2021-03-24
Channing: Hey, folks! Please click “next” for an update on the situation mentioned below! Thank you all.
* * *
Shaenon: Hey there. Since all the comments on today’s strip were people complaining about how boring and badly-drawn Skin Horse is, I’ve decided to stop drawing it. There’s no point in continuing a project nobody likes. Sorry for wasting your time.
Sorry, Jeff.
Update: Thanks to everyone for the kind words. I’m talking to Jeff about what to do next.
To be clear, no one was super mean in the comments; there’s just a long history of complaints and nitpicking and “funny” little jabs, and the first few comments on today’s strip were all in that mode. It just feels like people aren’t enjoying the strip, and I don’t want to make something people don’t enjoy.
Hey, I like it. Is this some sort of April Fools.
I hope you’re right
I reeeeeaaaaaallllllyyyyy hope so.
I wish I could think of something more to say than “me, too”, but I’m in shock. Please let this be an early April Fools joke!!!!!
For anyone who wants to read today’s actual comic: go to gocomics.com and search for “skin horse” – it should be the first result. (https://www(dot)gocomics(dot)com/skinhorse)
I’m convinced this is just a mis-scheduled April Fool’s joke. Shaennon and Jeff know they have a loyal readership. They get over $1000/month in pledges from Patreon, and their last Kickstarter made 270% of goal. Plus they probably have a contract of some sort with GoComics. Even looking at recent comment boards, I see nothing but positivity. They probably didn’t expect us to take it as seriously as people are, and I’m sure they didn’t mean to make lurkers feel bad.
But that’s the problem with jokes, especially but not exclusively jokes on the internet where so much nuance gets lost. So I’m with Tom Smith on this one: tomsmith(dot)bandcamp(dot)com/track/no-april-fools
According to Shaenon’s twitter and the response she made to one of the lower comments, it’s real. Which sucks, because this was/is a truly great webcomic
That’s … mind boggling. And depressing. 🙁 Maybe they should just close the comments if some people are going to be jerks and it’s bad enough to bother them?
Also weird. I don’t think i have ever seen a negative comment in these comments. Pretty much everything seems to be discussion about the content of the comic, the characters and so forth. Usually a few dozen posts per strip. Which shows that a lot of people are interested and engaged.
I frantically checked her Twitter, and I don’t see it.
Please don’t end the strip! IDGAF about how it’s drawn, it’s NOT boring! It’s funny, inspiring, engaging and gripping, occasionally scary, and everything in between.
I have the same philosophy about my gaming: I don’t REALLY care about the graphics, I care about the story and gameplay.
I VERY much doubt they have any sort of contract with GoComics that compels them to provide more straps. Most likely it’s just a revenue-sharing agreement for the ads on their comics. No new comics, no more ad money.
Strips. STRIPS, you nincompoop! You KNOW spellchecker are stupid. WHY do you keep forgetting to proofread yourself!?
Eh, it’s human. Just because you know that autocorrect messes things up intellectually doesn’t mean that you have learned it at the instinctive level yet. That takes time and practice and you have my word that I still mess up as well so don’t feel bad! ^_~
Just wanted to say I’m a longtime reader, and I do enjoy the comic, though I usually don’t have much to say on the comments front. I appreciate all the time and work you’ve put in over the years entertaining us all.
I’m sorry (some) people were insensitive jerks to you.
Please say it ain’t so. I love Skin Horse and await each episode with anticipation.
I do, too. I just pledged on Patreon a few minutes ago because that seemed like the best way to show that Skin Horse matters to me and I don’t want it to end. I hope that other people who can spare a bit of cash each month will consider doing the same thing.
No seriously, is this an out of season April Fools joke or did [expletive deleted] internet people kill off another thing I enjoyed?
It’s a week early – I suspect that there was a scheduling error.
For real, I love this comic. I don’t always have much time in the day, but I always try to catch up on it when I do. I love the wild and wacky world you’ve created and want to see more of it. I love the story that you’re telling and enjoy watching it unfold. If at the end you still want to end the strip, I’ll be sad to see it go, but that”s life and I’d wish you good fortune in your future projects. If you continue, know that despite malicious comments directed at your creation, that I and so many others are enjoying your work. Put it in a frame or on a mug in front of your workstation if you have to. Remember that some of us will always care, even if we don’t always show it.
I’ve been reading SH longer than any other webcomic. I’d be heartbroken if this is the end.
This is the first time I’ve commented, so I’m sorry. I should have been giving encouragement over the years instead of just passively consuming
I wait up till midnight every day so I can see the updates when they come out
We all did.
You said it exactly, Andrew. I also apologize for not encouraging and only consuming.
Likewise – SH is the first webcomic I started reading. It has its own instantly recognisable style and it is funny. Please continue.
I can’t say Skin Horse is the first comic I read (that honor goes to Stand Still Stay Silent, on days it updates), but it’s right up there at the top. It’s fun and cute and sweet, but has those little dashes of seriousness that add spice to it! The characters are as far-out as characters can be, and yet they always act in character – so often writers who create far-out characters can’t keep them consistent; Shaenon and Jeff manage to keep them consistent, but still allow them to be surprising. It’s also fun seeing their character development progressing!
This has all the hallmarks of someone who’s clinically depressed getting way too upset over a comment. Please get help. Jeff, please make sure you are in contact with someone who can help. And just for the record, I love the comic.
Please don’t try to diagnose people you only know over the internet.
Seconded.
Troutwaxer, howzabout you enlist 2 or 3 dozen people to nitpick and criticize your performance of your job (or school, or similar central daily activity) every single day for, say, 6 months? You think maybe you might “get way too upset” somewhere along the line? Now consider the fact that, with few breaks of any kind, Shaenon has been doing this for roughly 20 years, and I honestly can’t remember the last time she’s publicly expressed frustration with this kind of thing, even though I’m certain she’s endured such negativity from readers to at least some degree nearly every day of that time.
That’s not an indication of clinical depression. It’s a sign of possible sainthood on her part.
Seconding this (particularly because other people below are assuming anxiety and/or depression).
First, a negativity bias appears to be a human universal (e.g. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2008-04614-002).
Second, comments tend to be more impactful than more meaningful, less biased, information, like clicks and views (e.g. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/1369118X.2017.1379550).
Last, I know personally, as someone who has taught at the undergraduate level, that negative evaluations automatically elicit more threat than positive comments elicit security.
In the case of teaching at the college level, there is a direct career threat from bad evaluations – like it or not faculty are judged based on the casual impressions of often solipsistic youth. However, it still doesn’t make sense for me to weight the threatening information as more relevant than the affirming information (the positive evaluations).
Fortunately, I am familiar with cognitive behavioral therapy (and I wish everyone was), so I know how to counter my natural human negativity bias. But, it still takes work (and time)! Note: I have never met a human being who couldn’t benefit from CBT.
Whatever the creators’ mental states, I hope they find the support they need, get a clear view of how their work has impacted others, and make whatever decision is best for their long term development. I wouldn’t be happy if Skin Horse “went off the air;” but, I ultimately want whatever is best for the people who entertained me for so darned long.
You’re so much stronger as an artist than you think you are.
Please don’t stop. Lots of people do like Skin Horse.
Ack, I’m dying. I don’t comment on this comic often enough only because I feel like anything I could say would be inadequate and repetitive (as in, ‘I love it’, ‘still love it’, ‘still here, loving it!’), but it makes me smile every single time I read it. I reread whole storylines on an average of once a week, and I’m adopting a dog next month that I plan to name Sweetheart.
So here’s what I should have been saying:
You are a fantastic writer and artist. You pack more expression into these tiny panels than should be possible, and you’ve made me love and care about characters I never thought I’d see again beyond a one-off gag. The thought of it ending at any point makes my heart pound, but the thought of you doubting yourself to the extent you seem to be is horrifying.
I only saw one negative comment before you switched, and it seemed like it was just one guy who didn’t like the current storyline – I guess VR journeys into the mental problems of an animatronic unicorn aren’t for everyone, sadly for them – but I hope you know it’s not a universal sentiment. I’d still follow Skin Horse (and Narbonic, and Monster of the Week) if you did it as claymation accompanied by haiku, and I know I’m not alone in that.
“VR journeys into the mental problems of an animatronic unicorn” is exactly what I want out of my webcomics. I hope this isn’t the end.
“…Skin Horse…as claymation accompanied by haiku…”
Sign me up!
What!!! This can’t be how it ends!!! Please!!!
Your art is wonderful and so well loved!!
Please don’t stop! I haven’t commented in years and years, and even then only rarely, but I’ve been quietly reading Skin Horse, and Narbonic before it, for something like 17 years. Almost every day, checking in, enjoying the daily strip as part of my bedtime routine. I love your work. And I know I’m not the only quiet long-time fan.
I’ve been reading your comics since high school!!! Over a decade!! I love your art and you are literally an inspiration for me.
Skin Horse and Narbonic are huge parts of my life. Please see that tons of people love it with all their hearts and want to see it continue!!
*I’ve* been reading Shaenon’s work since high school, which is now very nearly *20* years. And I sincerely hope I’ll still be doing so in 20 more.
Add me to the list of people who’ve been reading for rather more than a decade. Please don’t stop.
I’ve been reading since the start, I have framed original art hanging in my bedroom, and all the print volumes. This isn’t a project that nobody likes!
I’ve been reading since Narbonic in its original run. I also have framed original art and all of the print volumes from both Narbonic and Skin Horse so far. I have a dozen or more webcomics I read on a regular basis, but I always save Skin Horse and Spacetrawler to be the last two for the day, because they make me smile the most.
How rude, never put stock in jerks
Yes, but that’s easier said than done. Humans are social creatures and it’s nearly impossible to completely shut out others’ opinions. (Unless one is a psychopath, of course.)
You said it exactly right, John.
What the ever loveing what?
This small joy at the end of my day is gone?
Years ago I found Narbonic while I was searching for some mad science humor, I’m not sure why I was in that headspace, but I’ve been enjoying Shaenon’s art and storytelling ever since. Today I am saddened by its absence.
You absolutely decide this in the end of course, but Skin Horse is and has been GREAT and I really hope it doesn’t end like this.
Definitely.
I want to add myself to the list of people who have been reading since several years before Narbonic ended. Judging from how often my internal monologue declares people fools and vows to destroy them all, I’d say that both that comic and this one have had quite a large impact on me.
I feel bad, because I saw a comment when today’s strip first went up by someone who basically asserted that it would be better for the whole strip to end than for this storyline to go on any further. I started to reply to that to argue with them, but I have a hard time commenting on stuff like this. I hope that by saying something now I can somewhat make up for not being able to say anything then.
Skin Horse is and always has been absolutely brilliant, and a part of my daily routine since the first day I discovered it, well over a decade ago. As was Narbonic before it. I REALLY hope this isn’t so. What more can I say?
I’ve enjoyed reading this comic daily for years and I’d hate to see it end before you guys achieve the ending you had planned for it. Please reconsider your decision to stop
So I’m up in the middle of the night and start reading this crazy thing.
Time to go back to sleep and see if this is all real in the morning or it was just some weird dream. Although this does remind me of when Dave was killed in early Narbonic…. (or was that a weird dream too??)
Looks like Shaenon is grumpy today.
Needs lot of love, maybe a nice holiday (or pretend holiday if you’re in lockdown) and everything will be fine.
I don’t remember people complaining about the art yesterday. Is it about the skeleton?
There originally was a actual comic for today, but it was taken down….
https://www.gocomics.com/skinhorse/2021/03/24
Don’t know how long it will be there.
WHAT this page is GOLD just like the rest of them this week! Shaenon plz bless us with your art. With the montage!!
The prior day’s strip seems to have also vanished?
This whole situation seems… odd. Not sure what to think about any of it. Wait and see what happens, I guess…
I have enjoyed your work for years. I hope this is not how it ends.
Decade-plus regular reader all the way back to Narbonic here to say that you’re a national treasure, Shaenon! Skin Horse has only gotten better with age as it’s been able to develop a deep bench of characters who intersect in amazing ways in every storyline. Don’t let random commenters give you imposter syndrome – your style might be simple but it’s consistent and clear in a way that aligns it with all best classic comic strips. I would be incredibly heartbroken as would many others here if there is where and how it all ends.
At the same time, your mental health is incredibly important. Nobody in the web toons business has kept up a daily schedule as long and as consistently as you. It’s a scary and stressful time right now and it’s important to take care of yourself. Please don’t let positive or negative feedback pressure you in any way, and please prioritize your family and loved ones however you can! You’ve been a great pillar of support for your fans and other artists over the years. Let your fans know if there’s anything we can do to support you back!
So to Shaenon — I’m sad, I’m not going to pretend I’m not, I love Skin Horse, I’ve loved it for the past decade-plus. But also like oh my goodness, you’ve been, just, GIVING this to us, daily, for the past thirteen years. Not owing anything, not for some prior exchange. So, like, whether this is ot or not, I’m extremely happy to have gotten thirteen years of this zany, wonderful, world.
To everyone else — I’ve been low-key wanting to reread Skin Horse for a while (ever since I started losing track of the Beni, Luigi, and… the other one, devices, I think), and I never managed to get myself going. But I figure now, with Skin Horse taking a (permenant? temporary?) hiatus, now seems like a great time to give it a go. Skin Horse jas been one of the most personally influential works of this past decade, and I can’t wait to see what more I get out of it, going a second time around.
So anybody wanna join me? The Great Skin Horse Reread Of 2021?
We can start tomorrow night, page 1, with everything under control one more time.
See you there?
Oh yeah! We’ll be commenting on the original strips, not reruns, so anyone reading a first time will also see them. So small call-forwards and out-of-context quotes are probably fine, but SPOILER DISCUSSION IN ROT13, probably. And I can’t wait to discuss the hints we missed.)
No no no no your art is great and Pancha’s colour is great and I had no idea why you and Jeff had sent Nick from Vegas to VR-Vegas but I was sure it was going to be fantastic finding out!
I’m not one to post comments usually, I’m sorry to hear that they have been so toxic. I’ve been a fan of your art since I was in high school over a decade ago. I’ve always enjoyed how expressive, creative, and communicative it is. I will be sad not to be able to finish the adventure with these characters but I hope you do what is best for yourself. No matter what I hope you know how greatful myself and many others are that you gave us the opportunity to enjoy the art you’ve been giving to us for so long.
I’m really sorry this has happened to you, Shaenon. We will definitely be sad if you definitively choose to never come back to Skin Horse, but you need to do what’s best for you.
I’m also sorry I never commented to say just how much I enjoy your work, and that you inspired me to try my hand at webcomics. Your skills with body language and facial expression are amazing, and I don’t think I could ever reach your level.
Your work is fantastic, it would be a travesty to see you stop now!! Don’t give ip, you have so many people who love your wirk!!
Take a break if you need it, but don’t let a few bad apples sour the bunch. There are plenty of folks here who’d be far more heartbroken over this kind of ending than those few that complained. To be frank, I don’t even know what comments this is in reference to, I usually come back every other day, and usually there’s just a motley few jokes and compliments in the comments. Perhaps there’s moderation happening behind the scenes, but my impression of the comic and it’s community has always been positive.
Perhaps it’s out of a selfish want for this comic to continue, but I implore you, take a break, mull it over for a while, and then determine whether you really want to close the book on it for good. If you decide to keep it going, then I will be here again to enjoy the comic every other day, and if you decide not, I will move on from the affair somewhat saddened, but in the end, it’s your decision, and you shouldn’t base it on how I, or any other member of the community will feel about it.
In case this isn’t a joke, I would like to ask you not to do that. Is the artwork made by Monet or Van Gogh? No, but it is consistent, it is regular, it works for the medium, it has good colours, and it is distinctly recognisable. That is something to be proud of. And the story? It is fun, it is unique and fascinating, it is unlike most other stories, filled with realistic yet also fantastic characters. I cannot predict what will happen next, the complexity and wonderful nature of the story prevents that entirely. That is a rarity in an age where many stories are increasingly predictable and frankly, quite dull.
And above all, if you stop now, those foul creatures, hateful, vile, and self-righteous, who come to you with hate; they will win. And those awful talentless fucks who in their inability to create desire only to destroy, crave the end of anything unique. They only desire to see the interesting, the different, the unexpected, and the complex to end. If they win, the only stories that will be left will be shitty self-insert stories with no originality, no soul, and no complexity.
I suggest that you take a break. Seven days of rest is earned. Remember that the screaming minority of uncreative bastards who hate everything that doesn’t pander to their base tastes, are a small, pathetic, and worthless group of shitheads. They don’t represent everyone else. A good story is loved by a far larger group, who read, listen, or watch attentively.
And Skin Horse is a good story.
… Were the comments on the last few pages really that toxic?
I’m very confused.
The comic images for those pages are apparently still on the site if you check via RSS, and there’s no announcement on their Patreon or Twitters…?
The comments weren’t that bad; I just can’t take this stuff anymore. If people aren’t enjoying the comic, I don’t have to bother them with it.
Lots of people are enjoying the comic, it’s one of my favorites, have been reading it since near the beginning. Please continue it!
People are enjoying it. I am enjoying it. Also: see all the other comments here. Don’t doubt this, however you go forward. Sorry if we have been too bad at telling you.
I hope things are good with you in general. Best, best wishes, and take care.
I’m sorry that we don’t remember to tell you when we’re enjoying it. Hope you have some good folk to talk to, who will listen to you rant and/or offer you stupid jokes.
Thanks for the long trail of tales, from the Daves of Narbonic to now.
Shaenon, I not only enjoy and respect your work (you, Jeff and Pancha are incredibly talented!), I’ve learned so much from you over the years! You’ve taught me what the Vulcan principal of IDIC truly means – with laughter! To love my neighbor for their uniqueness rather than fear their differences. I feel like I am a better person because of the wisdom you’ve shared in this labor of love.
I will not try to dissuade you from your decision to stop, although it breaks my heart that your reward for baring your soul with the world has been tears. I for one have looked forward to “Skin Horse” being the last thing I read every night and the first thing I read when I wake up in the morning. I will merely say “Thank you.” for making the world a better place, which most of us can aspire to do only for our immediate families.
You are loved. Really loved. And you’ll be missed.
Tearfully,
Dave Huber
Certainly you need to do what’s right for you, and not continue with something that isn’t working for you just for a bunch of weirdos on the Internet, but I want to add my contribution to those assuring you that lots of people love the comic. I check Skin Horse first thing in the morning to start my day off on the right foot. I don’t know why anyone would complain about the art; I’ve always been very impressed with how you can convey so much expression and make such distinctive characters with just a few lines. I have some of the books (not all of them yet) and a sketch of Helen, which I love. I’m also not normally one to comment on things online; I rarely feel like I have anything to add. Sorry if this has made you feel like people aren’t enjoying the comic! My top three favourite webcomics–I can’t decide an order–are Skin Horse, Narbonic, and Girl Genius (Order of the Stick and Schlock Mercenary probably round out the top five).
Whether this is the end of the comic or not (and that is of course your decision) I hope we find out what happens to the characters. I really do care about how the story ends for them–Nick, Dr. Lee, Sweetheart, Unity, Moustachio, Tip, Artie, Lovelace, Baron Mistycorn, Whimsy, Nera, Jonah… You and Jeff have created such a wonderful world with dozens of vivid characters, and woven delightfully silly and absurd humour together with touching moments that have made them more than just a punchline. However the story ends, I’ll miss them all.
I’ve been enjoying your work daily since mid-Narbonic (and bought the collections, too). I’m sorry I haven’t commented. I’m especially sorry that the internet creeps have struck your site. I saw it happen in the past, when they drove a well-loved author off his own fan site, and immediately vanished. (He came back when he found out that it wasn’t actual fans, it was a deliberate attempt by the random attackers to spoil everyone else’s enjoyment.) Please don’t let the jerks win. Do take a break if you need one, but we will be waiting to see whatever you choose to create.
Your only reason for making this was to please a few internet randos who would hate everything you do no matter what it was?
