So, she’s not really a Mad Scientist herself, just an extremely intelligent construct like Artie? (The career of wozzername, the insane gerbil, still seems to suggest there might be such a thing as Mad constructs.)
Yeah, I am aware she’s mechanical. I was sort of noting that in spite of having invented multiple new flavors of buffalo wings, she isn’t a proper “mad”, as clearly demonstrated by her failure to join in the chorus. Thing is, I’m just a bit unhappy we have yet (looking a awgiedawgie’s comment below) to run across a proper Mad who isn’t human. I blame the subtle influence of The Man.
Even then I think they would be distinguishable. Shaenon has, after all, done stories in Narbonic with physically identical characters. Generally with a cue like clothing, but they were distinguishable based on speech patterns and body language.
If you have your browser set to ‘large’, such that the entirety of the strip doesn’t necessarily appear on the screen at once and so you have to scroll… the edge of the browser initially cuts off the bottom half of Ruby’s face. Result: I perceived the bridge of her nose as her nose, and her nose as her mouth… and thus her facial expression as a very smug smirk.
Which completely changed the meaning of that panel, lemme tell you.
The Institute cured them at last. Their fears have now come to pass. They’ll destroy the insane, make them all so mundane. And the three stop to curse and to blast.
It’s popular, [1] but not required even for men. (The Mad in charge of the furnace room was clean-shaven. Although perhaps the boss eyewear compensated for that.)
[1] The old-fashioned “Einstein fright wig” hairdo, with or without facial hair, still has its fans.
Panel 4 is another gem! Masterful expressions, body language and composition.
I also love how Captain Kinlin’s translucent balloon in panel 1 emphasizes he’s merely a banal shadow of his former self..
And I bet that coffee isn’t even evil. Or maybe it’s chamomile tea – very soothing.
Madbloods! [Kermit flail]
Well the sane part is debatable since while “cured” they reject what’s actually real around them.
So, she’s not really a Mad Scientist herself, just an extremely intelligent construct like Artie? (The career of wozzername, the insane gerbil, still seems to suggest there might be such a thing as Mad constructs.)
She’s a battle android.
Yeah, I am aware she’s mechanical. I was sort of noting that in spite of having invented multiple new flavors of buffalo wings, she isn’t a proper “mad”, as clearly demonstrated by her failure to join in the chorus. Thing is, I’m just a bit unhappy we have yet (looking a awgiedawgie’s comment below) to run across a proper Mad who isn’t human. I blame the subtle influence of The Man.
Dana wasn’t Mad. She was super-intelligent and insane. There’s a difference – subtle though it may be.
Now St. Charlie will show them. St Charlie will show them all!
And due to the widespread reality blindness, no one will notice.
Just for the record: We’re not supposed to tell the difference between the bespectacled, goatee’d, white men, right?
Let’s see…white, bearded, glasses. Bald (and faded out), short hair, longish hair, hat. As long as he doesn’t lose the hat and nobody gets a haircut…
Even then I think they would be distinguishable. Shaenon has, after all, done stories in Narbonic with physically identical characters. Generally with a cue like clothing, but they were distinguishable based on speech patterns and body language.
Those are the Professor Madblood clones. [Kermit flail!]
No, although the IRL version of the Mad Tech Support Guy did consider cosplaying as Madblood more than once.
Have you spent the last 10 years working up to this line? Well played, well played.
The forms must be obeyed!
Bwahahaha!
Sorry, I just felt the need to join in …
It’s nice to know that some things stay the same, even in the midst of massive social and political upheavel.
Excellent. Every mad scientist battlecry. They are now ready to fight at the top of their powers.
They will MAKE THEM PAY!
I really love this, BTW. Perfect responses.
How ’bout them Knicks?
Mondays – am I right?
Man, that Dr. Kirk – you’ll never guess what he said this time…
[etc.]
Can’t think of a situation more likely to result in a bunch of mad scientist finding a “cure” for the “cure’.
Along with an ample dose of spillover for the benefit of the normally sane population.
We could all use a little madness, sometimes!
If you have your browser set to ‘large’, such that the entirety of the strip doesn’t necessarily appear on the screen at once and so you have to scroll… the edge of the browser initially cuts off the bottom half of Ruby’s face. Result: I perceived the bridge of her nose as her nose, and her nose as her mouth… and thus her facial expression as a very smug smirk.
Which completely changed the meaning of that panel, lemme tell you.
So THAT’s what that line was presaging. Fantastic
That is one powerful running gag amplifier.
Somebody better turn it off soon, before the whole comic is overrun with tropes!
Too late. Or hadn’t you noticed?
The Institute cured them at last. Their fears have now come to pass. They’ll destroy the insane, make them all so mundane. And the three stop to curse and to blast.
Are moustaches and goatees required for Mad Science? Asking for a friend.
It’s popular, [1] but not required even for men. (The Mad in charge of the furnace room was clean-shaven. Although perhaps the boss eyewear compensated for that.)
[1] The old-fashioned “Einstein fright wig” hairdo, with or without facial hair, still has its fans.
Baldness, such at that possessed by Silver Age Lex Luthor is fashionable in some circles as well.
I love Ruby’s expression in the last panel: “My work here is done.”
I interpret it as sadness over all that is about to be lost.
I can’t believe I missed this one on my first read through. This is brilliant.