipulation/oppression resources. I feel like my strategy could still use some tweaking, but, man, does the world need critical thinking right now. If my planning takes off, there’s a chance I might have to put these side projects on hold again.
I am in love with the spiral-bound notebook you drew. That’s also a sexy couch. And the camera angles are awesome! Knees under blankets!
I think that’s the first time I’ve seen you use the word ‘sexy’!
True…. and odd that I would use it for inanimate things…. even a drawing of an inanimate thing… or maybe not odd, as I have heard other asexuals refer to non-people things as being sexy! LOL!
Thank you for all that you do.
Comic-wise, I do like the subtle sense of mystery, even though, as you said, CT readers already know what’s happened. Watching the story unfold from a different perspective, and through a different medium, will be interesting!
I hope we will see Xiyuan in bunny slippers at some future point, though.
Thank YOU <3<3
The mystery’s alive for at least some people, and my storytelling has improved over two years. That’s what I tell myself.
First of all, yes to everything you said about critical thinking and reporting anyone you recognize. Like I just…I keep thinking I have the words for it. But “white supremacists stormed the nation’s capitol” is taking up so much emotional space in my brain I do not know how to even begin to articulate any of it. Consequently, I’ve just been writing the final BBD chapters and giving my heart the fluff it needs (deserves?).
Okay first of all, your skills are improving like whoa. Xiyuan’s facial expression when he is scribbling on that notebook has given me life. Coupled with the couch and the blanket and IS HE WEARING SLIPPERS ON THE COUCH?!?!?!?!?!??!!
I agree with 1esk19, I am enjoying the subtle sense of mystery even if it isn’t exactly a mystery for me.
Umm and shout out to your ability to convey so much with just a small number of panels. Its a skill I aspire to.
Yeah, it’s—I don’t have the words either. It’s a level of violence and ignorance I just can’t comprehend. And of course, while I’m over here self-doubting and correcting false assumptions and making sure my reasoning and strategy are 100% rhetorically airtight, Joe Guns is over on Facebook saying “it was antifa!” or something.
Being in this community has helped. I’m timid online because I only have energy for calm, mutually respectful discussions where everyone’s capable of admitting fault. It’s different here. No one’s aggressive, no one’s overly critical—I’ve never seen a SimLit author be unsupportive, even when giving feedback—and it’s huge that I’ve felt comfortable enough to publish ~200k imperfect words (and some beginner-ass drawings) where people can see them. I almost feel brave enough to direct those skills toward something more important.
It also recently occurred to me (seriously, why did it take so long?) that I can publish anonymously under a male-sounding name so that… yeah, you know why, then turn off all notifications.
Thank you, thank you! For this one, I used actual references. We’ve got a positive art-skill derivative to maintain here. Also, couch slippers!! He’s just really excited about the Snowy Escape shoe removal thing.
(Stock images are a trip: I tried to search “person putting mail in box” and the search engine autocompleted with “person putting in tampon.” What?)
I like how effective the messaging is with the mere simple frMe showing a single toothbrush!
And we have the advantage of knowing more than Xiyuan does at this point, but you’re right dude, it’s not a mistake.
Also, blankie times are the best. Even when you’re not in the middle of an existential crisis. Though Xiyuan knows he’s actually made the best possible decision he could have already. He just needs his body’s primal responses to losing the safety… err, blanket (ba doom tsss) to catch up.
So the fun part is, even though the single toothbrush was supposed to imply something, I forgot I did that until right now. Today on “oops, forgot that this detail in CT/Haunted was intentional.” Lol.
Ugggh. That’s all there is to say about the dramatic irony, so I’ll just make a blanket statement about adapting to change.
I can’t see the image
Fixed! Thanks for letting me know.
I’m glad Xi didn’t …. go splat.
He looks so cozy on that big sexy pink couch, but then the incessant TICK TICK TICK is just JARRING. Which is kinda funny b/c clocks = time, and Xi can’t seem to get his time/years straight. It’s like he’s having an argument with someone with his whole “FINE” comment. I mean it is HAUNTED, so it’s quite possible who/what is haunting him is disagreeing with his time/year statement.
And WHAT is special about 9:05? Should he possibly be at work by now (I mean I’d guess so, unless he runs a company, or is working from home, but he specifically says/thinks “this functions well as a distraction,” which I assume is his doodling, BUT maybe it’s not even him thinking).
Okay onto the next part.
As much as Yuan argues with himself, he’s not really the splat type. He has his maladaptive coping mechanisms but knows how to keep them hidden.
You know how sims instinctively know when it’s time to go to work? I just assume he knows exactly when the clock strikes 8. And it doesn’t make any sense to me either that sims later in their careers have shorter working hours.
I keep forgetting that he’s a sim, and I don’t know if it’s b/c of the lack of noticeable plumb bob, but it’s a ME thing, and nothing of your artistry. The clock driving him mad b/c of work makes sense.
“Problem I created” – Xiyuan, you better not be talking about your sexuality like that. That’s your parents talking, that is. But it’s great to see that you’re embracing ALL THE PINK.
Also I am love with the impeccable diamond tufting on that couch.
I hope that over time, it will become clear whether the “problem he created” is his sexual orientation that he cannot change, or his decision to try and marry a woman and have a heteronormative life despite clear evidence this is not something he wants to do. It’s a tough situation that never had to happen and doesn’t absolve him of responsibility but anyway PINK!!