I’m so sorry the trolls got to you. I don’t understand why people who don’t like something don’t just shrug and walk away. It’s not like loading this page is mandatory for using the internet. I’ve been reading your comic pretty much since the beginning and love it. It’s part of my morning routine. As others have noted, your stories are wonderfully unpredictable and gloriously chaotic. I would love it if my own writing was half so whimsical and meaningful. Hidden under all the silliness is a subtle commentary on the human condition. I know when I’m overwhelmed by critical voices, it’s hard to hear the compliments. I hope that, in the space of time, you’ll be able to see all the love there is for this project. I also hope to see more of your work in the future, here on Skin Horse or in other projects. Be well and know you have many loving fans.
I didn’t see the complaints about the art style or anything, but rest assured there are a lot more people who enjoy your work than there are people who don’t. Please don’t stop.
Longtime reader back to the days of Narbonic (and once, briefly, a fellow ModernTales contributor!) I’ve been consistently enjoying Skin Horse, Monster of the Week, and everything else you’ve done for [OH GOD HOW AM I THIS OLD] years. Whether the comic continues or not, don’t let the jerks get you down. They are few but loud, and they live to ruin stuff for the rest of us.
People can take themselves away from the comic, but you have a large fan base of loyal readers who would really like it to continue. Please don’t let the assholes and brain weasels win.
Signed,
Dan D. Reader since I found Narbonic.
Screw ’em. The rest of us buy your books, amd for good reasons.
Nooo! I’m gutted. I’ve followed and enjoyed Skin Horse since the start (and Narbonics before that) and loved bot the art and the writing. I’m not very active as a commenter or supporter but I really want you to know that Skin Horse has been an important part of my daily routine for fourteen years and I want to thank you for it.
This is not how I would have chosen to part ways with the story and the characters and I mourn that it came to this, but of course you are within your rights to do what you feel is best for you. But please don’t stop being an awsome artist, I’ll be there for you whenever you have a new project.
“It just feels like people aren’t enjoying the strip, and I don’t want to make something people don’t enjoy.”
I’m sorry people made you feel like this, ma’am.
I’ve always been a quiet reader, since I picked the series up like 2-3 years ago, after reading all through Narbonic and catching up I think to the robot tournament in Skin Horse. And just was quietly cheering you both on, excited to see how everything ties up since the both of you announced you were in basically in/heading to the Climax/Denouement of the story earlier this year?
I always liked your mix of expressive range with an art-style that struck me as a fairly healthy minimalism to prevent burnout and physical injury. (Something I’ve seen way too often in other comics.)
You don’t owe me anything, but I’d hate for a bunch of dummies to ruin something charming and whimsical that I’ve grown to love, and I hope you’re able to reach a better mental space. I can definitely sympathize with lousy and terrible people wearing you down until you break.
But I can definitely say I’m enjoying the strip, and was enjoying the adventures of exploring Baron’s digital egopolis (and the Baron merch), if it means anything.
I’m sorry to hear that some pompous, self-important gasbags somehow convinced you that their opinions were worth something. I missed the memo that installed them as anyone knowledgeable or standard-bearing.
Drowning out those flat notes of the flatulent-minds, there’s the excited chatter of people discussing motives, rehashing the past, declaring their love or loyalty to the characters you guys birthed and the world you created! You made ideas from your mind something that other people passionately care about! Those are the people to listen to!
Catching up with Skin Horse is one of the highlights of each day (which I stay up for without fail), as was the case with Narbonic. Long time fan. Just sayin.
Since it may my last chance to express it:
For myself to remember not to take for granted that when I do not express it, I am in durable awe of what is daily achieved with this comic, both in writing and drawing, and I should add the coloring since it is also particularily good.
I apologize for every comment of mine that has not put that in sufficient light.
Both of you Shaenon and Jeff have created a magnificent universe, with a match between art and story feeding one-other to reach higher highs (sorry also for this praise resembling to a tract or to any badly written piece of praise on the backcover of a cookbook of a TV-only cook, I can’t do better in english AND I am a pompous prick). Beside that I have to add that your role ouside this comic in editing, in reflecting on the media itself is also to me a high high of higher highs may they be wuthering or calmly sunbathing in the
One of my permanent regrets is the postage costs to be too heavy to be able to buy the whole collection of books (I like books more than most things on earths, cats included). I asked to my whole family to suscript together to get it for Christmas, but I got a -cheaper- wood router instead. If this wasn’t a hint to finish the guest room for them to visit, I’d have to change my family for another.
I read the one I backed to my 5 y.o. who is decidedly a fan, while not understanding a word of English, proof of the appeal of the art to my child, fed comics since he’s 1, with belgian-french comics and illustrators (mainstream and underground) as well as asian, european, north american ones (it lacks of southamerican and oceanian ones, feel free to add).
I shall end here this elegy, hoping it not to turn into an eulogy.
While I never intended to be part of the comments that have led to you to such a questioning of yourself (what shouldn’t be, it should question the commentators), I cannot be sure not to have failed to convey my proper feeling in a language that is not mine, so I also present sincere apologies for every side of nerdy nitpicking that I expressed (about my native language, or books, or… I think that covers already all I’m used to nitpick about) without balancing it with a clear sentence about how I love this work.
For every commenter, there are orders of magnitude more of us who are reliable, if generally silent, readers. As was just today expressed over at Questionable Content, let me know who’s giving you a hard time, and I’ll go beat them up (figuratively. Probably).
Narbonic was one of the first 3 webcomics I started reading in the mid-90s. I have followed your work faithfully ever since, and I hope to keep doing so for many more years to come. I’d be delighted to stick with you through your planned ending of Skin Horse and on to whatever you come up with next. But if that is not to be, I’ll be sad, but still look forward to your next project.
In fact, to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak, I’m heading over to Patreon right now to add you to my roster of monthly pledges. You certainly deserve it – indeed, it’s overdue.
While you must do what is best for you, I have to say I’ve loved this comic since my Wizard of Oz fan hubby introduced me to it. I still run around the house yelling “Yay! Crimes!”
I love the art. It’s so expressive and conveys a great range of emotions. People will always criticize, it’s just how people are. But that only means you are great.
Anyway. I love this comic, so my heart is broken that you are hurting.
Ack! It’s 4 am, and I’m jonsing for a hit of SKIN-HORSE!
I have always felt intimidated by the nerd love of the commenting community here!
Please, please, please, say it isn’t so.
♥️
I have followed SkinHorse for so long now for Intelligence, and witty remarks
Its still in the first few sites I open, to have a bit of refreshment before worky things.
I love the comic style, it catches mood and provides humour ,,
You have plenty of Big Fans, Jeff. ..
and we’re grateful for the mood lift you provide each day
… yeah… this is one of the only two web comics I keep up with after many years. I’m not really a comment section type person but I am a fan. Loving the current arc.
Not normally one to comment on comics, but please don’t end such a great comic so suddenly due to a minority, your arts fine, your stories are interesting, screw the people that say otherwise, most likely some sad troll.
FWIW, I find the art of Skin Horse exceptional and uniquely inventive. It manages to express things that comic art perhaps shouldn’t be able to express, according to the ‘rules’. To borrow a phrase from Dr. Ginny Lee: it makes me fly.
Please be well, and however you decide to proceed (in due time), remember that you don’t owe us: we owe you.
I’ve gone back and looked at the comments for the last few strips, and the comments are all positive, about the strip or storyline. So even if they’ve deleted all the critical strips, then there were still a lot of positive, engaged strips.
So I have to think this is some kind of joke or hacking or something.
I managed to catch the removed strip and I saw an early comment from one particularly pompous ass who was pontificating as if he was Someone Whose Opinion Really Mattered. It was particularly obnoxious in its smug entitlement.
I strongly suspect that if Shaenon and Jeff restore the strip with its original comments intact, we will all descend upon that commenter like the plague of comic-hungry locusts we are to utterly annihilate them.
Do not mess with our favorite creators, y’all. Fandom is a wild place, full of magical unicorns of friendship who will absolutely cut a bitch if called upon.
I am ancient, and have read web strips as long as there have been such things. From before and outside this I have read and can quote such strips as Kelly’s Pogo, Herriman’s Krazy Kat. I’ve drawn and written my own things, a little, over the years, more to better appreciate greater works, I think, than for any other reason.
And Skin Horse is unique and wonderful. Extremely well-written, with an art style that is engaging and memorable and distinctive and beautiful and well-suited to the material. It’s one of a very few things I still look for regularly.
You owe no one anything. But, whatever you do from here, you are appreciated, and your work speaks for itself, and will not be forgotten.
Hear hear!
Whutt…???
Has nobody contemplated the possibility that someone hacked into the site and it’s impersonating Shaenon?
At the very least, i feel that some vital context must be missing. The on-site comments have always struck me as rather positive. I certainly wouldn’t have gotten the impression that no one was enjoying the strip.
Anyhow, I don’t want to pry, as it’s none of my business. But I hope that whatever Shaenon might be going through is happily resolved. Much as I love this comic, I appreciate that her own wellbeing comes first.
Were we reading the same comments? I’ve often seen nothing but nitpicks and gripes under every single strip and wondered how Shaenon could put up with it. It doesn’t surprise me at all that she’d rather not anymore.
Shaenon, if SH has stopped giving you pleasure, then by all means stop doing it. You don’t owe us anything. But please fight against the horrible bit of human psychology that makes one negative comment overwhelm a hundred positive ones. You have given a lot of pleasure to many people over many years.
People occasionally point out art errors, sometimes humorously, sometimes rudely. It just makes me appreciate how good the art (and colouring) is. And the plots are complex and it’s often hard to see where it’s going. But again, part of the charm is not knowing if this is a one-off gag or part of the deeper storyline (was the ride just a bit of silliness, or is Dr Collodi going to become important again soon?), and there is never any doubt that it’s all heading somewhere. I am, or was, ambivalently looking forward to the end so that I can reread it all with a proper understanding. Ah well.
Most importantly: Look after yourself.
I wish we could upvote in this comment system!
I really hope this is a hack or some other explanation, but as a long time reader side narbonic and owner of the physical editions of most skin horse and narbonic stuff, I really enjoy your work. It’s a highlight of my day reading it in the morning.
I hope you’re okay.
Huh, that’s weird. I’ve been following Skin Horse for years and usually the comment section is full of people enjoying the story. Certainly, I wouldn’t have read it that long if I felt the quality was low.
Are you sure you didn’t get dogpiled by some bots or something?
Well, you are quite correct that you don’t need to keep putting out free comics for the world to enjoy if you don’t feel like it, but I do hope this isn’t the end for good.
Well, I’m very sorry to read that. I’ve been reading your comics for the last twenty years and I’m sad that it ends like this.
“Comic books will break your heart”, I guess.
Just finished my second read-through and, well, this was unexpected. I don’t know if this is an early April’s fools, a hack or an honest creator break-down, but whatever the reason may be, it seems like a perfect moment to say how much I have come to appreciate this strip and its predecessor. Seeing you put out new episodes on a daily basis in a quality I could only hope to achieve in a week is truly awe-inspiring.
what the whating what
Ooh, you’ve got some raw sense of humor. And it’s up on GoComics.
THANK YOU for mentioning that. I was thrown between “humor”, “corona strain”, and some other possibilities.
So now my question is…Why have the last two pages only gone up on GoComics instead of here?
The last two pages were up on here. But after one of the first comments on today’s strip, basically saying that it was crap and begging her to cut it short, and another comment implying that it was a “well-written, badly-drawn” comic, she responded by saying she wouldn’t be posting any more of it, and then removed the last two days’ strips.
I was afraid that’s what happened. And I am currently restraining myself from offering further commentary.
From the timings, it seems a matter of some ninety minutes. Must’ve looked around 11:30 PM Eastern, before the new comic (usually) goes up at midnight.
And, actually, I don’t know whether to take this as a joke or whether it’s serious and true. The one at GoComics looks fine to me, artwork, jokes, everything. Any of the regulars here say anything rude?
One could dispense with comments, but it’d be going all Brooke McEldowny on us all…
I would like to put forth a motion that we command the Internet to permanently block those two commenters from ever dropping another comment on any other creative endeavor in the world in perpetuity.
That’s actually virtually impossible (unfortunately). You can block an IP or an email address, but all someone has to do is use a new IP or email address, and they’re back in.
Well, yeah. I meant that in more of a hyperbolic “these individuals suck” way. The internet breaking tone strikes again.
I do at least genuinely hope that the people who triggered this are feeling some major league crippling guilt right now, but that’s also probably unrealistic.
I really like Skin Horse, including its art. I would have communicated this sooner if I knew you had doubts about it.
I don’t know what to say. Sending Shaenon positive vibes and stuff.
I don’t know what’s actually going on here, but the idea that “all the comments on today’s strip were people complaining” is inconsistent with everything we’ve observed about both the strip and the comments. This is all very strange. I hope Shaenon is okay.
For what it’s worth, the previous two strips for this week are no longer on the site, but I’ve got them in my RSS feed.
I agree with many of the commenters here. Shaenon, if you feel you need to stop drawing Skin Horse, then we understand. Please remember that there’s a vast majority of people (and otherwise) here that love your work and I’m one of them. If I have to, I’ll get my daily dose by starting over with the first Narbonic strip.
The heck? I’ve been reading this comic for over ten years now and I’d never describe it as poorly drawn. It’s been on my daily check list for so long, I hope this isn’t real.
Shaenon, my wife and I have been enjoying your work since, oh, maybe 2000? I know Claire had the “Artie pixies” strip printed out and on the wall of her office at a job she left in January 2001. I’m currently re-reading Narbonic with director’s commentary.
In short, thank you for everything over the years. And let the naysayers go fsck themselves.
Let my voice be added to the throng of support. We DO enjoy the comic, Shaenon. Many of us LOVE the comic and feel heartbroken that a few disgruntled idiots might make you think this labor-of-love you do for us all isn’t worth it.
Skin Horse is the best. Hope that you are okay, and that you feel able to return to it someday.
If you want to stop drawing it, that’s your call. Whatever you’re comfortable with. Will be deleting my saved link to Skinhorse now.
I have just subscribed to the SH Patreon because I liked the latest wallpaper so much. Is there anything we can do?
This comic has consistently brightened my day for years. I’m at a loss for words honestly. It’s heartbreaking if this is the end, but thank you so much for bringing us along on the ride to this point.
So, we don’t get to see the Vegas montage?
Here’s a music album that another person mailed to me, overseas, without even charging me, so I too could share in celebrating your comicing.
https://imgur.com/a/ASMvGrJ
Does that sound like something nobody likes? I don’t think so.
Wow, that is one of the mixes from Narbonicon, way back in the day. Good times.
My normal stance for reading (or posting) comments is represented by the acronym D.O.N.T. Which stands for DOOOOOOOOOON’T.
In this case, though, it sounds like you really need some support. Now, selfishly, of course, I want to keep seeing your comic because I enjoy it, and have for quite a long time.
I am also in *awe* of your ability to have consistently put out quality comics at a rate of once a day for so many years. That sort of accomplishment is simply *fantastic*. The sheer amount of work and effort you have put into this should never be taken for granted.
I don’t know what happened… but whether you stop or not, please don’t leave thinking that no one appreciated what you’ve done for us, all this time. Please don’t leave thinking that no one enjoyed what you shared with us for all this time. If you leave, please leave knowing that you entertained more people than will ever comment, the big, silent majority who just come back here day after day, week after week, year after year, looking to see what mad social science is being perpetrated next. The simple fact that you have such a large following means that any haters are simply wrong.
Is your art some amazing, fantastic thing? No. Neither is Phil Foglio’s! And he’s one of my favorite comic artists of all time. Take a moment to actually examine Phil Foglio’s art with a critical eye and see how, on a technical level, his art is nothing fantastic. His proportions are weird and inconsistent, and his character designs tend to shift over time. And he is generally considered a genius. (I certainly consider him and his wife Kaja as such) And if you could analyze his art that way, are you being fair to your own art if you don’t use the same standards as you would use for someone like him?
Your art *connects* with people, and it is distinctly yours. I can spot your art out of the crowd of samey-samey any day of the week. It *is* consistent with itself, it *is* sufficiently skilled and detailed enough to portray all the crazy, inventive, off-the-wall stuff that you keep coming up with, and that accuracy and consistency is pulled off with the speed to do a strip every day! Never underestimate the skill in being able to do this *quickly*.
But for all I talk about skill, which I’m used to trying to convince artists they have when they don’t believe in themselves – I don’t even know what to say about your claim of ‘boring’. I cannot even *conceive* of the person who comes through Narbonic and Skin-Horse and says, “Well, this is boring.”
I use Phil for an example because honestly, Girl Genius is the *only* comic I can think of which has the sort of storytelling, basic art genre, and general inventiveness that is in any way similar to Narbonic and Skin Horse. Whether it’s a hand-cranked runcible spoon gun or a spring-powered teleportation device, whether it’s hat-loving, comedy-relief and horrifying monstrous sort-of-heroes like the Jaegers, or touchy poet-lions and mismatched frankenstein’s monster psychopath heroines, these are the sorts of imaginative, creative things that *no one else* would ever think of, that are not just ‘random junk’ but character-driven elements which fuels and runs the story and world you’ve been bringing to life for such a long time. You take your weirdness, and far from just letting your comic be ‘weird’, you have invented a *metaphysical nature* for your world where the weirdness is not just some bit of suspension of disbelief for an otherwise ordinary tale, but an integral part of the story that *cannot* be removed from said story, and yet the people within that story react to the weirdness like it’s weird, and even the weirdness is done in a wholly believable way, by people who are very much like people, whether they’re on two legs or four.
Your art is fun and whimsical, your comic is interesting and enjoyable. And if we have seen the last comic from you, then I hope you leave knowing that you made the lives of countless people that much happier and seeded hundreds of imaginations with the ideas that life can be just that little bit more interesting.
As someone who has joined in on every SH Kickstarter, bought every compiliation of Narbonic, joined in on the Patreon, and eagerly awaited your every daily comic for years, I can say that my own opinion is that of heavy disagreement with whoever said your art is bad. Your art is worth paying for, which I think is the highest compliment I can give online, even though it might not sound it.
You’ve got a very fun, fluid, and adaptive style. You’re very talented and a very large fanbase. I mean, heck, Narbonicon is proof enough that people loved your work enough to come celebrate it with you.
If this is the end, I’ll simply say “thank you for everything you did.”
WHAT?!?! Nooooooooo oh geez PLEASE don’t go!!
I’m usually articulate, and thanks heavens other commenters have been but all I can do at the moment is simply wail PLEASE DON’T STOP!! I love this comic so much!!
I’m… confused, honestly. Also horrified, but between positive comments and the GoComics update, I’m not sure what’s going on. Though Shaenon gets all the Internet hugs.
You’re quitting? Please tell me that’s not true! I’ve been quietly enjoying your strip for years. It even got me to read Narbonic where I watched your art style evolve.
“Sessue Hayakawa used his production company to make films designed to showcase Japanese culture to North American audiences.
“He gave up his mission after a particularly nasty racist incident. (He declined to go into detail but said it was unforgivable.)”
So yes, one nasty incident can do this, according to the tweet i just pasted above. Ms. Garrity knows the story perhaps too well. She is loved and these comments let her know it. And i will have my intricately drawn scale model of Rome built from office supplies someday.
… always … always do what’s best for you.
it’s just …
well …
… every day you two have made me smile.
… even the days when things have gone really, really, really bad.
*****************************
i have had my ups and downs
but wotthehell wotthehell
yesterday sceptres and crowns
fried oysters and velvet gowns
and today i herd with bums
but wotthehell wotthehell
i wake the world from sleep
as i caper and sing and leap
when i sing my wild free tune
wotthehell wotthehell
under the blear eyed moon
i am pelted with cast off shoon
but wotthehell wotthehell
– mehitabel, on life in general
You have to do what you need to do. I’m not trying to change your mind but instead seeking to balance some of the crap. I’m guilty of not letting you know just how much I appreciate your work.
