Personally I enjoy the pacing. I think Mike meeting Sandy and Abbey's past is important. Yeah I may not like all the chapters (I don't really care as much about Abbey so I didn't enjoy the chapter) but I can see how it works into the story.
Rushing it would make it feel like there was no development. Mike slowly begins to hate Lucy (despite what some people think) and that fits but if we'd just gone from Mike dating Sandy to Mike hating Lucy all of a sudden, it wouldn't work, regardless of how much time had actually passed within the comics world.
Anyways, I like the long chapters. I felt like the original chapters were always too short, now they're longer with more character development and more plot which it just works well.
Ten Seconds to Midnight
The main drag here would've been the intro chapter and the other bits that got shuffled back in the archive. That was very distracting from the current storyline. Chapters have also gotten much longer compared to 2010, so less stuff happens in the same amount of time (and more details are given, of course). On top of that, the 2012 chapters do seem to be better suited for reading in one sitting, as opposed to following weekly updates. That's not necessarily a bad thing, though, specially once the 3rd book gets published.
The pacing of BCB has certainly changed a lot, which could be upsetting for the audience the comic first attracted. Personally, I'd say that despite the frequent cliff-hangers, the pacing has been good enough for me not to lose interest. 2011 definitely had a lot more character development when it comes to Lucy, though. As our protagonist, it's natural she'd be the one people are most interested in. Developing the main cast is all good and fun, but it's like developing the stories of Knuckles and Tails in a Sonic game - people lose interest quickly.
The pacing of BCB has certainly changed a lot, which could be upsetting for the audience the comic first attracted. Personally, I'd say that despite the frequent cliff-hangers, the pacing has been good enough for me not to lose interest. 2011 definitely had a lot more character development when it comes to Lucy, though. As our protagonist, it's natural she'd be the one people are most interested in. Developing the main cast is all good and fun, but it's like developing the stories of Knuckles and Tails in a Sonic game - people lose interest quickly.
This post has been edited by Migrant: 07 January 2013 - 01:16 AM
- #302
- 06 January 2013 - 11:51 AM
- Jerk
- Member
By webcomic pacing standards, BCB is kind of a gold standard. I mean, I've read a metric shit ton of webcomics that drop foreshadowing in, say, 2001 for something that happens in 2009. And I get that there's a planned beginning, middle and end toward which this is progressing. I like that. A lot of webcomics take these fucking detours that have nothing to do with the main plot to say something about politics or pop culture or something else about which I don't give a fuck. So yes, if anything, BCB is an example of what storytellers should be doing (don't even get me started on comparing artists; the art evolution to BCB has been outstanding, I think we can all agree on that).
This post has been edited by Jerk: 07 January 2013 - 12:14 AM
- #303
- 07 January 2013 - 12:14 AM
- bluefox
- BCI Member
Ive enjoyed the transformation of the comic from start to present. Wen I first started reading I had my doubts but taeshi showed me whith a slap in the face whith some drama and drawing skill. Bittersweet is just one of those things that get better whith time.
- #304
- 07 January 2013 - 02:49 AM
SuitCase said:
Plus there's one secret thing we have in mind that will really get the (present) story moving.
Are you finally going to allow people to vote on that one critical choice?
Migrant said:
The main drag here would've been the intro chapter and the other bits that got shuffled back in the archive. That was very distracting from the current storyline.
Pretty much this. Though I realize it was always going to be either the comic or the second book. And the second book was kind of important from a revenue standpoint. Hence we're lucky to have gotten any updates at all during that time period.
Other than that, I haven't had a problem with the pacing of BCB. Abbey's story really did need to be told at some point.
- #305
- 07 January 2013 - 03:04 AM
- SuitCase
- Administrator
wacko, on 07 January 2013 - 03:04 AM, said:
SuitCase said:
Plus there's one secret thing we have in mind that will really get the (present) story moving.
Are you finally going to allow people to vote on that one critical choice?
You all have to donate $40,000 or Lucy dies in a bloody doughy mess
- #306
- 07 January 2013 - 03:29 AM
- bluefox
- BCI Member
SuitCase, on 07 January 2013 - 03:29 AM, said:
You all have to donate $40,000 or Lucy dies in a bloody doughy mess
Thats a expensive happy ending. Im going to have to start doing some panhandling to pay that price.
This post has been edited by bluefox: 07 January 2013 - 04:51 AM
- #310
- 07 January 2013 - 04:50 AM
Now that was quite a cliffhanger. Some even got awfully disturbed by waiting an entire weekend, just to see their favorite drama-queen never attempting an actual suicide. Shouldn't they technically be happy over Lucy isn't that screwed up?
Lucy is truly crazy by denying the obvious fact she ever stood on that roof. At least that's a funny interpretation of the two last dialogues. She will likely answer Augustus' other question on the next page. Then I would like Lucy to ask Augustus what business he got in Roseville (or wherever this is taking place).
This is certainly a real tease for Augustus×Lucy shippers. That coupling reeks the impression of a mutual rebound relationship based on desperation.
