Is it, now?
The complex dynamic at play here may take some time to unpick. But one thing is certain, the next page reveals Reverend Penrose’s SECRET ORIGIN! NOTE: today’s comic features what I believe is the only thought bubble in any of my published work. I made it a very special one.
At least it’s the GREATEST THOUGHT BUBBLE IN COMICS HISTORY.
I have to agree (with the sentiment, if not the literal truth). The thought bubble in the shape and color of the thought/idea is a comic convention that I love, and not one I can think of another author using. Not to mention that the excellent expression on Desmond is … well, sublime, to enter into the hyperbole of the thing. John Allison, pushing the comic bubble!
Y’know, I knew Des would probably make some sort of cameo in this story, other than the cover of part 1, but this is so much better than anything I imagined.
I know I am alone in this and will never get my wish, but if the Rev sees Desmond, thinks him an enemy, then decapitates him with a with an ax that looks like I could arm myself with it in an Elder Scrolls game, I will not be upset. I would be sad for the senseless loss of merman life, even if the character seems to be a half fish version of every negative American trait, but get back to wondering why I never see Shauna anymore.
Shurely you mean Xhauna?
Awwww. It’s like Lottie is a child again ♡. Her happiness is so bright. She loves chasing the forces of evil with Penrose. But him is really neglecting his obligation with the community and he knows it. What a conflict!
I’m seeing so many ways this can go badly for these characters I’m sitting on the edge of my forebrain, gnawing on my dendrites, anticipating the next posting.
The Reverend’s statement is very close to saying “This ends now!” He’s actually a Marvel hero, isn’t he?
Also, is the axe quickly drawable from that holster? I’m unsure of exactly how it slips out.
Now you’ve got me wanting a Steeple/Blade crossover. I would also accept a Steeple/Thor or Steeple/Excalibur crossover.
Bleeple. Theeple. Excalibeeple.
I’m down for it.
As long as it’s the original Excalibur; Kitty/Maggie, Billie/Rachel and Clovis/Megan interactions would be something to see.
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
I choose to imagine stripper tear-away technology has filtered down to ax holsters allowing for quick deployment when force is applied in the right way.
It looks like some kind of clasp? You take your left hand and press the switch and it unclasps. It’s loaded so the spring is set when you load up the axe, as reaching around your back with your off-hand doesn’t give you enough leverage to set the tension.
That also means it’s possible you bump into something and the axe pops out!
Regarding Lottie’s thought balloon in panel 1: Right for the wrong reason? Or wrong for the right reason?
Lottie and Penrose get married and fight evil together happily ever after! Make it so!
Errr. I dunno…Sure Lottie and Penrose make for a great team, but I think there’s WAY too much of an age difference between them.
Penrose is more of a replacement dad, I think.
I think Lottie has choosen Penrose as her new father figure.
One of Lottie’s earliest appearances was doubting the very existence of “the biggest frog in England”. Now he’s her merman of choice!
Penrose took a blast of conscience straight to the head.
Mrs. Clovis has telekinetic powers that stagger the mind.
I love the fact that the Rev appears to be flexing as he declares his show of strength.
Love the art so much! Every character has a unique way of moving about the world… (Nice touch with the Icthys glyph on the axe.)
If there isn’t a player for the tapes where did the tapes come from?
Good thing there is another church in town if people need to get their preach on while Penrose is out.
I expect they had a recorder _once_ but it is no longer functional. Old technology, obsolescence, & so forth.
So, Lottie’s ideal significant other would be a perfect blend of Billie, Maggie, and Reverend Penrose? I… could see that, actually.
Such a person would unbalance the universe with their degree of badassery.
Unfortunately, aperson like that can’t exist.
Skipping downhill in those shoes? Speaking of acts of bravery…
my absolute fav thought bubble in the history of thought bubbles
I know ya’ll are enamored with the thought bubble, but let’s talk about panel 4. Panel 4. The Breathtaking Panel 4. The panel to end all panels. PANEL 4.
Yes! Panel 4! A genuinely powerful image that drives home the guilt that sometimes stabs at Reverend Penrose as he struggles to reconcile his roles.
Didn’t realise until I read this news story just now that the “great” and “good” are on their way to Tredregyn country… maybe John has timed this perfectly for a topical feature and we’ll get to see the Tackleverse vs G7 crossover we’ve been dreaming of? I think BoJo and Gibbous Moon would make a lovely couple…
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-57406576
no thought bubbles ever?
i totally hadn’t noticed in all the years of reading SGR and all its derivatives but wow that’s a big deal isn’t it? in terms of writing AND drawing comics
it’s the rule of “show, don’t tell”
Looks like Miss C. takes her fashion tips straight from the Queen. Lovely greens, perfect for hunting merman.
Why doesn’t Maggie have a cross next to her name? Just noticed that.
Perhaps she has achieved True Neutral status?
It’s behind her hair.
Perhaps she still wavers between Anglican and Satanist? Or is choosing a third way – Presbyterianism?