Narbonic got me through watching my mom slowly pass away. Skin Horse has helped me recover from that as well as helping keep me alive through 54 weeks of lockdown. I’m at my desk which has several original Narbonic strips on the wall above. However crap life is, I can always smile at them. I love what you produce whether comics or otherwise and will always consume it. You are a part of my daily life from thousands of miles away.
All of that being said, always do what’s best for you.
Please no! Please tell me this is just an early April Fools. This is one of the best comics out there, and I read a lot!
Longtime lurker here. I am aware that people tend to post more when they have a negative opinion, whereas those of us who love the strip just go along loving it without many comments. Human nature. Just know that, as per the previous comments in this section, your comic is VERY appreciated. Art and story, both.
That being said, you are the content creator and if you decide that this is where it ends, all I can say is “Thank you for several years of utter enjoyment. I appreciate everything that you’ve so kindly given us.”
Here’s hoping this isn’t the end.
While I’m terrible at following webcomics consistently (I regularly get distracted while archive binging, or reach the end of current content, legitimately intend to check back, and completely forget the checking it again part) I do very much enjoy Skin Horse, and was sad to see the news in the Skin Horse channel on one of my Discord servers, for what that’s worth. And I hope regardless of if you stick to this decision, you don’t end up feeling like you wasted your time on this, and do feel better.
What? Why would anyone say either of those things? Skin Horse is consistently entertaining, and the artwork is good & has only gotten better over the years that I’ve been reading. I started reading your work with Narbonic, and believe me when I say that I would have stopped reading it a long time ago if I didn’t like it.
Long-time reader of Skin Horse and Narbonic and Lil’ Mell and purchaser of books, first-time commenter.
Anyway, I’m sorry.
I’m sorry that you feel that way. I’m sorry if my fear that I would come across as the kind of deranged-fen-who-could-totally-go-all-Annie-Wilkes-in-Misery meant that you didn’t get my small additional positive voice of encouragement that was more than deserved. I’m sorry if Skin Horse comes to a premature end; indeed, ever sorrier than I was at my growing awareness that Skin Horse really was going to come to an end rather than providing an endless vista of webcomic goodness into the future.
But I want you to know I support you in whatever you do, so long as it’s the best thing for you. If you can’t go on, then don’t. (Apparently I wasn’t at risk of going all Annie Wilkes after all.) If you change your mind, then I’ll be thrilled to see your art once more.
But whatever you ultimately wind up deciding to do, so long as the website will load Skin Horse will remain the final stop in my webcomics trawl. (Note: I sort my webcomics reading so that my favorite strip of the day is the last one I read, and my second-favorite is the first one I read, and so on in alternating order until the ones I’m least attached to are in the middle. Start strong and end stronger, that’s my motto.) And every time I do, I’ll hope to see new Shaenon art every time almost as much as I’ll hope that wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, you’re okay.
Just an old lurker, but please know that you are extremely talented. This is best comic strip I’ve read. I’ve followed this more closely than Calvin.
I truly hope this is a joke.
That said, thank you for everything. I’ll reread them all.
Hi Shaenon- just wanted to let you know that I’ve been following your work since you came to Denver for Mile Hi Con back during Narbonic. I love your drawing style, and ability to deliver the jokes as well as drawing all of the crazy stuff going on. You’ve had to draw singing cockroaches, Osprey aircraft, zombie plant men- and have been doing it on a consistently daily release schedule! Please know that there is love for what you and Jeff are doing!
Ouch. Shaenon, I’m so sad to hear you feeling downhearted and disillusioned. It’s okay to be overwhelmed and broken. The world has been a horrible, horrible mess every which way for so long I can’t spell norlam any more. Skin Horse is wonderful and has been all along (I will be forever grateful for the wonderful vision of a rain of hamsters!). I hope you are surrounded by supportive people who can remind you that you matter. And I hope you get some sense of the vast number of people who truly love what you do.
I hope that you’ll reconsider. If you need to take a break, I’ll be happy to see strips when you come back. Your comics, from Narbonic on, have been a huge source of joy in my life, and have helped me meet my very best friends. I would be very sad to see Skin Horse end this way.
I rarely comment in any comics, but if this is the end, know that I am one fan who considers Skin Horse to be on the short list – the short list of great web comics out of so many thousands or earnest attempts.
The stories are heartfelt and engaging, and the art is perfect; it flows smoothly and I care about the characters. not just because of what they say and do, but because of their body language and expressions. They are alive.
That said, the artists and writers of the other greats have, over the years, taken breaks for their own reasons, and returned to find their fans waiting for them. If you decide this is “simply” an unplanned breather, I will be one of many waiting for your return. But even if it is the end, thank you for years of enjoyment.
Shaenon, I’ve never commented before; I really enjoy Skin Horse, it’s one of the comics I read daily. I like its drawing style.
All that said – You need to first and foremost take good care of yourself. That is really the only important thing.
I feel privileged that you’ve shared, and I’ve been allowed to follow, your work. if you do so again, I will once again be delighted to do so.
But only do any of those things if you feel it’s the right thing to do.
Take care of yourself.
I just want to join in on the love-fest. Skin Horse is one of the things I look forward to every morning, like Narbonic before it.
Your comic always made me smile, sometimes it was the perfect thing for brightening up a dreary day, sometimes it made a good day even better. Regardless of whether you continue the comic or not, know that I’m thankful for what you’ve made and that I got to enjoy it.
I’ve been following this comic for years and at one point completely restarted just because I wanted to read through it again. I sincerely hope that the comic won’t actually be cancelled. This comic is something I’ve looked forward to every day ever since I first came across it.
This is a weird week in the webcomic world. Well, if this is where you want to stop this, there’s nothing to be done for it, I suppose.
I loved reading every single page of Skin Horse, and I suspect I would have loved every future page as well. I hope you find something that bring you as much joy making it as we had reading your work so far. But most of all, I hope you can be happy. If that’s not possible while making skin horse, or something else, so be it, you’ve definitely deserved it.
Thank you for all of this, it was great.
Sorry to read that, but it’s your comic and you can do with it as you see fit.
I’ve enjoyed it since back in the Narbonic days and well be sad to see it go, but again, it’s yours too do with as you want.
Thanks for all the chuckles and laughter over the years.
You should never read the comments.
Other than mine and other people wise enough to praise you.
Have you considered that you may be suffering from the Isolation Blues and are therefore being a little over sensitive in your skin. If this is so then find someone to hug (a cat or other pet will help in the absence of other hairless great apes), take a deep breath and get back to the salt mines!
If this is a week early April Fools then replace your calendar and/or your sense of humour. No laughter here!
(Stern Glare. Crack of whip.)
Never commented before because my executive dysfunction makes me dislike most forms of social media (don’t know how else to describe it). We’ll love and support you no matter what you choose, but whomever made you sad can go [redacted]. This is one of my favorite comics. I’d like to see them produce a nearly daily webcomic of such quality and consistency. While being a mom as well! I hope after some time reading how much we love you and your work, you’ll reconsider.
Love you, and God Bless!
Adding another voice to the love pile, because 110 positive comments is nowhere near enough. Skin Horse is great. Anyone who calls it boring or badly-drawn is wrong and can go jump in a lake. I hope you feel better soon, Mrs. Garrity.
Aww hey what no 🙁
I have one complaint about this comic and it’s that I’m too lazy to properly read the secret easter egg story
That was a message of support. I hope things get better
I love this comic too. So sorry to hear you’ve been abused but I have loved Skin Horse from the very first time UNITY shot Leo with the dart! Please reconsider.
This comic has helped me survive taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s and through a loved ones substance abuse. I started with Narbonics. Please don’t listen to complainers. You, Jeff, Pancha, and the comic are loved.
Hi Shaenon, 2020’s been a miserable year in so many ways. If the stress connected this project exceeds the joy and fulfillment, I think your decision to stop is a good one. You’re more important than anything you create.
I just want to thank you for creating at all. Your work has entertained me, it’s comforted me, it’s provided structure (reading morning strips with coffee), it’s inspired me, and it helped me figure things out about myself.
I’ve been reading your work since Narbonic. I don’t remember how I found Narbonic. I think a friend on a Christian writing server sent me a strip. But at the time I was an awkward, not-that-pretty, fundamentalist Christian teenager in a large, poor family. Everyone around me was pressuring me to marry the pastor’s son when I turned 18 and start having kids. I was pretty unhappy, but couldn’t imagine any other way to be.
Narbonic was the first story I remember reading with a female protagonist. More than that, she was smarter than Dave and he still loved her. It was important to me. It was important to see the characters changing, and the foreshadowing paying off. And at the end, Helen got to be with Dave AND keep inventing things. The story was so creative, so whimsical. I started writing not fanfiction exactly, but other stories about women scientists, women inventors.
Anyway, I didn’t stay a fundy Christian. I just finished my Ph.D. in history, got a research job, and write about women alchemists and natural scientists for a living.
Please take care of yourself. The Internet is a brutal place for artists, especially women artists. But thanks for sharing your imagination and spark with the world, and with me especially.
…Uh. Wha? Okay, I have no idea what’s going on; it’s still only March 24, and the claimed claims about the poor quality of Skin Horse VERY much do not hold water for me. So I’m hoping this is just April Fools a bit early? Maybe even just because an automatic update system had a glitch?
However, if actually the comments section on the previous strip was _that bad_ (I didn’t look at the comments, and it seems to be gone now), then, well, firstly, I’m very sorry you had to experience that. Honestly though, my leading hypothesis for _why_ the comments section looked like that is “enemy action”, one person who didn’t like the comic or had a personal grudge or just wanted to cause trouble and had a bunch of bots, or something, because I have trouble believing there are actually enough people who dislike the comic enough to do that.
For my part, I’ve been happily following Skin Horse since the beginning, and Narbonic before it since I was in highschool.
…And, again, just kind of boggling at how “boring” and/or “badly-drawn” would apply. The former I really don’t get, and the latter, well, compared to what? Sure, it’s not the Mona Lisa, but also the Mona Lisa is not a daily webcomic. For a daily webcomic, I’d say Skin Horse is _at least_ average, and even putting the lower error bar at average might be being overcautious.
Well… whatever the situation, and whatever you’re going through, good luck to you, though. And thank you for all the joy you’ve given these many years.
Just want to send my love and support.
If this is what’s best for you, I understand but I’m disappointed. I’m sorry people were such jerks to you. I personally think your art is super good and expressive, especially when there are so many characters. I hope you feel better and that you make the right long term decision.
I thoroughly enjoy this comic, and it is one of the few that I still read regularly. I love Narbonic, Monster of the Week, and Skin Horse, and I will follow you to whatever project you create next.
Never commented before, But I’m very sorry to hear that you won’t be continuing. In my opinion this is one of the best and most unique comics I’ve ever read—And this is coming from a guy who started reading comics with Cerebus and Elfquest. Your art is lovely, and don’t let anybody tell you differently. Your depiction of Baron Mistycorn makes me laugh every time I see it. It’s perfect. I hope you reconsider, but if not, thank you so much.
I am another person commenting to say that I love your work, I’ve been reading since Narbonic, and I hope you will continue with it. But you should do whatever is best for yourself.
I’m among the vast legion of “RAE,BNC” – Read And Enjoyed, But No Comment. I look forward to the updates, and enjoy the strip. I hope that you change your mind and decide to continue, but I will understand if you do not.
I’ve been following your work for my entire adult life. I found Narbonic in college and have been reading since around the first appearance of Antonio Smith.
I’m sorry someone was awful. I think of the community here as being kind and supportive, but it only takes a few abusive assholes to ruin things. Maybe it’s time to recruit some moderators from your most dedicated fans so you don’t need to engage with the raw flood of comments? Dealing with constant criticism can wear anyone down and that shouldn’t need to be part of your job. Other people can take up those responsibilities with far less pain.
I love your work and the bits you’ve shown of your personal life over the years made a bunch of things in my own life less scary (like having kids, where you reassured me that I could still be my own creative person while being a parent). I will be very sad if we never get to follow the skin horse crew through the last stretch of their journey. And no matter what happens, I’m sad that this has brought you so low emotionally that you needed to walk away. You are a great author and artist. I will miss your work enormously if you don’t want to make comics anymore.
I only discovered your work a few short months ago, and I have been following it ever since. Skin Horse is one of the best comics I have ever read, and I read every single comic in the newspapers religiously. The story is well written, the artwork looks fantastic, and the worldbuilding is like nothing I’ve ever seen. Your artstyle is literally the thing that inspired me to start drawing, and the first decent things I ever drew were just copies of your characters. You should do whatever makes you happy, and if that means stopping Skin Horse here, then so be it. Just know that even if you stop now, you will still always be one of my favorite cartoonists.
Shaenon,
I literally have your art framed and on top of my dresser next to pictures of my family. I’ve got the complete Narbonic and all the Skin-Horse books (so far) on my shelf because of how much I enjoy them.
That said, you don’t owe me or your other fans anything– if continuing Skin-Horse is too difficult or painful for you, then please prioritize your own mental and physical well-being.
Shaenon, I’m so sorry that commenters have made you feel like this (why can’t people who don’t like internet content just go somewhere else? No one’s chaining them here!). I’ve loved your comics since I was introduced to Narbonic. Bryan & I have always loved your wit & your joyous nature; & we were so glad to get to meet you in person during the various Narbonicons all those years ago. We’ve celebrated from afar your successes & your lovely family. Thank you for sharing so much of your work & your self with us. Do what makes you happy. We’re all rooting for you.
I’m so sorry that people have been terrible to you. Skin Horse is a lovely comic with adorable art and richly developed characters. I was so happy to discover it after reading Narbonic. If this truly is the end (and I hope it’s not), then I look forward to whatever you do next. It’s been a rough year on everyone, and I hope you take care of yourself.
Shannon, I love your your comics and I would be very sad to see them go… Thank you for everything… Much love and best wishes <3 <3 <3
I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear this. I’ve been a silent fan for over ten years now, and I am shocked and appalled that not only are there people who don’t appreciate your talent or the effort you put into this, but are rude enough to say so instead of leaving.
Narbonic and Skin Horse are some of my favourite comics, and over the years the quality of your work has kept me coming back on a daily basis. I’ve always looked forwards to each update, often being one of the first things I do each morning, and it’s because of the world you’ve created and drawn. I love the spirit and energy you infuse this comic with.
I think you are a great artist, and I hope this isn’t the end.
I read the comic daily but rarely the comments. (Also, I’ve been in for all the Kickstarters.) I hadn’t realized that things had gotten that bad. I hope you will take the time to recharge and come back to this project. Or, if you don’t, make some different comics. You clearly love the art form and I think have told some great stories with it.
Oh, damn. That hurts. I have been feeling pretty depressed lately as well. Love to both of you. This comic is great, the story, the art. Whatever loser assholes complained should eat shit. (sorry for cursing)
No words here but bitter tears. You do you, we readers are bereft.
I always knew it was going to leave a little hole in my heart when Skin Horse ended. If that has to be a little early because some people decided to be awful, then I guess it does. I, at least, have really enjoyed it (and Narbonic, and Monster of the Week). Thanks.
I would hope the outpouring of support & encouragement in these comments will help convince Shaenon that her artistic endeavors are GREATLY appreciated!
The ‘you suck’ vs ‘i love you’ is trending STRONGLY towards the latter, Shaenon.
We want you back. Please?
Long time Shaenon fan here, from back in the earliest of the early days of Narbonic. I hope that this note of support has some positive impact on you. If there is indeed to be no more Skin Horse, that will be sad for all of the fans of the story AND of your very unique and recognizable artwork.
I selfishly hope that all of the outpouring of support shown in today’s comments will convince you to keep giving us amazing free daily content, but you must do what is best for you! I’ll still be a fan regardless.
I’ve been a reader since the middle of Narbonic. I couldn’t believe this was true, so I first went to check the date… it isn’t April 1…. this can’t be right? I saw recently that you had plans to finish the story arc and finish off the story completely. Please please go ahead and finish that! Don’t leave us hanging!
If people don’t like what you draw, they don’t have to look at it. Stupid idiots ruin good things for the rest of us! You do a fine job. It’s a webcomic, not the Mona Lisa, for crying out loud! Honestly, do people even know what webcomics are? xkcd has a webcomic featuring STICK PEOPLE… your art is WAY more detailed than that! 🙂
Please ignore the idiots.
If it helps, just post the comic and disable all comments. Remove the negativity and finish the comic for yourself (and for everyone who actually, you know, ENJOYS it!)
I just want to say thank you. Whether or not you choose to continue, reading Skin Horse has been a nice part of my morning routine as long as you have been doing it. Again, thank you.
P.S.
The way you handled tying all of the arcs together and built to a satisfying ending in Narbonic was truly masterful. I’ve read a lot of fiction and I can honestly say that I’ve yet to see anyone else do that as superbly as you did.
Muh. But. Huh? What? noooooooooo!
Hi Shaenon,
There are many more important things in life than a webcomic, and if drawing it is making you unhappy then you should unquestionably stop. It’s your work, so you get to make the rules, and nobody is entitled to criticise what you choose to do.
Unfortunately the loudest voices in comment sections everywhere tend to be the haters and trolls of all kind. It has always been thus, as a study of old newspaper letter pages will reveal. People who are content tend to stay silent.
On a personal note, I hope that at some point you decide to resume drawing SkinHorse, as I am curious to see where the narrative is going. I get the feeling a lot of threads are starting to come together…
As for the trolls and haters, draw them into the strip and feed them to the bears!
Why do you hate bears? 🙂
Thank you for letting us read your comic for so long. I love it! I always look forward to your art waiting for me in the morning.
Count me among those who have loved your work for many many years. This has been a tough year for most everyone, and I am hoping as we emerge from pandemic-induced-stresses we can all breathe a little easier.
In the meantime, please do realize that any frazzled, rude, or dismissive feedback is likely also partly fueled by life-stress, and is far far outweighed by those of us who enjoy and appreciate the comics, the characters, and the stories you have shared with us. Thank you.
What the heck?! I’ve been reading since Narbonic and it’s always brought me joy. What is going on here?
I am really hoping this is just an early April Fool’s day joke, or there is something else going on. It just feels like this came out of left field. I don’t recall ever seeing a negative word about Skin-Horse, or Narbonic. I hope everything is alright.
Another shy lurker, been reading silently for the past 12 years. Shaenon’s art is seriously skilled, anyone saying the comic is badly-drawn has no taste. I’ve never seen anyone so good at balancing a minimalist style with character mood and personality. Whenever I have to stay up past midnight prepping stuff for my classes, the one thing that cheers me up from the lack of sleep is that at least I get to read Skin Horse earlier than usual.
It sounds horrible to say but I almost hope the site is hacked, because I don’t want someone who’s brought so many people so much happiness to be sad or hurt. I hope you’re ok and thanks for everything.
oh
uh
I’ll just be going through the various stages of grief in the corner if that’s okay
Another long time reader/lurker (discovered Narbonic near the end of its run, read skin horse since the beginning). I like your art a lot, have been enjoying this story line, and want to say thank you for the decade and a half of daily strips no matter what is next.
I really hope this doesn’t turn out to be the end! Skin Horse is brilliant, witty, quirky, and an utter treat. I can’t recall any part of it that I haven’t enjoyed.
Thank you, Shaenon, for all you’ve given your readers over the years!
Dagnabbit! Once again, the Internet, that Vast Megaphone for Morons, has ruined something wonderful… I don’t know what they said, but to stamp out all the compliments we have given over the years, would take something pretty powerful…
Shaenon, you’ve got to do you- but remember the jerks are an anomaly in this many-years-long sea of fans you’ve rightfully earned.
I love the comic and read it every day. I never read the comments section.
Hope you change your mind, but if not, thanks for a great run.
Skinhorse is wonderful. The art is beautiful and rich, the storyline is fun and exciting. Whoever has been making negative comments has to be from an evil mirror universe or something. Because there is no reason for people to be making those comments.
It’s one of *the* Greats. It literally brightens up my day when I come to read it, and anyone insulting it has to have their heads so far up their own … Ahem. But, please, ignore the fools and imbeciles who don’t understand the magnificence of the comic.