Lucy is truly crazy by denying the obvious fact she ever stood on that roof. At least that's a funny interpretation of the two last dialogues. She will likely answer Augustus' other question on the next page. Then I would like Lucy to ask Augustus what business he got in Roseville (or wherever this is taking place).
This is certainly a real tease for Augustus×Lucy shippers. That coupling reeks the impression of a mutual rebound relationship based on desperation.
- #320
- 07 January 2013 - 08:34 AM
- Jerk
- Member
That second panel is probably my favorite drawing of Lucy in the history of BCB. The look on Lucy's face is perfect and the watercolor really has an opportunity to shine through to make a vivid background that could as easily have been filled with a single shade of blue. I don't know what she's been doing to get that effect, but I really like it. The negative space is beautifully dynamic and contributes well to the whole situation.
Augustus is fantastic too. Disheveled, angry, further out of his element than we've ever seen him so far as I can remember. Even if she wasn't going to jump, there's still a lot going on here. Taeshi can write damn good dialogue, but I think her best scenes occur when she doesn't need her characters to say anything at all, if only for a moment.
Yeah, I really think this is my favorite page art-wise. There's a lot about it I keep coming back to see.
Augustus is fantastic too. Disheveled, angry, further out of his element than we've ever seen him so far as I can remember. Even if she wasn't going to jump, there's still a lot going on here. Taeshi can write damn good dialogue, but I think her best scenes occur when she doesn't need her characters to say anything at all, if only for a moment.
Yeah, I really think this is my favorite page art-wise. There's a lot about it I keep coming back to see.
This post has been edited by Jerk: 07 January 2013 - 08:48 AM
- #321
- 07 January 2013 - 08:41 AM
- Cavara
- BCI Member
What the heck man!
Last thing I knew I was all cozy on my sofa re-reading my e-books while pre-savouring coming back to find almost two weeks of unread updates, and then I wake up this morning to find you're trying to kill Lucy!
As if the end of the Season wasn't bad enough by itself
oh, well, I guess in the end the worst part is that you're taking away from me the only decent villain... unless he changes his mind and pushes her down, that is!
Last thing I knew I was all cozy on my sofa re-reading my e-books while pre-savouring coming back to find almost two weeks of unread updates, and then I wake up this morning to find you're trying to kill Lucy!
As if the end of the Season wasn't bad enough by itself
oh, well, I guess in the end the worst part is that you're taking away from me the only decent villain... unless he changes his mind and pushes her down, that is!
- #322
- 07 January 2013 - 08:55 AM
- crystalgardian
- Member
Cavara, on 07 January 2013 - 08:55 AM, said:
unless he changes his mind and pushes her down, that is!
Which kind of down? Or does it matter? Both would be quite devious.
Yeah.... I kinda expected that.
The real question is whether she's lying to him because she is either, A. Remembering his words from before and has at least temporarily changed her mind. B. Going to try something else/go to some other building or if she really was just up there reminiscing good times/enjoying the view/silence/purity/ being miserable.
- #323
- 07 January 2013 - 09:04 AM
- Jayfeather21
- Member
I actually wanted to see how the comic would be impacted if she jumped...even if that sounds morbid.
- #325
- 07 January 2013 - 01:09 PM
- Ace
- BCI Member
I dunno that second panel she looks like a porcelain doll and I have no idea what's with her on the last panel. This is the one page where I am rather confused at the art. It just looks like she's not real in those two panels. Augustus however is god damned shining art wise this chapter.
Also: Jesus, what a bitch.
Also: Jesus, what a bitch.
This post has been edited by Ace: 07 January 2013 - 02:28 PM
- #328
- 07 January 2013 - 02:09 PM
- falconboy99
- BCI Member
The first panel is the second-awesomest drawing of her. Is "drawing" the right word?
This post has been edited by falconboy99: 07 January 2013 - 02:41 PM
- #329
- 07 January 2013 - 02:40 PM
She wasn't going to jump? Can we really trust her words at this point? For all I know, she'd been planning to jump, and then when Augustus grabbed ahold of her, she turned it around to make it look like a joke. Hopefully we get some clarification on the next page.
- #330
- 07 January 2013 - 02:52 PM
- Leaving_a_Comment
- Member
I knew this was some fucking crazy Lucy-being-a-bitch plan, I would say something about how her depression is obviously making her a bit cray-cray, then I remember that this is a fictional cat girl so I don't feel bad for calling her a bitch.
- #333
- 07 January 2013 - 05:02 PM
Lucy's past has proven her able to attempt controversial undertakings. The most prominent example must be when Paulo inconversantly advertised himself as a very specific fruitcake (Mike), triggering Lucy into performing very intimate acts with Paulo in order to have him as a rebound. This was despite being strictly against Lucy's own personal principles.
It would be wise to not let go of Lucy until she's off that ledge. Albeit, we are unable to see if Augustus is still holding her hand, I assume he does. I can imagine Augustus will maintain that grip on Lucy, since her question was pretty blunt. It's obvious she acts different, being that she doesn't try to punch/kick Augustus' or yell at him to let go of her. Maybe she could be trying to emotionally manipulate him to invoke the trust to let go of her, or maybe she has truly changed for the better. If the latter is true, she could simply be accepting the context out of Augustus' view, ignoring his grip. After they've had a short dialog, Lucy could remark on that and then simply laugh it off.