They are not worthy of your time, and if they try to convince you that they are, then just ignore them.
Please don’t let this end, at least not without closure. This webcomic let me laugh when things were rough, and I’ve never stopped checking in. First time commenter, fan since the basement dwellers arc.
Well, I don’t know what to say. But I’m here.
I have to Assume that Those Negative Commentators
Somehow got Dosed with The Cure 🙁
I wasn’t pleased to hear that Skin Horse Would End
But All Stories Must
This is Too Bloody Soon Though.
Please Reconsider 🙂
I Would Try Bribery, If I Had Any Money To Spare….
And So You Know….
If This Is Indeed The End,
I Will Just Have To Believe (and Day Dream) That
Artie got desperate Enough to Call In Master Helen and Dave
Be Well, and Stay Healthy
Ack!
Thanks for all your hard work. You’ll remain one of my favorite artists no matter what you decide to do next. Take care of Andrew and Robin. Take care of yourself.
Whoever was the jerk that upset you, know he’s in a minute minority. I was enjoying this arc and was looking forward to today. Hopefully, you will continue after seeing all the support. I was thinking it as somehow an April Fool’s joke early. But then I saw the comic was actually pulled. Please please continue!
Hi Shaenon, I love skin horse and Narbonic and have been reading them every day for well over 10 years. It’s a wonderful story and I go (went) to three different comic library groups and get all the free comics I want (from the library, I read a LOT), so I can safely say: you are up there. I’ve Marie Kondo’d all my books and yours have remained in pride of place around 1/3 of my whole very small comics selection with your original art carefully saved, that you drew on the envelope you posted the books in. I’m very sorry if you’re feeling overwhelmed and down about the project (on the home run). In principle I might say: ‘just ignore the commenters’ but if you had you’d never see all the people who read the comics you send out into void, all of us who never comment or talk, and don’t live in the states so can’t meet you at cons, but who love the comic and read it every day. I hugely appreciate all your work and have been patreoning you for years. I very much hope this is just the best April fools ever.
Shaenon Garrity,
Obviously, you have the right to stop drawing your own comic at whatever time you feel like, but I hope you decide to pick it back up when you feel ready. I, and thousands of other people, will be glad to see that day, because no matter what you may see in the comments, there are thousands of people who logged on every day, glad to see your work. We all hope to see this bizarre, hilarious, and enchanting story get the ending it deserves.
I hope you remember that people take the media they consume for granted. I never thought to post a supportive comment because I thought the mere size of your readership and Patreon would be enough to make clear to you that people love your comic. On the internet, in the age of infinite content, people don’t read media they don’t like. You’ve stood a cut above the rest through your skill, humor, and dedication.
Skin Horse isn’t a perfect masterpiece, but webcomics are a volume business. You’ll hardly ever make a decision that all of your readers like, which means practically every strip you post will get a few comments complaining about this or that. While that may make it look like nobody likes what you write and draw, you miss the 95% of people who enjoy each strip, most of whom don’t comment. We’re commenting now.
I’m sorry you haven’t heard more kind words in the past, and there’s no guarantee you’ll hear them in the future. Still, I hope you remember this day, when a vast body of your readership came out of the woodwork to express how much they enjoy your work. We are the people who read your comic, and we really, genuinely, love it.
Be well.
Just checking in to let you know that I’m here this morning, one more among your legion of regular, appreciative fans, reading your wonderful comic, just as I do every morning and have for years, since the beginning of Narbonic, and which I recommend to anyone who is likely to listen.
For anyone who wants to read today’s actual comic: https://www.gocomics.com/skinhorse (If the link doesn’t work, go to gocomics and search for “skin horse” – it should be the first result.)
I’m convinced this is just a mis-scheduled April Fool’s joke. Shaennon and Jeff know they have a loyal readership. They get over $1000/month in pledges from Patreon, and their last Kickstarter made 270% of goal. Plus they probably have a contract of some sort with GoComics. Even looking at recent comment boards, I see nothing but positivity. They probably didn’t expect us to take it as seriously as people are, and I’m sure they didn’t mean to make lurkers feel bad.
But that’s the problem with jokes, especially but not exclusively jokes on the internet where so much nuance gets lost. So I’m with Tom Smith on this one: https://tomsmith.bandcamp.com/track/no-april-fools
(Feel free to delete – I reposted without the links)
If you can offer your drawings for free *and* people still buy the dead-tree version just to support you, I think you must have some fans out there.
Just count the shipping envelope gerbils that you’ve drawn! (I still have all of mine.)
Hello. I also never comment but wanted to say Skin Horse and Narbonic rank up in my top five webcomics of all time. Been reading for over a decade. Your skills as a writer and an comic artist are great. Monster of the Week and Horror Every Day are also wonderful. Good luck on future endeavors, whatever they may be.
Shaenon, are you okay? Your work is so good, please don’t give up.
Well, I’m hoping this was a joke, but if not, please be aware that there are many more who read and like the comic who simply don’t post all the time. Heck, 90% of the time I don’t even read the comments section on most of the comics I follow. :/
I have 20+ webcomics every day, and Skin Horse is easily in my top 3. I support it on Patreon, and I’ve always found your art delightful, Shannon.
How many creative people attract haters? Probably close to 100%. Read some of the stuff they said about Van Gogh or James Joyce. The only artists who don’t have any haters are the ones who never show anyone their work — otherwise, it’s a sure bet.
It’s gotta be an April Fool’s thing, right? Or something meta?
She works ahead and has a buffer of strips, right?
Please be okay, Shaenon.
I usually don’t comment on anything online, but this is one of those rare once-in-a-decade occasions when I should probably say something.
I absolutely love Skin Horse! It’s one of very few webcomics I read, and I hope it will continue to brighten my mornings for as long as you originally intended. It’s well-written, well-drawn, all around well-crafted, and doesn’t even cost me anything to read. You should do want you feel is right for you, of course, but I at least need to say: THANK YOU so much for all the work you’ve put in thus far. Much love & respect from this swedish fan.
Whaaaaaaaaat?
Really hoping this is some sort of joke, because Skin Horse is amazing and I really hope that you continue it!
Hey, folks! Co-writer here. I thought I would pop in and say that I don’t currently know anything more than what can be seen in the public announcement above. Watch either this space or my Twitter @jeffreycwells for updates. Thank you.
Now this has me worried.
I just want to say that I have enjoyed the current story line and am sad that I won’t be able to see how it resolves. I have loved your work for a long time. Please take care.
Oh no! Skin Horse is great, and finding it also led me to Narbonic, also great! Please take all the time you need to recover, but don’t give up!
Knowing that there would be a new Skin Horse up every night has helped me through some difficult times. Obviously I should have said this sooner, but thank you.
Like so many comments here, reading Skin Horse has been a small joy that I look forward to every day. I would be saddened to not have it any more.
This has got to be a mis-scheduled April Fool’s. I think if it was serious it wouldn’t be phrased the way it is.
…Okay, I stand corrected. So who do we need to defenestrate?
More seriously, I originally met the people I now consider my family through a fan forum for Narbonic. I don’t typically comment, but I read every update. I hope you’re okay.
Going to add my voice to the throng and say that I’ve really been enjoying Skin Horse (and Narbonic before that), and have been looking forward to seeing how it all ends.
I’ve been following Skin Horse since very early on and love the art work. I was already bummed that it’s coming to an end – don’t stop it early! Haters gotta hate and all that!
Not worth much, but I’m just sick about this. Like everyone else here, I’ve been reading for years and years, and I feel like the stories and characters have become friends and family. If you’re tired of doing it, Shaenon, let it go and when you feel like it, I hope you can give us another treat like this sometime. Very sincerely, thanks for everything.
Hello Shaenon!
Speaking as a long time fan, I want you to be happy. If doing the comic is causing you to suffer, I can’t ask you to continue it just because it brings me joy. I’m sorry that people have apparently been harassing you. 🙁
Count me as someone who thinks your art is awesome.
Long time reader, first time commenter and for that, I’m truly sorry. I read and enjoy Skin Horse every day (after having discovered it 5-odd years back and blazing through the archives and then Narbonic, then Lil Mel, the the SH archive again) and subscribe to your Patreon, but it’s never occurred to me to comment. I hope you know that the silent majority loves your work and that the noisy minority can get in the sea. Will be less silent going forwards if you do reconsider, as you deserve to have people telling you your work is great rather than just getting feedback from dickweasels.
The Tip Jar is _right there_. We can prove our appreciation, we can mock those scoffers! I gave $25, anyone else?
You have to take care of yourself in this current world where online communication is more important to everyday functioning than ever. I’m sorry I’ve never commented here, but I’ve been reading and delighting in this sprawling, clever comic daily for several years. Obviously a break is needed. Even if you never pick this comic up again though, and even if I knew it would be aborted from the start, it has most definitely not been a waste of time. It’s been great. You’ve obviously put your everything into this comic (along with Jeff) and it shows in every aspect. It’s a richer world with Skin Horse and more importantly it’s a richer world with you. Love you and love your work. I hope you can continue to make the world a better place, with or without Skin Horse.
For what little it’s worth, I was enjoying the story arc. I also make it a point to never read the comments.
If the Patreon pays $1000/mo the creators are getting $20 per strip. The lump sum from Kickstarter doesn’t break down to much either. That is something every reader must factor in.
I grew up in the independent arts scene and it is extremely difficult. Pricing is also the hardest thing in retail – that is, getting acceptable value for what one has to offer. So there are two inherently difficult situations overlapping. It’s not just a matter of one bad day or one hurtful person. It’s indispensable for an artist to feel their work is valuable and that sense can’t only (or even mostly) come from inside.
Change is the only way to make this better.
Hey Shaenon this comic is fucking great, thanks for making it awesome so far, and if you can’t keep doing it I’ll be really sad but I’ll understand.
Wait.. What!? Wow! Please don’t give up. Hurtful people hate themselves, so in order to feel better about their crappy disposition, they seek out positivity and try to break it. power and control are heinousness tools for a troll.
it is in no way your fault they think sordidly about themselves.
I’ve been reading your stuff since Narbonic and even made fan art for you waaaaaay back then that I was too shy to send in. I’ve posted more recent stuff on twitter. I greatly enjoy your art and your writing, your humor, the care you put into your craft. I understand ending something if it becomes a chore and not a joy. And I remember people giving you garbage about your art for… a really long time. Which is ridiculous, but MUST be wearing. But I really love your work to the point I’ve recently bought a physical copy of something and I’ve been trying to go digital only for the past few years. An awful lot of people respect and support you. I hope you can find some peace regardless of what you do with skin horse.
Shaenon,
When I saw this today, my heart broke. Ever since I met you way way back when, before I was even part of GraphicSmash, you’ve been one of my comic heroes. Getting to be part of the same group as you in the 2000s was an honor and an privilege.
I always looked up to you and thought that if I could do half as well as you, in terms of readers, sales, and even getting work done, I’d be doing GREAT. Your comics are so much of what I’ve strived to do in my own work; long-form stories done via daily strips. You make it look effortless, and it’s really not. To be able to not only produce all this content, but to keep the quality not only up, but constantly improving, is a rare feat. I admit: I’m jealous of you, but in a way that makes me always strive to do better because I want your respect. Whenever people ask me who or what to read, you’re the first name I tell them.
Please don’t give up. People love you. Remember, people I went to high school with loved your comics so much they created their own convention in Minnesota.
If I can do anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. I know you’ve got friends and colleagues all around comics who would say the same in a heartbeat.
I’ll be clicking back to skin-horse.com every day waiting for the next strip.
I’m so sorry people were acting so shitty to you. I got behind and wasn’t reading for a few days, and then to see this… wow.
I can’t imagine how bad it must have been for you to want to walk away, after all the years and sweat you’ve put into this comic.
I won’t beg you to come back, because you should pay attention to how you feel and what feels right for you. But I’ll go on being a fan and I’ll keep hoping you change your mind.
Please come back! This was on my required morning reading! But I get it if everything is too much…
>exactly one week from April 1st
really activates my almonds…
Dear girl, I’ve been reading your WELL-DRAWN strips since you first started Narbonic. Young as you are you are still a legend in the genre. Surely you’ve been around the web long enough to handle trolls and flamers? Take a deep breath and quit foolin’ around and get back to what you were born to do – being an entertainer of thoughtful and civil folk. I, at least, love your work.
Wow, I don’t know what to say, but if this is for real, I will be devastated. I LOVE THIS COMIC! It is a bright point in my morning and look forward to it everyday. Mean people suck, I get it, but you can’t let the trolls win, that’s exactly what they want. Please reconsider. Why give any energy to a couple random trolls when the hundreds of other comments here So OBVIOUSLY make those idiots irrelevant. We love you and your work! Please reconsider, and lets all give a collective F.U.! to those ignorant fools!
my heart is sad to see this…. I’ve been reading Skin Horse daily since the very beginning. I also followed Narbonic for years (I own all the books!!!) and love your art and humor. I know you have an ending in mind for Skin Horse and I hope you are able to finish it. We are behind you!!!
Is there any chance we might be told how it was meant to end, at least?
I haven’t been on this ride as long as others, but skin horse has kept its high quality consistently through the strips that I’ve seen (slowly growing better as you get to more recent strips, of course). The plot has kept me invested, while the art and humor only sweetens the experience. A poorly made comic, this is not.
SH is one of the best comics anywhere. Not exaggerating.
Also, people should really stop posting how much they loved the comic; she’s clearly made her decision to end it here and now, so all you’re doing is making her feel guilty on top of depressed. You might think you’re helping, but in reality you’re probably just making things worse.
She said she didn’t want to continue a project that nobody likes. That makes it pretty relevant for a lot of people to say that they like it.
So you think guilting her into continuing a project that not only no longer brings her joy, but actively upsets her, is somehow “helpful”?
I’m sad about this too, but hurting Shaenon further isn’t going to help anything.
Hi malicron,
you sound worried, what means your heart in the right place, and for all it’s worth, I agree with you nobody should be guilt tripped into doing anything.
I think most of the crowd here (as myself) doesn’t want to guilt her into continuing, but just want to take the occasion to say how good SH is/was. That it will or not continue does not change what worth it was until the present day to all of us!
I hope you are wrong about how this could affect Shaenon mental health and decision process. I cannot be sure, but I do think from my own perspective (of a formerly burnt out worker) than it is doing more good than silence.
I’ve been reading Skin Horse since the beginning, and Narbonic before that. Now I feel bad that I haven’t thanked you before this. So thank you very much for brightening my day for all these years. Please take care of yourself, and I look forward to seeing what you do next.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! NO, NO, NO, NO, NO!
Shaenon is free to do as she wishes.
But I just went to the Couscous store and bought two decades of her work. I have read it all before, multiple times, reading daily since the early oughts. $150 seems like too little.
Longtime lurker: I’ll be sorry to see the comic go. Burnout can happen, especially after a couple decades! Please take care of yourself. I wish you good luck!
I’ve followed the comic for years,participated in the Kickstarters and through that, appeared in one of the storylines. That was so cool, despite being eaten by a zombie alligator. This has been one of my favorite comics, and I hope you can work out the difficulties.
Best of luck.
All of this caught us by surprise. My wife and I have been enjoying your work here for sometime as part of our morning routine, and in memory of a friend who passed away a few years ago that was a great fan of your work. Please don’t let a handful of bad commentators put you off from your creative efforts.
Shaenon, I started with Narbonic, and was part of something inspired by you, the Mad Scientist Wars. (Now gone, alas). There’s a group of us that have been friends since 2008, thanks to you. I should have posted this years ago-but thank you. Thank you for amazing web comics. Thank you for bringing together some of my best friends. I am so sorry that a few people have been being dicks. I still have a few gerbils that you drew on an envelope! I hope you’ll come back-but I support you in whatever you choose to do.
When our daughter was born last fall, I finally got around to buying the collections-then-available of Skin Horse. Re-reading the strips in a binge helped me relax and deal with the lack of sleep and general new-baby stress. So please do believe that we enjoy the strip and that it does mean a lot to us.
(I was also a fan of Narbonic from the first week — thank to my friend Abbie for introducing it to me — and re-re-re-(this goes on for a bit)-reading the collection in the earlyish days of Covid was a great comfort to me. I can’t wait until my girls are old enough to introduce to the strips.)
Oh NO!!!! My daily dose of Skin Horse is missing! I’m a sleeper when it comes to comments, but I LOVE this strip. I’ve read it from the beginning. I’m sorry there are people who need to comment negatively. And I’m sorry I don’t comment every day. I love reading the comments and feel like my little “I literally laughed out loud.” If this is truly it, I’m sad to see it go. But I understand you need to take care of yourself and your mental wellbeing. Just know that as soon as I can afford it, I’m buying the books. That’s always been a thing. Can’t support the kickstarter as much as I’d like to, but at some point I will buy the books. I hope you’ll finish the story for the last volume. Much love!
First time reply here.
I’ve been reading this webcomic since…. oh, a bit before Narbonic finished, though.
I’m going to be honest and say what I thought when I saw that comic; “Huh, the art looks slightly off. No big deal.”.
I’m going to say why it’s not a big deal.
First off, I’ve always loved your work and your collaboration with Jeff, every step, and you have made huge strides as an artist from the start of Narbonic until now.
Secondly, I’m going to have the thought I had now; “A lot of MY work was off when I was doing on the clock creative projects every day on call for years until I hit an extremely hard burnout wall.” (I did RPG fanfiction. Weekly. I sort of fell into it. Long story.)
If people don’t get that? Let them try it! It’s freaking hard! I can’t imagine doing all that art, writing collaboration, etc. with a young child! Don’t ever let anyone say that an off day isn’t reasonable and kick them to the curb.
This may not be the most comforting post, but there’s a lot of comforting posts. I think the jabs probably were meant in a type of fun that I hope they’re reconsidering now. (Sensitive people don’t take non-constructive jabs well. Well, I don’t. And the ones I know don’t. And sensitive people make good art. Which Narbonic and Skin Horse are.)
I hope whatever you decide, you recognize; you shouldn’t choose to stop because “you’re not good enough”. You are definitely good enough and art, particularly art on the clock, is not all about perfect technical accuracy, and Skin Horse in particular has absolutely stretched your capabilities as an artist, which you are responding to, IMO, well.
Oh and if this is an actual long distance April Fools I may find you and noogie you. Fair warning.
Please don’t leave us hanging. Make it a pay-only comic. That will weed out the trolls.
Skin Horse is the first webcomic I read each day. I’ve backed every Kickstarter. It is loved by me, at least. I hope it doesn’t end like this, but I’d understand if it did.
For someone who has written Narbonic fan fic (Time travelling Mell…she steals a DeLorean from some old dude and a kid and gets to punch Edison in the nose!) this comes as sad news.
People who love something sometimes like to nitpick about it. Every large fandom has them. I’m not un-guilty of this. All I can say is we love you and your work. Do what YOU want to do. Don’t ever let others tell you what to do or how to do it.
“gets to punch Edison in the nose”
Oh my god, Mel got my list of historical figures I want to kick in the fork! Finally, somehow who can get stuff done has it!
De-lurking to say I’ve enjoyed Skin-horse for years; I “only” have 50% of the books in dead-tree format because I have limited shelf space, but I have enjoyed following this adventure. I admit I would love it if you continued, but I understand that it’s your decision ultimately. I’ve been struggling how to say this so it doesn’t come out too fan-boyish; I hope this was OK.
– Goljerp
I will add one more to camp of: Shannon, do what is best for you, and if that is to leave now, do that. Please know that, whatever happens, you have been an amazing creator, and your art is lovely. I have followed you since Narbonic, and loved seeing you develop your craft. I hope you keep doing it, whether in this comic or elsewhere, it’s wonderful. Be well, and be kind to yourself, and know that your work is adored by many.
But . . . But . . But this Old Bat LIKES Skin Horse, Shaenon! A lot!
First time commenter but daily reader here: Skin Horse is always wonderful, and it and Narbonic still hold a special place for me. I’m sorry you’ve been getting comments in this vein, and of course I understand you should do whatever you want to with the comic – but I have to say SH would be sorely missed, it’s a great webcomic. Really hope you’re doing well.
Just another long-time lurking reader here piping up to express support. Support for the story and art OF COURSE. And the generosity of sharing them with us for all these years. But also support for walking the heck away if all this is more burden than joy. You don’t owe any of us anything, and while I’ll be a bit sad to miss checking in with my brave, tormented, wonderful fictional friends every midnight, I’ll be delighted to know their creator is happier having removed herself from the onslaught of internet nonsense.
Do what you need to do, I just want to say that Skin Horse may well be the best comic I read. If this is the end I will be disappointed,
Just another bunny really hoping this isn’t Skin Horse’s end – it’s a remarkable work, courtesy of both partners. I hope it can again bring Shaenon as much joy as it does for us.
Please allow me to add my voice to the chorus of support.
Skin Horse is an excellent Comic, in both art and story.
I look forward to seeing it every morning.
I hope you choose to continue.
Well, re the second comment…naturally we can’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do, and if you want to wrap it up right now, well, good luck with future endeavors.
It’s just so close to finishing up on its own, you’ve said.
As for impolite comments…inviting comments is bound to invite something one dislikes. I can’t speak for anybody else, but if I can’t try to be funny with occasional dips into seriousness, I’d just as soon not bother.
Shaenon, this is a “pull” website. The only people that see it are people that *want* to see it. Anyone that truly doesn’t like the webcomic simply won’t visit. You aren’t pushing stuff that people don’t want on them. I rather like the comic.
The trolls are horrible. And they live to hate things.
So so many of us look forward to seeing what comes next each day. So many surprises, and I love each and every one of them.
Since I found narbonic, I have started every day reading your work. I hope you can continue, this is my favorite comic. I feel a bit guilt that I’ve enjoyed your work for years and never thanked you.
I love Skin Horse but like many above, I never commented. I do have 5 Skin Horse books though. I love all your characters, I’m still intrigued by the myth arc, and your art is perfect for the comic. I dearly hope it continues. <3
Well, I’m enjoying the current story line. I love the way nick and whimsy collide, and always like those stories. Plus grumpy nick is adorable.
What’s not to love?
For what it’s worth, I’ve enjoyed your work for two decades now, and will always admire and respect you and your talent
I enjoy the comic. I’ve been following your stuff since near the end of Narbonic, which I also loved.
I so rarely post anything online, it kind of hurts to de-lurk. I have to, though, to tell you how much I love your work. I look forward to it every day, often waiting later in the day to have something to pick me up when work and everything is just too hard. I’ll understand if you feel you can’t continue it, but if you love making it as much as I love reading it, don’t let the nasty trolls get to you.
“Something people don’t enjoy” is such a two-tongued phrase. It can mean “something that no one enjoys”, or it can mean “something that some people don’t enjoy”. The latter category includes literally all art.
I enjoy the hell out of this story AND your art. Please don’t let the bastards get you down!
Thanks for the update, I hope you can ignore the complainers, I’ve always enjoyed the art in your comics ever since I first read Narbonic on Modern Tales.
I am embarrassed to say how many comics I read every morning, so lets just say, a lot. I have placed Skin Horse at the very end so it is like this little treat I save before I have to start work. It is simply the best.
It was a gut punch not to read Skin Horse this morning. I came back this afternoon hoping it would be up. I am hoping Shannon is gathering strength for the a brilliant campaign forward to the conclusion, a conclusion I will mourn.
oh
i hope
i hope you’re ok
emotionally speaking
I don’t know what inspired this, but please know your comic is loved. Your art is loved. If it is too tiring to continue it is your prerogative to stop whenever you want, but this work will be missed.
*don’t know -> didn’t see. Sorry, obviously I know what inspired this, as you just mentioned it in your post, I just didn’t see the comments.
Perhaps another step is needed in the commenting process? Something to weed out those who are commenting for the sake of commenting. Maybe require a captcha for every comment, the extra step would deter easy whining while those of us who thoroughly enjoy wouldn’t mind all that much.
Or if you want a more fun option….
https://megatokyo.com/strip/220
I enjoy the comic. I don’t normally comment, but seeing Skin Horse appear in my RSS reader always adds a bright spot to my day.
And for those who’ve apparently been snarking on the art, please go look at this http://skin-horse.com/comic/2014-12-28/ and then reexamine your life. I’m no expert like our hosts, but as far as I can see, there are cartoonists with lifelong syndication deals and megabuck tie-in fortunes who would (should) sell their soul to do be able to do characterization with artwork that way.
Say it ain’t so! So worried about Ginny and Sweetheart! Really enjoying current story. Seeing Aimee and Lovelace is fun.
You get to do what’s best for you, but I hope you can resume the comic at some point. Signed, yet another longtime reader, never commenter, who’s loved the comic since the first strip.
The rat seduction storyline last chapter was probably one of my single favorite chapters of any webcomic, I was actively pulling friends in who hadn’t read SH to read that chapter alongside me I was having so much fun with it.
Anyways, hope you take whatever space you need, this year has been hard <3
Take the time you need to do what you need. I adore this strip, and getting to come and read it. Seeing the only people commenting recently being folks complaining about the story, the pacing, as if they somehow know what the story needs… I can’t blame you for being worn out by that.
I’m particularly sad, on top of the sentiments already in this thread – that I’m engaged in the story and characters, that Shaenon’s ability to put deep characterization into subtle line art is truly impressive, even that Skin Horse itself was a wonderful continuation of the Narbonic universe – but I’m especially sad that the comments hurt Shaenon so, and further for the death of comments-in-context as part of a work. The comments section, on the page with every entry, has always been part of the Narbonic and Skin Horse experience. The little community here – not “on some other site” but here – in context – always felt like the next level of the infinite canvas. I feel like we had a real conversation in the margins of these works, all the more powerful because they were organically there as part of the presentation.
But conversations in the margins is pretty much dead. This was one of the last bastions of it, really. I’m amazed it lasted as long as it did, and I’m glad to have been able to spend a few minutes of every day of the last so many years with all of you.
All things end. There will never be another Narbonicon, for instance. And that’s okay, some things are just beautiful moments in time. So thank you, all the charming and clever and respectful posters who’ve made these comment sections a cozy place over the years. It’s been an honor and a pleasure. I hope there’s a future for this ‘verse, and that I’ll see some of you there someday.
..I’m going to go re-read Narbonic now.
WHAT!!!?????? This is one of the best comics on the internet — witty, cerebral but silly, challenging but hilarious. I really hope this post is some kind of prank.
I’ve never commented before, but I started reading skin horse about 6 years ago or so, in high school. I used to follow a lot of webcomics, but in college I ended up too busy for a variety of reasons. The only one I regularly kept up with was skin horse, it’s my go-to comic recommendation as well. I’m so sorry you feel as though people don’t enjoy this comic, it’s been one of the highlights of my day for years now. I hope you do what’s best for you, and if this is the end thank you for everything you’ve given so far.
Shaenon – this and Narbonic are the only webcomics I read. SH is my small treat to start the workday (or occasional indulgence if the day goes late) – and your small hand sketch of Sweetheart in a purchased book makes me smile. I’ve been bracing for the end of line and am sorry if it is to be so soon. It’s no good if it’s not also a joy to you, but I’m hoping that the joy will return. Thanks for what you do!
I doubt that this is anything that others haven’t already expressed in even better terms, but I support whatever you decide to do here. It’s your right to select the best path for your life and peace of mind, not ours to direct you.
That being said, I will desperately miss your work if it fades away. I don’t actually recall how many times I’ve journeyed through this entire script (and marveled at how you seem to have it mapped out so far in advance). Your work has uplifted me (the “don’t let me fall” – “he makes me fly” with Nick and Ginny may be the most beautiful story arc ever) and has dropped me into the depths of sadness, but it has never ever disappointed me.
I’ve been through Narbonic a few times as well, and really need to do another dive through Li’l Mell. If you do choose to stop producing Skin Horse then I hope the books will still be available; I’m close to my savings goal to get the full set although it’s taking longer than planned after a few unemployed years (working for myself now).
To put it simply, THANK YOU for everything you’ve done, whether it continues or not. It’s been wonderful, and I selfishly hope it will continue to be.
I’ve been an avid webcomics reader since the last millennium; the count of strips I’ve followed over the ensuing decades is somewhere in the triple digits, but the number of comments I’ve posted on all of them combined, I could probably count on one hand. I feel the need to de-lurk now.
I came across Narbonic far later than I should have, but I’ve followed Skin Horse daily almost since the beginning. Because it is wonderful. It has been since the beginning, and gets better as it ages.
However this turns out, whatever you decide: thank you.
Just chiming in as another fan who has been enjoying the comics since the Narbonic days, and has thought Skin Horse has been on a great run in the recent strips.
Shaenon, I’ve been reading and enjoying your comics daily since near the end of Narbonic when it was linked from, I believe, Girl Genius. I just realized how long ago that was. (And in that time I believe I’ve never commented; I usually don’t even notice that there is a comment section.) Skin Horse has had an incredible run to this point, and I hope you at least take pride in it, even if it no longer brings you joy. If you stop making comics I will miss them, but I’m sadder thinking that creating them is bringing you down. Take care of yourself first. I hope you find joy in whatever you do, whether it’s eventually continuing Skin Horse or any other endeavor.
Jeff, Shannon – Skinhorse is a masterpiece. Don’t let internet people get you down. We all want to see where the rest of your story goes! I was just showing my girlfriend just how adorable a cobra can be only yesterday!
This was the first year I could afford to buy any of the Narbolic or Skinhorse print versions. I have enjoyed your work for so long and so much that I have felt guilty not being able to help support it. I was finally able to buy all of the print versions as well as the special prints and I very much want to see the story end.
I know that some commenters are down on things but this is one of the only stories where the writing is consistent and funny. I was seriously stoked once when I found a photo of Artie and the Narbolic crew hanging in a Skinhorse frame. Talk about devotion to the craft.
Frankly speaking for myself the end of Skinhorse would be worse than facing a Gnome Infestation without my Survival Guide.
Just another viewer here who’s been quietly enjoying your comics since the early days of Narbonic. I rarely post comments on sites, but I did want you to know that I appreciate your work. Thank you.
Shaenon, whatever you do next, I’m grateful for the comics you’ve made! Narbonic was the reason I went into engineering- it’s hard to describe, but it was exactly what I needed to read at the time, feeling like a heartfelt love ballad about the joys of creativity. “Good” and “bad” don’t matter. Your comics spoke to me! Anything you make in the future, I’m excited for.
Just want to throw another “your comic is good and if you stop I will miss it” on the pile here. It’s been consistently one of my favorites since it started! (And I read a LOT of webcomics)
I’m sorry to hear this news, Shaenon. I’ve been enjoying your work since I came across Narbonic sometime around 2009, read through the archives multiple times, then hopped over to Skin Horse. It’s the last of the dozen-plus webcomics I read every day, because it’s my favorite. I re-read the Narbonic print collection every year, timing the Valentine’s Day storyline for Valentine’s Day, because that’s the sort of nerd I am; I re-read the Skin Horse print collection every year, too. Among your art’s other virtues, your characters’ expressions and body language are similar in style and equal in quality to the work of Berke Breathed–who I consider a master at drawing expression and body language.
Like your other fans, I’ve been eager to see where the Skin Horse story is going and how you’ll all wrap it up–and even if I can’t envision the ending myself, after Narbonic I trust you to make it good. But as your other fans have said, you need to do what’s right for you and yours, and that’s more important by far than continuing to draw a strip that’s become life-sucking for you instead of life-giving. (Jeff and Pancha, obviously, the same applies to both of you.) Be well, and thank you.
I almost never comment, but I’ve been reading since the Narbonic days. I’m enjoying the characters, the story, and the art. I’m waiting to see how things turn out. Please keep up the good work and let us stick this out together.
Whatever you do next, I’m glad for the good times I’ve had from Narbonic and now this. Thanks Shaenon!
Nooo!! Say it isn’t so. Who are these horrible people who would disparage such a wonderful comic strip, and what are they thinking!! Please Shaenon, don’t discontinue this great story. You have legions of mad scientists who depend on your artwork to provide smiles at the end of the day.
Another quiet reader coming out of the woodwork to say that I’ve been enjoying your comics since I ran into you at a convention in 2003 or thereabouts. I’ve been enjoying your comics longer than I’ve known my husband, and we’ve been married for more than a decade. I’m shy about posting comments online, but in my private chats with friends “are you caught up on Skin Horse?” is a common lead-in before enthusing about the latest developments in the story.
Please do what’s right for you, but also please don’t think your work isn’t loved. It is.
I started reading Narbonic a few weeks before it ended. I have been reading Skin Horse near daily since it started. It is reliably one of the best parts of my day. No one is here against their will, including the ironic poseurs. I love a lot of the frequent commenters but if the price of you not feeling like crap is disabling comments, kill the whole section.
Please don’t go.
Obviously, make whatever decision is right for you, but I hope you continue. I’m not sure if I’ve ever commented, but I’ve been reading since catching up on Narbonic meant binging it during a week when the archives were free, and both it and Skin Horse have been some of the most consistently enjoyable things I read
If I had to choose between Skin Horse w/o comments, or no Skin Horse, I’d definitely take the former. If *you* like the story, that’s what matters.
I’ve always enjoyed the comic, and I’m sorry if I haven’t said so more often. Persistent grumblers and nitpickers are inevitable on any non-regulated comment system, regardless of the writer or artist, and you really shouldn’t take it as a reliable metric of what the general opinion of your work is. If it’s too painful, shut down the comments.
I haven’t been commenting because after reading the first few storylines (and having a great time), I decided I’d rather enjoy it the same way I did Narbonic: all at once, in one huge archive dive once it’s finished.
You should do what’s best for you, but I at least have consistently enjoyed your work.
I loved Narbonic, and have been thoroughly enjoying Skin Horse. Please don’t let the naysayers get you down. Your work is excellent.
I normally lurk, but like everyone else I’ve been brought out of the woodwork.
I used to follow quite a few webcomics back in the day, but slowly they’ve whittled themselves down as they ended for one reason or another and I stopped looking out for new ones.
Skin Horse was one of the very few I would consistently and eagerly check for on a daily basis.
Of course, you should do what you need to do for yourself, but I hope this comment, among others, helps make it clear how much pleasure you’ve been providing beneath the surface.
Shaenon, I love this comic, and I would hate to see it end. But if you feel like it’s not worth it any more, I say end it. It’s not more important than your mental and emotional wellbeing. People need to learn to stop being shitty on the Internet and if there’s never repercussions, they never will.
I started with Narbonic and have been reading since 2005, though I probably wouldn’t need 2 hands to count the number of times I’ve commented. I just wanted to say thank you, and that your work has always brought me joy.
I’ve never commented here but have read this comic they twice. I adore it. One of the best on the web and this update is so depressing. Please don’t give up a project you clearly once loved because some people are mean idiots.
I can’t logically process this as anything but an early April Fools joke. Shaenon is too passionate about this comic, too invested in this comic, and her passion and investment makes this comic just too damn good for something like this.
If I’m wrong that’s egg on my face, but I can not mentally process this as anything else.
Wanted to take a moment to add my voice to the chorus— Skin Horse is one of my top comic reads, and your whimsical quirky art always makes my day brighter. I hope you can take some time away to take care of yourself! Virtual hugs from afar.
I like it! I’m not normally a commenter but I think Skin Horse is very good. And you’ve put so much into it! If you’re feeling depressed, consider just taking a break rather than total quitting?
I LOVE this comic. Skin Horse and before it, Narbonic, have been my homepage since the early 2000’s and I’ve purchased almost all of the books. It’s the first thing I look at every day when I open my computer. You’re work is very much appreciated and enjoyed and whatever you do now or next, I will continue to seek it out and enjoy it.
Unfortunately we don’t know what basements those trolls occupy so a group can’t visit them in person for a “serious” discussion of the consequences of upsetting Shaenon. However, to leave a reply here requires entering an e-mail address. Be a real shame if their e-mail addresses (assuming they were real) were somehow made available and a couple hundred irate fans could tell them off. Fortunately, Shaenon is much too nice a person to let that happen.
I don’t condone violence, but a properly applied revenge can be enjoyable…
I hope this is just an early April Fools joke. I love this strip. I like many others have a crush on Dr. Lee and Amiee.
Oh holy shit, I hope this is a joke. I *LOVE* this comic, and I’ve been reading it for years– the artwork and writing blend beautifully, just as Narbonic’s did before– they complement each other perfectly! And I love the heart that so obviously goes into it. Please don’t quit! O_O
WTF? Ignore all those jerks. This is the best comic story ever, and I like how it’s drawn.
I just tuned in at 8:01 like always when this updates in my timezone, how are there so many comments already? Look, I’m sorry I complained about Sweetheart being unfunny that one arc, but otherwise your comic is really good!
I really hope the several hundred messages go some way to making it clear plenty of us -are- enjoying the comic
If you need to walk away, temporarily or permanently, that’s understandable and we support you.
Be well, you will be missed
Been reading for years, and loved every strip. Thinking you’ve really quit all of a sudden is scary. I hope you feel better soon, regardless if you draw more or not.
Wait what’s going on? Miss Shannon, please don’t let it end like this. I want to see that Vegas montage!
Here’s hoping you’ll come back. [lots of hugs]
Shaenon,
I started reading your strips with Narbonic and continued on with Skin Horse. Your art have grown and evolved over the years but has always been distinctive. One thing I love about your art is how expressive the characters’ faces have always been. The other thing I love is the intelligence of the content that is so very obvious, and yes, I know that Jeff is half of the now with Skin Horse. One thing to keep in mind is that this a four panel strip that comes out 6 times a week. Of course the art is constrained by this schedule. I remember an old strip, Faans, that originally came out as a comic book, but ended and then was placed online as a webcomic. The constraints of time and money meant that the same artist who made the comic restricted what they did for the webcomic. He made a stylistic change to fit the medium. Critics of your art need to (wo)man up and put out something better at the same pace before they should be taken seriously. As for enjoying your work, I think that the number of comments above show just how much we love your work. I know that Skin Horse is drawing to an end, but it would a shame to end just before that.
That said, this is your work, this is something put out for free, and your first responsibility is to yourself and your family. If you need to stop Skin Horse, so be it. I will always be fan of your work and grateful for what you have shared with us. Take care.
Shaenon, Jeff, thank you for bringing me so much joy for the last many years. I’ve been reading Shaenon’s work since mid-Narbonic, and I am _damn_ proud to have two original strips framed on my wall. I hope you can find joy in making it again… and if you can’t, I’m happy to say thank you for what you’ve given us, and take care of yourselves. Peace and love.
I also have never commented but wanted to say that Skin Horse is one of my favorite comics of all time. I’ve reread the graphic novels again and again and it never fails to delight.
I have never left a comment here before, but today I’d like to point out how much I enjoy this comic and how it brightens my every day. I followed Narbonic and I have followed Skin Horse since the very first strip. I will be sad when the story ends, but I would be devastated not to get to see it.
I’ve only rarely commented here, but I’ve been following your work since Narbonic, and have bought all your books, some even twice.
And, like many others, I just want to offer my support. If you feel like you need to rest from Skin Horse, just do it. If it no longer brings you joy and want to leave it altogether, just do it as well. Your wellness is the first thing, ever, and you don’t owe us anything.
But do not let that long history of bad comments overshadow an ever longer and richer history of people showing enjoyment and appreciation for the strip and your art. Think of how many people have your strips or your sketches framed and hung in their houses, and how very little some random person over the internet matters in comparison.
We love you, Shaenon, and we love your work. And whatever you decide to do, we will support your decision.
I’m not much of a commenter, but I wanted to let you know that I’ve loved your comics since Narbonic. I love your characters, the drama you pack in such small spaces, and the wild stories that you and your partner dream up. Shaenon, your comics bring a little bit of joy to my day, even when you’re just sharing a doodle of a discarded storyline. I’m sorry that some people have been chipping away at your will and your sense of worth, but the world is better with your drawings in it.