It would truly be for the better if she's on that roof to reflect on her own life.
By the way, how often does it occur in general that a tsundere changes for the better?
It would be wise to not let go of Lucy until she's off that ledge. Albeit, we are unable to see if Augustus is still holding her hand, I assume he does. I can imagine Augustus will maintain that grip on Lucy, since her question was pretty blunt. It's obvious she acts different, being that she doesn't try to punch/kick Augustus' or yell at him to let go of her. Maybe she could be trying to emotionally manipulate him to invoke the trust to let go of her, or maybe she has truly changed for the better. If the latter is true, she could simply be accepting the context out of Augustus' view, ignoring his grip. After they've had a short dialog, Lucy could remark on that and then simply laugh it off.
It would truly be for the better if she's on that roof to reflect on her own life.
By the way, how often does it occur in general that a tsundere changes for the better?
- #334
- 07 January 2013 - 05:17 PM
- Leaving_a_Comment
- Member
Oh wow I'm not a huge fan of Lucy right now but calling her a slut cause she wanted to sleep with Paulo is a little much, don't ya think? (And yes I know that isn't your opinion Kaxbe just pointing out that's harsh.)
- #336
- 07 January 2013 - 08:05 PM
- Sky_Paladin
- BCI Member
These days they can just make a mould and put batteries in it. SCIENCE!
- #343
- 08 January 2013 - 02:09 AM
- crystalgardian
- Member
Cavara, on 07 January 2013 - 02:00 PM, said:
And thus Lucy dies and Fantasy Cat becomes the main character.
Spoiler
- #344
- 08 January 2013 - 05:10 AM
- Jerk
- Member
Nah. At best, Paulo would be bisexual as he's already shown he gladly has sex with willing women. I guess Mike could be gay since, well, I can't recall him ever expressing carnal desire toward anyone or anything so the question's still valid in his case. David's mentality is too young to involve that aspect of a relationship so far as we know (and besides, can you imagine the kind of orifice a partner sexually compatible to David would have? Pretty sure he could fuck any character's left ventricle with a dick like that). I'm not the almanac of BCB knowledge, that's wacko.
- #345
- 08 January 2013 - 06:12 AM
Taeshi has said that Paulo×Mike is less crack than some other pairings. But honestly, I have to say that I just don't see it happening. Nothing in canon BCB has given me the indication that either Paulo or Mike would ever consider dating a guy, much less each other. Sure, when the chips are down, they might be friends, but that's about it. Any references to ferns are purely dreaming. 
On the other hand, I could see Augustus×Lucy theoretically happening. It would require quite a lot of development, especially considering that Augustus has stated he would never date such a high-maintenance person as Lucy. But given the right moves, one could see how the two might be drawn together. This, in my opinion, is an example of a relationship that is less crack than others.
On the other hand, I could see Augustus×Lucy theoretically happening. It would require quite a lot of development, especially considering that Augustus has stated he would never date such a high-maintenance person as Lucy. But given the right moves, one could see how the two might be drawn together. This, in my opinion, is an example of a relationship that is less crack than others.
- #346
- 08 January 2013 - 03:17 PM
- Anialator
- Member
Perhaps this is overly optimistic, but maybe she was about to kill her self, changed her mind, and then Augustus noticed her. Maybe being ready to actually an hero was an eye opener for her that she ought to stop bitching bout Mike?
Then again I would hope such a huge step in Lucy's character to be on screen so to speak.
Then again I would hope such a huge step in Lucy's character to be on screen so to speak.
- #347
- 08 January 2013 - 03:18 PM
- crystalgardian
- Member
Joke leads to intense debate. lol.
I could see AugustusxLucy, but it seems a bit too obvious for Taeshi. Oh, and happy. We can't have happy. My guess is he'll be slightly more friendly towards her now though. If she ends up living.
Unless Paulo and Augustus are going to end up having a huge fight about Lucy. That would be an interesting plot twist, albeit unlikely, but interesting.
Bets on who would win that fight anyone?
There's always flashbacks. God knows there's flash backs. If that turns out to be the case.
I could see AugustusxLucy, but it seems a bit too obvious for Taeshi. Oh, and happy. We can't have happy. My guess is he'll be slightly more friendly towards her now though. If she ends up living.
Unless Paulo and Augustus are going to end up having a huge fight about Lucy. That would be an interesting plot twist, albeit unlikely, but interesting.
Bets on who would win that fight anyone?
Anialator, on 08 January 2013 - 03:18 PM, said:
Perhaps this is overly optimistic, but maybe she was about to kill her self, changed her mind, and then Augustus noticed her. Maybe being ready to actually an hero was an eye opener for her that she ought to stop bitching bout Mike?
Then again I would hope such a huge step in Lucy's character to be on screen so to speak.
Then again I would hope such a huge step in Lucy's character to be on screen so to speak.
There's always flashbacks. God knows there's flash backs. If that turns out to be the case.
This post has been edited by crystalgardian: 09 January 2013 - 01:09 AM
- #349
- 09 January 2013 - 01:07 AM