Yeah, yeah. That sounds like hyperbole, I know. But you have a strong creative voice and style. No one else is doing what you do. That makes you and your work valuable. Anyhow, no mater what you decide to do, I’m grateful for what you’ve done. Thank you for sharing your art with us.
Clearly the way for us, as fans, to save Skin-Horse, is to overwhelm Shannon and Jeff with positive comments. At least I hope that will work.
But after 322 comments from people with apparently the same idea,all I can add is: I love Skin-Horse! Please don’t end it!
I’m starting my reread, if anyone is joining me. (I said we’d start at the dituation being under control, but I forgot about the title page, so lets do both. Maybe a pace of two comics per day is a good pace anyways, we’ve got a large archive to get through.)
http://skin-horse.com/comic/12302007/
(And Shaenon — glad to hear you’re talking to Jeff about it. Take as much time as you need — we’ll still be waiting patient and eager when you’re ready to pick back up, and nobody would want you to push through a webcomic if it’s hurting you. Take care, see you when you decide your ready.)
Me: Oh, it.s just a reread, you’ll probably be able to find, like, one thing to say.
Me: *suddenly, 300+ words on the development of a theme over the entire comic that I realize after rereading literally just the epigraph*
(Also gosh DARNIT Shaenon and Jeff, did you sneak ANOTHER full children’s story retelling entirely under our noses, that we all (/I, at least) missed?)
The only comment I’ll make is that I’ve bought every Narbonic and Skin Horse book and hope to buy the book or books that complete the series, and to look forward to more projects from Skin Horse’s creators.
Just another long-time reader, never-before-now commenter who came late but joyfully to Narbonic and has read Skin Horse with joy since the beginning. I have all the collections and reread them on a yearly basis. Your work is amazing, and Skin-Horse has been one of my favorite web-comics for years (I hear that there’s someone else tangentially involved but, you know… how important could he be? 🙂
And as for those trolls who criticized and poked fun? Well, you’ve taught us what to do about the Laughter of Fools!
Skin horse comic has been brightening my day for years now. Thank you!
As a fan since the second year of Narbonic and someone who has several pieces of framed original art of yours up at work and at home, this hits hard. But as someone who’s been finding it harder than expected to put a small piece of art out into the world on a daily basis myself just for the past month, I can respect your decision. You’ve been working like an absolute machine for twenty years, to what has always seemed to me way less acclaim than you deserve. I hope that with some time away you’ll be able to see a different perspective and maybe come back, but if not, that’s indisputably your right and I’m sure we all (with the exception of a few jackholes) wish you all the best with whatever you choose to do next. I think most everyone here wants you to do what’s best for you, even if that means we wind up sad about a lack of resolution.
If there’s anything technical I can do to make things better for you here, like helping organize a team of volunteer moderators who have to approve any comment before it’s posted, please let me know.
Never imagine that this is a project that nobody likes.
Loads of us like it, enjoy reading it, but don’t comment all that often…
I’ve read this comic since the early days, and have loved it from then. I love the characters, the worldbuilding, the storytelling. I feel bad that only rarely commented,though. But from what I’ve seen, for the most part the comments had been positive, while the negatives have been in the minority.
Stopping by again just to say: Do what you need to be well, and I hope to see more of your work in the future Shaenon.
to add my voice to the many many others here: I love this comic and have been reading it since I was leaving middle school. I’m in college now. I love this story, a lot. I hope that you decide to continue it.
Just for the record, you can draw my comic anytime!
I was actually enjoying this storyline. I was all ready for whatever ripping off the Casino hijinks were in store before we got to see what Baron’s been up to. I’ve been reading Shaenon’s work for (checks watch….) about twenty years, ever since Narbonic (so yes even subscribing to Modern Tales etc.. when that was necessary) and I’ve always loved her artwork, it has a great 1920s feel to it like The Gumps or Thimble Theater. There’s nothing wrong with it at all so I’m not sure what’s going on. I can’t believe the comments that upset Shaenon are even reflective of the views of the majority of readers. I pretty much never read the comments so I don’t know if this has been an ongoing thing but I guess I just really want to say I like this strip.
Calling it now, it’s obviously a prank.
I’m a regular reader, sometime poster.
I know that this comic is reaching the end of the arc, and they were planning for it to end.
I don’t like this ending
Hopping this is a early april fools
You are kidding… right? I’ve been a reader since early Narbonic. You’re consistently entertaining, frequently hilarious, some of the smartest writing out there and the art is fabulous (it’s come a long way since the early gerbils). The quality you maintain for a daily strip is astonishing. Cathy also says you’re a blast in person. If you really are sad/angry/depressed, then you’re in good company. I hope the overall response helps. However things shake out… thank you, so very much. -Eric
So sorry to hear this Shaenon! I didn’t see the negative comments on this particular strip, since I generally don’t have time to look at my favorite comics until late in the evening, but I have definitely seen some jerky comments in the forum before, and they usually seem to originate from just a few posters, who seem to like to post frequently, and nitpick everything. I think the number of readers not enjoying the comic must be very small. Sadly, they are apparently loud.
I can see how those individuals would get you down, but I just want to add to what many others here have, which is that I have enjoyed Skin Horse a lot, and would definitely count it among my favorite web comics. I hope that you decide to continue the comic. It is delightfully whimsical, and I love the artwork! You do a fantastic job of showing what the characters are thinking and feeling with their facial expressions, and anybody who says otherwise can go jump in a lake!
I think some people must get off on finding things to criticize, because, otherwise, why would they keep coming back, if they’re not enjoying the comic? I just don’t understand that mentality. I don’t think any of your true fans would blame you for taking a vacation. Skin Horse is one of the few web comics that posts every day, and has consistently for years. Yes, you do a Sunday filler, but I often enjoy the filler, too. There’s been some fun stuff there.
Whatever you decide, I have greatly enjoyed Skin Horse, and looked forward to reading it daily. In fact, I loved Skin Horse so much, that I went back and read the entirely of Narbonic, which I also loved. Whatever you decide, thank you for the ride so far.
Hey I really enjoy your comic. narbonic and skin horse changed my life for the better and outside just the whole ‘cute comic for me to read’. It’s cool if you need to take a break.
Hey, Shaenon, I’ve loved your work since Narbonics. I’m generally pretty much just a quiet reader, and only like to speak up when I think I have something I can add. This feels relatively sudden and out of character for you. Like I do look around at the comments and only ever see few if any that could even really be considered critical.
My main concern here is that there are diseases that can create Rapid changes in emotional state. Specifically Covid 19 has listed as one of its symptoms Depression and Anxiety. Which when used as a Medical term, like as a symptom usually means “Sudden onset of x mood, to a High extreme.”
I don’t want to diagnose you from this distance, but this feels very sudden, and I’m hoping maybe you can get tested and see if you are okay? I know there has been some history of Depression and it could be a major swing for other reasons, but it may also be worthwhile to check as there is a current, external possible cause.
I hope you feel better soon, and I’m super looking forward to seeing the rest of this.
I love the story, I love the art, I love your rich characters. I hope you find joy in doing it once more. Because you have brought me so much joy over the years!
I just wanted to make absolutely clear that, like so many others, I’ve been enjoying Skin Horse for years (and Narbonic before it). I look forward to seeing a new strip every morning over breakfast. It’s been a bright spot in a grim year.
Paeteron (or however it is spelled) or similar? I’ll pay!
I just wanted to add my voice to the apparently-too-silent majority who are being vocal today who love your work in all its inventive glory.
I’ve been guilty of missing the comment section in recent times (a lot of comments sections – I’ve had to scale back on-line interactions due to, well, I’ll say MH grounds) but I’ve been here for the ride since the Narbonic commentary re-runs and have always been surprised and entertained by your creativity and imagination.
I’m always going to be of the opinion that you (and anyone) have to do what’s right for your own wellbeing, so if this is the end, it’ll be really sad, but you’re always more important than your output.
It’s sad that the corrosive element of the internet has been, well, doing what it does. Some people never _do_ get that “don’t be an utter arse” is a rule for life.
Regardless of the story going on or not, I hope I’ve added a few grains of sand to the scale on the side of ‘majority of readers who absolutely love what you (and Jeff) do’.
I’m really sorry that it got to the point.
I’m going to out on a limb and bet the positive to negative comments run about 20 to 1.
This is the first time I’ve ever commented, and I should have been more vocal, but I love this strip! I’ve been reading for years, it’s so much fun, and the characters are interesting, and you put it out six days a week! FOR FREE! There will always be ungrateful jerks, but you make an amazing strip, and it brings a bit of joy to thousands of people every day. Please don’t stop!
Never been more than a lurker in the comments, but I really like Skin Horse! I’ve been looking forward to seeing how it ends.
That said the general savagery and jerkishness of the internet is…one reason why I’ve always shied away from posting any work of my own on it. I really respect people like you and Jeff who manage to put yourselves out there…and I also don’t honestly know how you do it.
It’s rough out there right now. If skin horse isn’t bringing you joy, it’s not something anyone should expect you to force. You owe no one here any of your creative energy. But if you find yourself feeling better, I hope the comments today show that there is an audience who does genuinely enjoy your work (be it the skin horse conclusion or something new).
I just wanted to add my voice to the silent majority who are being vocal today who love your work in all its inventive glory.
I find it cute, funny and interesting.
I usually don’t comment becouse I’m bad at doing that over all and everywhere.
Your comic is excellent. Please continue making it.
So just a heads up to everyone, the latest comic, for Thursday, posted over on GoComics (https://www.gocomics.com/skinhorse/2021/03/25). You can also still read the rest of this week’s comics there as well.
Okay, I’m guilty of not showing appreciation. I tend to avoid all comment threads because they tend to have a sort of low level aggression or negativity that I don’t want to deal with. And therefore I rarely post comments either.
So, what I’m going to do for Skin Horse only (‘cos it deserves the love) is go back through the archive and post a comment about every strip I like. Sort of up the positive a little.
There are rules, ‘cos what’s life without rules…
1. I’ll be specific. No “this is funny” but “the lightning bolt skeleton is adorable”.
2. I won’t lie. If I can’t think of something nice to say, I won’t say anything. That does mean you’ll be able to see the strips that don’t appeal to me, but so what? Doesn’t appeal to me is not the same as no good. Plus, I’m pretty sure it’ll be rare, ‘cos Skin Horse is awesome.
3. I won’t be exhaustive. If I say “this is good” it doesn’t mean I don’t like “that” or “the other bit”. It means that “this” is the bit that on this reading jumps out as really cool.
4. I’m working backwards. Probably only a few strips a day. This might take years…
If you’re still reading Shaenon, stay cool. Do what’s best for you. You owe us nothing, and we’ll love you regardless.
Cheers,
Graham
And the above referenced cartoon lightning zap skeleton appears to be missing from the archives. Did people really complain about that strip? ‘Cos that’s comedy gold I tell us.
First time commenter. I do hope you continue — I’ve been reading Skin Horse for many years, and it has been a daily delight.
Unfortunately, I don’t know of an effective troll filtering solution, and it’s only getting worse. I hope you figure out how to make this work for you.
Shannon, I have only read your strip on GoComics so wasn’t aware of this. I do hope you feel the love here from hundreds of loyal, adoring readers. Ever since discovering your strip a few years ago, I have looked forward to it every day. I don’t always understand every reference, but that has made me run to look things up — which is what great literature should do.
I can’t add anything that others haven’t already said, but if making people smile each day is your goal, you have succeeded in spades. If the work no longer brings you joy, and you need to step back, you owe us nothing — but we will miss it terribly.
Please do the art that makes you happy. And if we can come along for the ride, that will make the happiness spread. Your work has always been brilliant. You deserve to know how many people appreciate it.
There’s a Terry Pratchett quote I’m reminded of. I don’t know if it will help, but it might. He was talking to the guy who made the Hogfather TV movie, and he said “Of course, you realise if you go online after it’s broadcast, the fans will all be complaining about it.” The TV guy was a bit shocked and said “What do you mean? You don’t think they’ll like it?”
And Terry replied “Oh, they’ll like it. They’ll complain anyway. That’s what fans do.”
Or to put it another way, there is a definite strain in fandom that says you show how much you like something by “affectionately” criticising it. And telling yourself it’s fine if that’s all you do, because it’s coming from a place of love. Intent, as they say, isn’t magic.
It’s definitely something I’ve been guilty of (I don’t think here, but ICBW) and I’m trying to do better as. These days I make a point of things like starting my reviews of even my least favourite Doctor Who episodes with “Here are the things I did like”.
1%
Its a small number. Insignificant. A statistical anomaly. If something had a 1% chance of happening, you can safely not worry about it. Yet 1% of 100,000 is still 1,000. And 1,000 people is alot. Its enough to fill an auditorium.
I estimate that 1% of people online are jerks. Assholes. Mean spirited. And when you are talking about billions of people, even 1% is overhwhelming. But its important to remember the 99% of people who are not. Who do care. Who love this strip and visit it every day.
I’m one of them. I’ve been reading since early Narbonic. I look forward to opening up the skin horse link every morning when I wake up. I was sad to see your decision and I hope you reverse it. I want to see Nick and Lee’s wedding. I want to see if Trip ever breaks through his comittment barrier. I hope to see Sweetheart and Unity settle down into a boring, relaxing life together.
If not, well… I understand and I look forward to your next work.
Yow. Not what I was expecting today. Been following your work since mid-Narbonic and continue to enjoy getting my daily does of Skin Horse mayhem. I rarely read the comments and even more rarely comment myself, but felt I should mention that the comic brings me joy on a daily basis and I appreciate the work that goes into it. I will happily keep reading as long as you keep publishing. Take care!
I’ve been following Skin Horse for… dunno, 3 years? It’s one of the strips I enjoy the most, and, hands down, the one that uploads content more often. I’d be very sad to lose it. Please, do not let a very small, but very vocal, number of people, stop you from doing something you enjoy doing, and most of us enjoy reading.
First comment ever, i think this deserved it.
Love.
I do not know who has been making such mean-spirited comments about you and this amazing story, but they need to stop. I discovered Narbonic when you were halfway through the directors cut, and I fell in love almost immediately. After blitzing through that story, I was ecstatic to see there was Skin Horse, another comic set 8n the same setting. Getting to meet and get to know Tip and Sweetheart, Unity and Virginia, Nick, Gavotte, and everyone else in this wonderful story… this story of well meaning mad people struggling against those in power, who are too sane for their own good…
This comic is wonderful, and I could gush for hours, but my cats are now biting me to let me know they’re hungry. They’re a bit like Unity in that regard.
Love and respect, you are doing fantastic.
I’ve been a fan since Narbonic. Please don’t quit!
I love Skin Horse and have been reading it ever since Narbonic ended (which I also loved). I think both the art and the writing are great and hope you will reconsider and continue drawing it.
I’m sorry did y’all break Jeff!? This is one of the few comics that gor me working through a terrible call center!
Please come back Skin Horse!
My second post on this, but it warrants saying:
It’s in the nature of internet comments. Idiots loud and hurtful; the people who love what you do tend to be quiet and post once in a blue moon to tell you so. It’s pretty inevitable that, once in a while, the feed is going to be very little other than the bad stuff – basic statistical clustering pretty much guarantees it.
Whatever you choose to do is right, Shaenon – but for every loud-mouthed moron out there picking your work apart, there are undoubtedly several others really (but quietly) enjoying it immensely. And who will miss it, and you, if you decide not to carry on. I know I will.
Sigh. “Idiots tend to be”. Basic rule number two of the web – the more carefully you review a comment, the highr the probability that there will be a glaring typon in there that you spot as soon as you submit it…
Please come back Skin Horse, Jeff you put your heart and soul into this, I Love your Style, I truly do.
Aww! This is definitely one of my favorite comics. Glad you’re getting kind words. Now I wish I’d commented on yesterday’s comic like I’d considered, because Aimee looked super adorable in the last panel. She made a cute unicorn.
I forgot to add–I keep wanting to buy all the Skin horse books, too, but I’ve put it off because I don’t know that I’d have room for them. But I’m definitely going to get them someday.
Let me add my voice to the chorus of positivity:
You are loved & respected.
Your comic is loved, and if it never comes back, it will be sorely missed.
If you cannot continue it will be a great sadness, but I have known enough artists to understand that if you cannot continue, it should not be forced.
Jim
Skin Horse is one of the last few comics I read regularly. I look forward to ever update, and I adore the crazy cast of characters. I’m sorry to see you affected so badly like this over people that really should have kept their thoughts to themselves.
I draw a webcomic myself, and I’m no stranger to exactly the behavior from readers you’ve described. I can absolutely understand how it can wear you down. If you need someone to talk to about it, please feel welcome to email me. I hope you can find a way back to telling the story you love.
Is there a metric other than the comments section that can help you tune in to how much readers love your work? # of Views? Do you get info on the number of return views? (Views from the same IP?). I’ve been reading (and re-reading) your strip for years. However, commenting takes time and that is at a premium in the AM when I read my webcomics. if you added some sort of reaction widget I would use that. However, I’d suggest, if possible, making it concrete rather than a general “like” or “dislike” response, lest you hyperfocus on the number of “dislikes.” Ideally, people could click a button indicating what they enjoyed: “Continued plot in an interesting way” “Familiar characters” “Amusing” “Touching” “Made me think” “Looking forward to the next strip” – something like that.
Why do you believe that because some people don’t like your work, no one does? An overvaluation of criticism is a textbook symptom of many depression and anxiety disorders. While I can’t know for certain that’s what’s affecting you, I recommend you see a psychiatrist to check up on your health. It is possible the pandemic has poorly affected your emotional health without you realizing, as it has for many of us.
A few times I played an insane fan because I think the excesses of fandom are funny even if my imitations sometimes were not. The creators were not meant to be the butt of the joke, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t have an impact. If I contributed to the problem, then I’m a huge idiot. If somebody had the same opinion of my work that I have of theirs, I’d feel pretty good about that.
“If I contributed to the problem, then I’m a huge idiot. If somebody had the same opinion of my work that I have of theirs, I’d feel pretty good about that.”
I frequently skim the comments section. I can’t speak for Shaenon, but I know that your name is NEVER one I associate with negativity. I know when I see your username that the comment will be witty or fun or something of that nature. Your tone has been fine, I think. There are only two commenters whose names I tend to gloss over because they tend in my opinion to be excessively negative. Other than that I see really sweet fans, or people having meta-discussion. Your comments have always been in the pleasant camp.
I love Skin Horse, and am excited to see it every single day. I’m so sorry for the bad experience and I hope you’re able to work this out for you.
While I doubt you or anyone is going to read this far down (heck, I admit to not having read all the previous posts!):
You are more loved than you think. Like all creative/artistic people, you will never be able to please everyone. Different people have different tastes. And, sadly, people are much more likely to leave negative comment than a positive one. If 95% of people who see your work love it, and 5% hate it – you’ll have 50/50 positive and negative reviews.
Combined with all the stress and depression which, let’s be honest, we’re ALL facing due to Corona, and all kinds of other factors, it’s understandable that you feel like it may not be worth continuing creating. Don’t be fooled – there’s plenty more people who love your work than there are who don’t. And even if it was really 50/50? That’d still be a heck of a lot more than, say, Nickelback or Jay-Z can lay claim to.
I’m just happy my books 9 & 10 arrived today so I can still get my daily dose of SH!
This strip definitely brings joy to a large number of people, and I think it would be a shame to stop because some trolls are trying to get a rise out of you. As somebody else said – If this doesn’t give you joy any more, then stop. But don’t stop because some internet trolls are being mean. If they don’t like the comic, then why are they reading it?
And this meant so much to me that I put my first ever comment out there, even though I’ve been reading and appreciating this since the Narbonic days…
As much as I love this comic and am very invested in it, and even though I don’t know you, I want you to take care of yourself first. Even if that means we never see anymore of this great comic. You deserve to be happy and feel good about yourself, and should not feel obligated to do the comic. I hope that you will feel like continuing, but your happiness is more important. Be safe, be happy, feel loved.
Turning off comments seems like a good option. In college when my friends and all were all broke we brought a laptop on spring break so we could read Narbonic every day on Modern Tales before it expired. Now that we’re not broke, I’ve grabbed several of the books and been on the patreon for a while. The planning that goes into things like the Mr Green Wizard of Oz reveal over the course of years is one thing that’s made your work consistently stand out for me. Getting a laugh out of it most days while still telling an ongoing serialized story is not something most people can pull off either. We’ll miss you if you’re gone, but definitely do whatever is healthiest for you.
Also, some days when I feel like I can’t hold everything together, I go on a Sweetheart-style rampage. Knowing I have that option helps me stop myself from doing anything more destructive. After reading Tip long enough I also trust that anything will be easier if I can find something cute to wear while doing it. Whatever comes next, these characters and stories have had a lasting positive impact on me in a way that no other comic has.
What in the world????? I am a huge fan and love your work going all the way back to Narbonic. I’m so sorry people are terrible.
I’ve never commented here before, but I wanted to chime in to say that I’ve loved Shaenon’s artwork since Narbonic, and reading this strip has been one of my daily pleasures. I’m really go to miss it if it’s gone for good, and I’m angry at the trolls who think knocking how a strip is drawn in the comments is at all a useful thing to do.
And that’s one way to frighten me.
(even more than dealin with Help(less) tickets today)
At this point, I’ve been reading your strips for over a third of my life, and enjoying them the entire time.
Chiming in to say (belatedly) that I find this comic (and its predecessor) extremely enjoyable, and the art style is a big part of that. I will admit to wishing Baron Mistycorn might end up on the business end of a Roto-Rooter, but I suspect that’s in line with the intent of the author and the artist, so I don’t hold that against the creators, just the character.
Given the situation (gesturing wildly at everything that’s happened since March 2020), I can totally understand that nerves are badly frayed. I do recall that Narbonic broke up its story with guest weeks and hiatuses (hiati? What’s the plural of hiatus?), even in the last year of its story, and I can’t remember the last time there was a pause of any sore on Skin Horse.
If you’ll pardon the unsolicited advice from a random dink on the internet, some sort of break or hiatus or sabbatical may be in order. But I was once advised not to do anything irreversible in response to something temporary.
Is it strange to say that I both can and cannot wait to see the conclusion of Skin Horse?
Terrible business. Fie on the haters, I say. You do great work, both well-drawn and hilarious. While it saddens me that the compliments only come out when we risk losing it (my own statements included), know this: you and your work is beloved.
ditto to all of the positive comments, plus, it seems only trolls comment frequently. those of us that enjoy the strips should speak up more often!
I’m somewhere around the 400th comment, but I wanted to chime in and say SPECIFICALLY that the art brings me utter delight. It’s gotten to the point where I see a Garrity piece and automatically smile. How much of that is because I associate it with great writing, a la Narbonic? I don’t know. (I do know my delight in Lil Mell grew for the bits where I got Shaenon!art. It’s like coming home.) But when it comes down to it, the important bit is the delight. The way the characters are so expressive, so distinct in their facial and body language, the sheer zaniness of madness juxtaposed with the absolutely ordinary… and the ability to make huggable cobras and repulsive fluffy stuffed unicorns. Still trying to wrap my brain around that.
And this is what I notice as someone who’s largely tone-deaf to visual storytelling. My brain zeroes in on the text to the point where everything else is half-visible at best – but who could fail to see UNITY squee, or Tip twirl, or Sweetheart wagging her tail? It’s impossible to miss.
If Shaenon needs to take a break and recoup, she’s more than earned it, even if it weren’t already her right to walk away from any project that causes more pain than pleasure – but I hope that if she needs to do so, she does in the knowledge that she is AWESOME at arting. (And I selfishly hope that the comic returns soon, because I’m loving it.)
Hey, you. You do amazing work and I’ve followed you for over a decade :3
Jerks can be jerks. I moderated and ran communities for MULTIPLE decades. It causes mental health issues and strain. I believe the former employees from FB in their lawsuit.
If you’re handling the modding on your own, any modding–please know you don’t have to and more, should not. This is especially true for female artists and creators, unfortunately. Jeffery, if you are reading this, please help get someone external for this.
Please. I did this for over 20 years. It impacts a person, and has nothing to do w the quality of their work.
Ever since I stumbled across this comic and binge-read it from day 1 to get up to speed, I have looked forward to reading it every morning. I’m grateful to you for putting it out so faithfully and sad that you’ve been made to feel it is not appreciated. However you choose to proceed, I thank you and wish you well. And I’ll continue to check in every morning just because.
I don’t have a lot to say and I’ve never commented before, but I wanted to add another vote of, yours is a creative work I enjoy. As others have said, you’re doing this for free and have no obligation to continue if you don’t want to, and please take whatever breaks you need, but I’m hoping you will be able to continue making this. If nothing else, I for one look forward to backing your next kickstarter, whatever that may be.
FWIW, I’ve been a faithful reader since the early days of Narbonic. I – very – seldom post in the comments, but that’s not because I don’t care. I’ve always liked your work – both the writing and drawing – and that hasn’t changed.
I suspect some people don’t quite get how differently deprecating humor comes off when it isn’t of the self- variety.
Hey guys! Y’know how “punching down” humor is a generally bad idea? Like, making jokes at the expense of marginalized groups when you aren’t one yourself? And how it invariably makes the “humorist” look like a huge jerk? Trying to one-up someone else’s self-mocking jokes is the same kind of thing – it isn’t funny, you’re just being an ass.
Just to lend my support, I’ve been enjoying your work for a long time and you have actually gotten a few LOLs from me over the year. That doesn’t happen often with comic strips and I think you should take it to heart.
I’d also like to point out to you that you have two generations of people appreciating your work at my house. That doesn’t always happen, either.
Never commented before, but I’ve been enjoying the comic, and would miss it if it stopped.
Dear Shaenon,
I hope you can recover from the fact that some of the folks who visit your comic are jerks. Some of the folks who visit any comic are jerks. That’s the way things are. People who couldn’t draw their way out of a paper bag always criticize art for not being different from what it is. Mostly, people who can’t do what you do are jealous that you get to do it, and to get attention from other folks for your creations.
I was introduced to your work via Narbonic, which you had begun to annotate. A friend basically said “You really need to read this,” and ran away giggling maniacally. Your work was such a wonderful examination of mad science that I loved it, and quickly started reading your “new” comic, Skin Horse.
Ever since, I’ve loved the comic, but the extra touches you add to your work are what has impressed me. You’ve made us believe in Victorian robots, clockwork A.I., sentient swarms of insects and a host of other things, all because of the way your art gets inside our heads. That’s not all, though. When I’ve ordered books from you, you’ve put little drawings on the packages, for example. [Those are remarkably tricky to frame, by the way…but I digress.] You didn’t have to do that, but it showed such a sense of delight that it made me even more of a fan. Even the work that you do in other places, like writing for magazines, shows a care for the things you enjoy, and the ways you want to share that enjoyment with others.
I really hope that this isn’t the end of Skin Horse, but do whatever you need to do. We, the fans, owe you thanks for what you’ve done for all of us, so far.
Skinhorse is the best. It’s what Norm might have grown into if the world had been ready for it. It’s also more than Waterson, Brethed, or Larson managed without a break. If you need time to recharge, we’ll wait for you. Thank you for everything that you have made so far.
Oops, typo: Norm -> Norb
I don’t find it The Best….but on the other hand it’s only 1 of 5 Web Comics that I read regularly.
It’s just a nice and good little web comic that I enjoy checking in on daily.
So that says a lot. I’ve been reading this comic for YEARS, and I’m saddened at the thought of having it end like this on such a bitter note. I mean just ending it all would be disappointing enough, but ending it where the Creators feel crapped on? NOT cool!! >.<
Seriously, read your comments with an eye for condescension.
Shaenon,
This is the most unexpected and disturbing thing that I’ve experienced since the outcome of the 2016 presidential election.
We fans tend to think they are everything, but your wonderful and appreciated comics are only the tip of the iceberg that is Shaeon’s life. I’m praying (from my foxhole) that the other 90% is going well and that this is not just a last straw the caused something to break. Take care of yourself – take a break, a vacation, a sabbatical, or leave doing comics entirely if that’s what best for you.
We love you.
Mickey
SECONDED. Skin Horse is wonderful: ignore the haters!
I, too, have long read this comic and assumed that, surely, the creators know that they are making something truly enjoyable.
So, to let you know, you have added considerable joy to my days since I archive binged Narbonic.
Honestly? I have been enjoying Skin Horse just fine.
An people shouldn’t be complaining about the Art, it’s not bad!!
Plus, if the Art Style was extra fancy, then we’d be getting FAR fewer updates, and I don’t think it’d worth the trade off.
I’ll take an extra 8-10 comics a month, than super fancy art!
Furthermore, I have been enjoying the story as well!
PLEASE don’t stop, just because of a handful of Nay Sayers work up extra early to comment!
If you REALLY feel strongly about this, maybe take a poll to get a better picture of what the Readers as a Whole are actually saying/wanting?
Boy, I come in late to work two straight days and I’m cut off from my daily Skin Horse fix? I was already prepared to savor this concluding year in Skin Horse….
Just this morning, I had finished reading Illuminations and Monsters and marveling at the collected volumes of Skin Horse and Narbonic in my literature library.
So, a big fan here. Do as you feel you must, Shaenon. But know that your art and sense of humor is loved in my little log home in rural Kentucky.
Shaenon girl, I’m glad for your sake that you are reconsidering your position. Certainly for as long as you have been in this ‘business’ you realize that you can’t please every one all the time. As well, you know that not every single arc is going to be a prize winner; you are naturally going to have good runs and lesser ones – so what. Your readers have good days and bad ones too, but they have stayed with you all this time – now it’s your turn to stick with us. We love you and your work (Jeff too) so do you love us?…
This is the kind of condescending, entitled, “positive” comment that’s perfectly emblematic of why a creator might decide to throw in the towel. Starting with “Shaenon girl” and ending with the mildly threatening “now it’s your turn to stick with us”–or else what?–I think you’ve covered pretty much all the bases!
Over and over, I see people in these comments trying to convince an artist who’s read every comment on every page that things weren’t really as bad as her direct experience; that there was no negativity and that she needs to keep giving them free art. If you’re really a fan of Shaenon, respect her choice and follow her to the next thing she makes. Willowweep Manor is going to own.
You and Jeff are awesome. Everything you have made–the Narbonica universe, the Monsters of the Week, Lil’ Mel/Serge–all of it is wonderful.
Please, please let this be a joke.
Dude, like… so I know I’m going to get lost in the hundreds (HUNDREDS!!!) of previously-silent fans cheering from the back seats of the stadium, so this likely will never be read by the intended audience, but… the more the merrier! (And to other commenters, yes, I’m another soul on the positivity bandwagon. Just let me have this.)
So I’m not one of the old-timers, having only read for a couple years at most. But I’ve read all of Skin Horse so far, recently ran through Narbonic, and I’ve been rereading the rest of Skin Horse as I keep up with current updates. I’ve been a lurker the whole time, but now I’d be remiss not to write something.
Lemme tell you, these comics—both of them, though Skin Horse is the relevant one—have made me laugh out loud. A lot. You know what that means? You have created hundreds, if not thousands of incredibly limited four-panel strips, and nearly all of them have gotten a laugh out of me. Your static images are making me laugh more than any live comedian. It’s the hilariest, and it takes genius to be that clever that consistently.
And then, along with that, you have the signature Shaenon trick of uniting several ancient, long-diverged plot threads, which appeared at first to be no more than innocent gags. Who thought Baron Mistycorn would be important when he first showed up years ago?! But he is now, and that’s amazing.
Plus the great (and greatly bizarre) characters. There was not one character whose appearance I haven’t enjoyed, no matter how insufferable they’re “supposed” to be. Yeah, Tip is remarkably unaware of his own self-centeredness considering his degree revolves around an awareness of others, but it’s funny as heck. Nick’s first impression barely met the lowest standard an anti-social recluse could make, but look at him now (and, AND, military aircraft are too cool to pass up). Even Baron Mistycorn, at least to me, strikes the perfect balance of being that character everyone loves to hate. He seems to be headed for some sweet comeuppance (and if he isn’t… it’ll be really funny, honestly). I also love this comic’s audacity for having more nonhumans than humans in the main cast, what with the talking Canadian dog, murderzombie, and helicopter, and then making the humans weird enough to stand on their own two legs too.
I will also say I loved Narbonic and its de/reconstructive take on mad scientists. It and Skin Horse are alike enough that they provide the same fix, but different enough in general mood that they’re fresh experiences. But I’ve gone on for a long time now!
I’ll leave off by agreeing with the majority here, that this is your comic, you give it to us for free, and it’s 100% Shaenon and Jeff’s choice to continue or cancel. An emotional “death by a thousand needles” is really, really nothing to sneeze at, and I can sympathize, so do what you need to do PLEASE. Of course I’m with the hundreds (HUNDREDS!!!) who would like to see the comic continue. But to Shaenon specifically, I’ll still add my two cents…
Cent 1: Your reason for stopping was because you don’t see the point in posting a comic nobody likes. However, hundreds (HUNDREDS!!!) of people clearly enjoy your comic. It follows logically that you should keep making the comic.
Cent 2: You’ve been steaming along for 13 years on SH alone, plus 6 more from Narbonic. For a good chunk of that time you’ve also been a freaking parent, and yet you posted a regular 6-day-a-week schedule for all of SH. That’s insane. You’ve indicated the journey will end within the year, so… what do you have to lose now? You’re in this deep already, so show those clowns the what-for! They can’t stop you!
Seriously, thanks Shaenon and Jeff both for making one of the best comics I have ever seen. If this comic stopped right now, we’ll still have a monument of a work on our hands, which future artists should look to for an example. If you continue the comic, though, we’ll have something that manages to top that—we’ll have a complete masterpiece.
You deserve the best.
Oh, and if this really was an early April Fool’s joke, you got me good, I dun goofed. But the above still applies, really!
Uuugh I’m too used to comments sections where you can edit your posts… I also just realized my original comment smells of guilt-tripping. That’s very bad, and I’m sorry. Shaenon feeling good should the primary objective for all of us.
Really sad to hear people have been getting you down. I don’t really read the comments, nor do I ever really comment. But I’ve basically loved every one of your strips from now all the way back to the first Narbonic strip.
Please please don’t let the haters make your choices for you. I love your work. My wife loves your work. We’ve supported you by buying your books and supporting your Patreon for years, and want to see the story conclude, and see what you do next. Please please take a break and come back refreshed.
Frequent lurker here. I really enjoy Skin Horse and I’ll miss it a lot! Thanks so much for making something that brings me joy. (Also, I really hope you’ll reconsider.)
Just in case this helps…you, or someone else out there, too:
Tracy Chou is an amazing woman who invented “Block Party”, which gently autofilters and “sets aside” certain comments, for the user to choose deal with later, delete, or just to have someone else handle. She did this because she said, the internet was built by folks who didn’t always understand the types of abuse and harassment that could occur.
Her “Block Party” is something that needs built in at every level of social media. With social media, anyone can walk up to your door. Features like Block Party let us have a choice on when, or if, to answer it.
I’ve been following y’all’s work since midway through Narbonic’s run (egads, was that really over 15 years ago?? That… CAN’T be right…) and have been buying the books. I tend to lurk a lot because I spent most of my life on the ‘Net and, well, I don’t want to be the kind of person who offers opinions and comments just because he CAN. But make no mistake; I adore your work, and (April Fools or not) hope that you’ll continue for many years.
Just wanted to say I’m a longtime reader, and I do enjoy the comic, though I usually don’t have much to say on the comments front. I appreciate all the time and work you’ve put in over the years entertaining us all.
Another longtime reader here, loved Narbonic and love Skin Horse too. Don’t listen to the trolls!
Initially I was content to let the hundreds of brokenhearted commenters above speak for me, but as a second day without Skin Horse draws to a close, I feel compelled to let you know that I have loved every day I have read your comics, and loved every hour I spent catching up on Narbonic, reading the filename story, and every other thing you’ve done. You may not remember, but I cosplayed Dr. Lee when you were a guest at Arisia years and years ago.
You should do what’s right for you, of course, but I’d like to add my voice to the chorus of people saying that we love the comic, we love the art, we love the story, and we love you. If the comic is truly dead, its death by a thousand tiny cutting comments will be a truly tragic one indeed.
I do not normally comment, as I do not generally feel I have anything of value to contribute. But know that I have loved this webcomic since the days of Narbonic and I would be devastated if it were to discontinue. Please take whatever time you need for your health and sanity, and know that your readers care deeply about the comic.
I think I need to be a dissenting voice here. I love Skin Horse, as I loved Narbonic before it. But from what I gather from earlier comments here, Shaenon took down the comic and decided to stop drawing it without Jeff’s input, despite the fact that she has a regular audience and people who spend money on her products. To be clear, I am not trying to be critical of her here. My first thought is that there is something more wrong here than being upset at some trolls. If an action as swift and decisive as this was her first inclination, than there might be other reasons than we know for not continuing the strip. Burnout, stress, mental health, we don’t know. So I would caution everyone begging her to bring the strip back to dial it back a little. She isn’t just begging for complements here, I think. If the strip is a burden to her for any reason, we need to accept that and not put peer pressure on her. And if I’m reading too much into this and am wrong, then no one will be happier than me.
I tend to stay pretty quiet – but Skin Horse is one of the comics I most look forward to seeing update. Back since Narbonic, your work’s been one of the highlights of my reading life!
Maybe I shouldn’t lurk so much.
My friend got me reading this comic back in high school and i binged all of narbonic once i caught up. Everyone is entitled to a break or to leave projects they dont enjoy. if you do decide to revisit Skin Horse and start posting again, ill be there to read it
Hey Shannon. I don’t comment too much, but I’ve really enjoyed this comic! It was one of the few that had me laughing aloud while binging it, and it’s been nice to see all the characters grow. Regarding your art style, I think it’s very cute! You really give a lot of personality to all of the characters, even the robots. I’m sorry that people were making comments like that
I hope that one day you can feel up to coming back to skin horse or starting another project.
I’m new to your comics, but I think they’re adorable and funny!
I just wanted to say that this has always been one of the webcomics I look forward to most when reading my daily webcomics with breakfast in the morning. I usually leave it to last, because I know it will always be a consistently good and entertaining read. I’ve been following this comic since it started and would be really sorry to see it end now.
I love the strip. I’ve been following it for more than 10 years now, and it’s the first thing I read every morning.
*hugs offered*
Never commented before (never read the comments before) but love your work and already miss you
Okay, I don’t comment often, but it seems that this occasion calls for it.
This comic is awesome. The art is awesome. You are awesome, Shaenon. This is one of three webcomics that I read eagerly, awaiting the updates like a starving woman waiting for food. (Or a starving pony waiting for friendship.) I have an original strip and other art that you have drawn from book orders and the Kickstarter.
I often check for the new comic before bedtime, and am usually sad because it’s not up yet. I would be incredibly sad if it ended.
Please know that you and your work are valued.
And maybe the haters need to drink a nice, tall glass of shut the hell up.
I’ve been an avid follower of Shaennon’s work since the early days of Narbonic. One of the first three web comics I started following regularly. The current project with Jeff has been wildly entertaining, plot going off wildly in all directions with an engaging cast of characters, all of whom have become friends.
And how can anyone not love the artwork? The characters are so alive! Even the robots!
I want to know what happens next! (and next, and next, and next….) Please come back!
I’ve been reading comics/graphic art for almost 70 years. I just recently found your work. Your art and storytelling rate among the best imho.
Thank you very much for making the world a brighter place.
Much happiness to you in whatever endeavors you may pursue.
WHAT. HAPPENED. WHAT DID YOU PEOPLE DO?! We were THIS CLOSE to a satisfying conclusion and you RUINED IT. YOU SUCK.
Please don’t kill Skin Horse. PLEASE. I, personally, NEED to know how it ends.
Oh god it didn’t update! It wasn’t a joke!!! Look when I pointed out how terrible the sentient eat sentient trope was I wasn’t criticizing you, I was congratulating you for not doing that.
Isn’t this abit far for a joke though? I mean I always check in once it updates, and this is the first thing I saw, there was never a “today’s comic”, and it’s been a whole day but no update.
My mom says ugly is jealous of beauty and tries to tear it down. You’re beautiful, Shaenon. Please don’t let ugly people tarnish your light.
Trying not to cry. I hate all of you who hurt her.
Skin Horse is one of my daily stops, y’all, and if some comment goons make one of my favorite comixxor-makers sad enough to take that away, Imma lose my cool.
Would it help if we said “Please”?
I will miss this strip. I have been reading without commenting for years, I owe you a word of appreciation by now.
I’m another reader who followed you here from Narbonics. I love the characters, the complex story line, the art: all of it. I went back last year and reread from the beginning to remember more details. I was already sad that the story line was coming to an end, but was dealing with it. I am really really sorry that this may be the end.
But regardless of what i think or feel, I most want Shaenon to do what’s best for her. Though of course I hope it’s to realize how many of us are seriously invested in Skin Horse.
Hey Shaenon.
I almost never comment on webcomics, but I want to say that I’ve enjoyed your style consistently for maybe a decade now, and while on rereads it’s always fun to watch your style evolve, I’ve never thought of it as “bad” or anything similar. It’s clean, it’s clear and its cute, everything I love about the comic. Some comics might succeed because the plot and dialogue go beyond the art, and others succeed because the art overshadows the dialogue and plot, but yours succeeds because they both complement each other and work as mutual reinforcement.
I understand that you need to take a break – whether temporary or permanent – and I support you doing what’s needed for your own mental health. Just know that, whatever some dickheads in the comments have been saying, I tremendously enjoy your work and will continue to do so for as long as it’s up on the web.
Sorry you feel like people don’t like the comic. I know it can suck to have a bunch of people being negative about something you made. Nothing is perfect, but I very much have enjoyed Skin Horse over the years.
Hey folks! Co-author here with a quick update. We’ll be taking a little R&R break from posting here; we plan to return to live updates on Monday, May 3. Hope to see you then! Watch this space for a more formal-looking announcement soon.
Thanks, and love you all.
Is time for binky?
Is time for binky! ^_^
Take all the time you both need. It has been how many years without a break? You deserve it.
Just be careful this break does not make you go crazy with MLP fanfic! (or, you know what? go crazy! ;D )
In the meantime, reread time it is! 🙂
I’m relieved to hear that you seem to have found a way to go forward. Do you need fanart to bridge the next month or would this defeat the purpose of taking a break?
Hallo Chan. Just wanted to say: (a) a break sounds like a very healthy move (I’ve always been staggered by how the SH team managed to put out a strip every day for over a decade; hard to think of any other comic that managed that), and (b) the announcement back in January that the conclusion of the strip was peeking into view had me both excited and saddened. I don’t think there’s much doubt after the hundreds of comments here, but just for the record: there are indeed people enjoying the strip.
Take care, all o’ ya.
I’m so glad to hear this. I’m part of the apparently-too-quiet-until-now crowd who loves everything about this comic, and it’s so sad to hear that the negativity has piled up so much. I’ve joined the patreon, something I should have done long ago for a comic that I literally look forward to every morning.
One idea might be to turn off commenting except for for patreon members, and perhaps to introduce some community moderators with a quick deletion policy for complaints. There’s plenty of other spaces on the internet to be negative in.
What, you return on May 3, by birthday!? Oh, what a gift!
That seems like a healthy decision. Good luck and peace of mind to you both!
Thank you for the update, and I hope that you’re doing well, Jeff. It’s hard to communicate earnest admiration over the internet without falling into one of a thousand parasocial pitfalls, but I mean it when I say that you have been an inspiration. Please take care of yourself.
I agree with the other posters take all the time you need and I’d encourage you to take some regularly scheduled time off between chapters. If it was me I’d say at a least a week, but you do you.
Thank you for posting this update, Jeff! All of you richly deserve a break. May the time be restful or enjoyable or otherwise worthwhile for you, and we’ll be here when you come back.
Glad I red up from the bottom , this is a lot of comment. Good news that you plan to return . Thank you.
Hurray! Congrats I hope Shaenon can enjoy a good rest and a break, and hopefully return refreshed and ready. (some web comics have big month long breaks between every book).
Shaenon Enjoy your rest, I loved Narbonic, and I love Skin-horse and I’ve enjoyed your cous-cous collective stories as well. You have a great talent.
Thankyou, thankyou, thankyou. Please only return when you feel ready. I for one am prepared to wait as long as it takes. I have only ever bought 3 books of comics and yours is the one that brings me the most joy.
Just adding my voice to what appears to already be many (and I’m sure is indicative of the many more who also have positive things to say but haven’t commented for one reason or another). Narbonic was the first story-driven webcomic that I ever read and it, along with Skin Horse, opened the doors for me to many other fantastic stories on the net.
Your stories have remained a constant companion to me through a number of high-school years, the entirety of my university experience and even into my current doctoral training. And, while I was always predisposed to science, they have almost certainly had an impact on the fact that I am currently studying in a robotics lab. To say your stories have had a profound and positive effect on my life would be an understatement.
I have always viewed your work as the gold standard of webcomic creation – the comedy is sound and the stories engaging, and perhaps most impressive is your dedication to continuous creation of your content. The fact that you have consistently put out a high-quality (and in light of your mentioning people nit-picking your art, I mean that – your drawing style is unique and fantastic and the only time I’ve ever seen a strip and thought ‘huh, I guess that’s not quite as good as it could be’ was when comparing the hand-sketched first few Narbonic pages to the beautifully inked and produced strips you make today on my, like, 14th read-through. I cannot stress enough how much I think your art is of the highest calibre of any comic I have seen – it kind of has a refreshingly traditional air to it, which is something one rarely sees, and definitely something someone rarely sees done well) strip every day bar Sundays (and even then have uploaded content) for so long is mind-boggling and something that I certainly could never achieve. When I think of content creators (past and present, in any medium), few can hold a candle to your efforts, and literally nothing will dissuade me from my certainty in that fact.
To this day, my copies of Narbonic and some of your other stories remain my most prized possessions.
I haven’t seen what was said, and I wouldn’t like to be so ignorant as to pretend that I understand what you’re feeling, but I just wanted to say something, to wish you well, and to say that no matter what you do next you have my complete support and understanding.
And with that comes a long-overdue subscription on Patreon. You guys (obviously including you too, Jeff! Didn’t want you to feel left out haha) are amazing and I haven’t bought a book or wallpaper from you for a while.
Just want to add that I enjoy it and appreciate you!! Longtime fan.
These are fun characters. Nick’s evolution has been particularly great.
Shaenon, just sick the Dave society on the haters. As in most things the number of people lurking and enjoying your and Jeff’s comic far exceeds the no talent hacks trying to tear you down.
I hadn’t really noticed the uptick in snide comments about the art, but it’s there. Guess I’ve been desensitised by the endless torrent of hate that is the rest of the Internet… Jeff seems to get a certain amount of passive-agressiveness from diehard “Narbonic” fans, too. Just goes to show, it’s not just the screaming-abuse kind of negativity that’s a problem.
Oh, and on the art front? Shaenon is the best in the business, bar none, at doing visual characterisation and expression. Which are literally the two most important things in comic strip art. At any comic con, you’ll find hundreds of scarily photorealistic renditions of Batman, but you’ll be lucky to find anyone who does /cartoon/ art half as good as hers.
While you (of course) have every right to stop doing this comic if you don’t enjoy it anymore or feel that you’ve run out of things you want to do with it, I really hope you don’t think people don’t enjoy it just because a few people express critical opinions about it. I have noticed the recurring complaints (and been irritated by them), but if they don’t like your comic nobody is forcing them to read it – since they keep coming back even they apparently think its worthwhile. And I’m sure there are lots of people like me, who aren’t normally the type to comment but who reads and loves your work. (I was unsure about commenting now too, since there are already so many others who have let you know that they love the comic, but in the end I decided that I wanted to voice my appreciation anyway, since it sounds like you might need to hear it).
Personally I have loved pretty much everything I’ve been able to get my hands on that you’ve made – including Monster of the week and Horror every day, despite not liking horror movies and having seen only pieces of two episodes of Archive X (one of those was without sound because someone on front of me on a train was watching it, and the first reason I realized it was Archive X was that I recognized Skinner from your drawings!). I read A LOT of webcomics and Skin Horse are among my top three favorites currently updating (which one is number 1 varies depending on my mood, but that is often Skin Horse too). Both Skin Horse and Narbonic are among my top ten favorite comics ever made. I’ve always loved drawing, and you are one of the artists I really admire and strive to learn from, due to the way you manage to capture personality, expressions, etcetera with only a few lines (like how you managed all the body-swapping and transformations in Narbonic without it ever being even a bit difficult to know who was who). Your style is so deceptively simple, and yet, as I mentioned above, you managed to capture Skinner’s essence so well that I recognized him without any context from only your drawings. Portraits are my favorite thing to draw (though my style is very different from yours), and I think its difficult for someone who doesn’t draw themselves to realize how impressive something like that is. Your characters are lovable (despite often being thoroughly unpleasant people, realistically speaking) and interesting, the stories are fun, and I love that despite having read so much of you work I still never now what to expect, except that it will be an entertaining ride. (Jeff, you also deserve a lot of credit for the latter parts as far as Skin horse is concerned!)
So regardless of what you choose to do going forward, please don’t think that your work isn’t appreciated and enjoyed! No matter how good something is there’s always going to be some people who just have a different taste, and others who enjoy picking things to pieces regardless of whether or not they enjoy them (after all things are seldom perfect even when they are great). I understand that negative comments on something you’ve created and care about must be difficult to deal with, but I hope you won’t let it get you down too much, or think that those who complain represent everyone.
Of course I also hope that you will finish Skin Horse. I was already sad that it seemed to be drawing to an end, and I would hate to miss out on the ending. If you should decide that you need a break from it but still want to finish it sooner or later I will be here waiting eagerly for whenever that happens. If you decide to do something different instead I will be exited to see what you come up with next. If you decide to stop publishing material all together I will be very sad, but grateful for the amazing things you have already shared. Thanks for brightening my world a bit with your creations!
I realized when I reread my comment that the first sentence could be interpreted as being sarcastic or passive-aggressive. That is NOT how it was intended: What I was trying to express was that you shouldn’t feel guilty or pressured if you can’t or don’t want to finish the comic; It would just be a shame if it happened because of a mistaken impression that no one appreciates it.
Checking in on the daily to see if there’s a change. Know that we support you, whatever your decision ends up being. Regardless, thank you for the years of enjoyment. I will remember them fondly, even if, God forbid, the story of Skin Horse ends here.
NOT HELPFUL!!!
This ^^^ comment was posted in response to a comment which has now been deleted (good) and is not directed at the authors.
You are part of the problem, you dolt! A person can only stand so many insults before they’ve had enough. So what do you do? You go and insult her again. Idiot!
This ^^^ comment was posted in response to a comment which has now been deleted (good) and is not directed at the authors.
I want to say thank you, I have enjoyed this comic every since I found it, and seeing what antics are happening every day has been a pleasure and brings a smile to my face.
I hope it will continue, but as others have said I as others support you and whatever your decision is.
I’ll finish with just one more thought, there are a lot of people that view comics, or other any medium (games, papers, etc..) and silently enjoy them that don’t comment. So while there will unfortunately always be some vocal trolls on the internet, there almost always will be a large silent majority that enjoy something but don’t comment on it (I’ve been one myself until just now)
Hi, I’m a lurker who has been reading for around 10 years or so. I love your comic and felt this might be the best time to start posting as you seem to need the extra support right now. I know how frustrating all the jerks on the internet can be, and I don’t know that I can say anything that hasn’t been said by others here, but there are a lot of us here that love your work and would be very sad to see you go. Please take the time you need to sort your feelings out and I wish you good health in whatever you decide to do.
Pretty sure they know.
Some people just gotta troll.
On the upside, the kind that troll on this occasion may as well be wearing an “ignore me forever” shirt they can’t remove as long as you remember they did it. It’s handy!
Er, that was to the comments to the person leaving a nasty comment a bit higher. Turns out I forgot to turn off enough NoScript to properly leave a comment to a person, but not enough to leave a comment. Who knew that was possible?
I blame Windows. Even if you’re not using Windows, I still blame Windows.
Me too. I wrote software for windows for years, and I blame it for just about everything!
Found the troll. It’s rather appropriate that it named itself after a chemical weapon body spray.
Unfortunately, they’re not the only troll.
Just wanted to add my name to the list of people who normally never comment, but wanted to show support. I started reading during the second year of Narbonic, and haven’t missed any since. Thank you.
Long time reader (Narbonic junkie), seldom commenter: We love your work, and click six days a week to see it.
Hope you choose to continue, and we your fans are here for you
Shannon,
I cannot adequately explain just how much your work means (has meant?) to me. As a teen I found a fanfic, of all things, in a crossover with skin horse. It led me here, to one of the few places that have helped me through some dark (and bright, not completely sad here) times in my life. As soon as I finished my time in boot camp (and had my phone back) I spent the next couple hours to LAX learning just how crazy Skin Horse sounds when read aloud, but all involved enjoyed listening to my reading.
I want to emphasize the importance of doing what You want now. I, like most others here, have a vested interest in seeing the end of this. I like the setting, the characters, and the villian- however, I am not in your shoes.
I’d love nothing more than to beg you to continue. Skin horse is one of my favorite constants in life, and I adore Narbonic. I cannot, however, in good conscience, ask you to continue if it will have a detrimental effect on you as a person.
Take care of yourself, Shanneon, please. Skin-horse may end up as (in)famous as Firefly, but at least you’ll be okay.
And I consider unresolved catharsis a small price to pay for your continued safety and wellbeing.
Sincerely,
C.R.
Reading since 6/14/2015
Oh, and on a barely related note, Trolls? Screw ’em. They don’t have half the courage you do. You put yourself out there dispite the fear that you’ll be judged, and you do it anyway. You are the only cartoonist I know that posted their work on lined paper!! Talk about brass ones! That bumps you up to big gold ones right there! I can almost guarantee those cowards have never drawn anything more than a line on graph paper for math class. (I, in the meantime peak at a “point” on a graph, and even that isn’t very good).
I should probably add a disclaimer that I don’t know a lot of cartoonists, but I don’t care. You are (to me) the given example that others should look up to, and the rest can quietly #@×! off!
*Aaand I just saw Jeff’s note.
Good.
Take care, we’ll see you when you’re ready.
i just came to say I LOVE SKIN HORSE IT’S MY FAVORITE WEBCOMIC SINCE NARBONIC
miss you horribly, hope to see you again soon.
all the love,
–dr brain (i once cosplayed dr jones with a live cohort of tip and dr lee and toys for sweetheart and nick and YOU AUTOGRAPHED MY GIANT WRENCH AND IT NOW HANGS IN MY LIVING ROOM THIS IS THE BEST)
I don’t have anything to add that hasn’t already been really eloquently said by other readers, but I did want to say that my Skin Horse collection is one of the only books I can take down and genuinely laugh like I’ve never read it before. The comedy flow of this series is truly one of a kind. There’s no changing the accomplishments this series has already achieved!
So, since the strip got taken down, I’ve checked in here twice a few minutes past midnight, because i forgot what had happened and this strip is part of my day, everyday. But I also checked in four times hoping for good news. I love Skin-Horse, and I hope you’ll conclude it. If you can’t, for any reason, I respect that. I’m sorry people’s nitpicks have hurt you like this.
Harsh but true.
You really are a loathsome waste of oxygen.
This ^^^ comment was posted in response to a comment which has now been deleted (good) and is not directed at the authors.
Please come back. We miss you.
I’ve been following your works since you came to Minnesota and had a group of us go to the science museum.
Some of the online comics that I have read the author did not have a big enough following to pay the bills and another one Mega Tokyo the author has become so obsessed with the artwork that he barely gets one out once a month if you have to cut back to once a week that would be fine with me as long as you let us know how often you are publishing so that we can keeps up with it, though if you were to publish twice a day, I would check twice a day.
I stumbled across Narbonic shortly before it ended, read it, loved it, and have been reading Skin Horse since the beginning. To the point that it’s what I set as the home page of my browser. Have a good rest, and return triumphant.
Dammit, this is horrible. I love Skin Horse! I love Narbonic! Who are these horrible people saying terrible things? To hell with all of them! …Shaenon, is there something else going on? Is there more to this? Has life thrown you a squishy boomerang? Or are you… overwhelmed, burned out? I’ve never met you so I can’t say I love you, but I love your strips! They’re great! Best of The Net!
well, I’ve only been reading it for a decade or so, and enjoyed it, very much. If my opinion counts, then, please, Please, PLEASE! keep going. I think you have one of the most popular web comics out there.
Please don’t do this; if you do, the idiots and the deliberately cruel trolls win, and you lose. You don’t deserve that.
I think not having to deal with douchebag trolls anymore is more of a win than a loss.
Well, I love this comic. I hope you don’t give up just because of internet assholes.
But if you aren’t feeling it anymore, do what you think is right.
My daily routine used to be coming in here to see a new brilliantly funny comic and now it is coming in here hoping to see some good news or at least share in the love we fans want to show you.
Please don’t lose heart Shaennon, while it is true that it is the wimpiest of Captain Planets components it is also one of humanity’s greatest motivators and a powerful ally.
We love you, we love your work. We love the characters and we love the writing.
Please come back to us ❤️
Read the strips and bought the books since about 2002. Sad that you’ve been hated out.
Haha looks like it’s time for a reread; can’t seem to break the habit of checking this page every day. Hoping you have a restful break Shaenon!
I and my three daughters love it and read it every morning at breakfast, and have since narbonic (they always cheer when Artie is featured). Even if this is the end, thank you so much for all you have done. My one daughter learned to draw by tracing your drawings and still comments on how much she loves your style.
Well, my bad week just got a little worse, although still clearly not as bad as Shaenon’s.
Skin Horse and Narbonic have been at the top of my regular webcomic reads roughly since the first appearance of Dr. Antonio Smith, so burn-out is understandable. I’ll be among those sorry to see the comic end in such abrupt fashion.
I’m not sure if GoComics is just running out the buffer, or whether S&J have decided to continue comment-free there. I’m still faintly hoping for the latter, or at least that they might consider eventually finishing the run in book form.
Nohow, others more eloquent have written before me. Best hopes for the future.
Well…. Were I you I would certainly not read this many comments… But … Just in case you ever do read this I have had an idea. (“just a long history of complaints and nitpicking and “funny” little jabs,”) Perhaps not all that funny , but someone who is failing at humor is amusing from the right perspective . ” a long history of complaints” makes it sound dependable . I can imagine a character drawn from this materiel , either a vainglorious villain or a buffoon or of course both. You could paraphrase the most foolish comments into non sequiturs offered as total wisdom by a clueless cartoon character. Or not . It is your work , my suggestions are to be forgotten if they do not appeal to you.
I am grateful for the amusement you have given , and I wish you well whether you continue this work or choose other work. God bless you -Mike
that actually sounds cathartic
I don’t think Skin Horse is badly drawn, and I certainly don’t think it’s boring.
I’m sure that if somebody has the intelligence of a turnip and the attention span of a goldfish, they might well find it boring.
As for the esthetic qualities of the strip, anybody who who thinks they can do better is free to start their own. I doubt a comparison would favor them.
Personal experience tells me that when you get to be 64, you learn not to worry about the opinions of stupid people.
You clearly enjoy art, and this comic in particular. Why let people with the IQ of sea slugs stop you from creating it?
Everyone PLEASE go to the next page and read it before posting here!