I finally parsed it, but for some time I was trying to read “stanky den Baron” as some sort of weird pseudo-Germanic title. (Then the coffee hit, I guess.)
The final panel is especially lovely. Beautiful illustration. The fountain even has little splashes! But something bothers me…
“Nevermind! These glowing butterflies are leading us through the wisteria!” is funny but raises critical questions about glowing butterfly psuedo-biology. Do they spontaneously generate in the darkness of the wisteria’s shadow? Do the fly a circuit, returning to dimness when they plunge back into the inky blackness? Are they anglerfish-like lures..?
Ah, but if they’re particle effects, are they billboards or do they have polygonal models? Is the glow a shader or an actual light source? Is their fluttering a drunken walk along some guiding vector, or do they behave as a swarm? And where are the anglerfish, D. Walker? Where are the anglerfish?!
Baron created a memorial garden for his creator. I knew it!
By George, I think you got it! It makes sense!
Would that be Shaenon or Jeff?
Two statues, one garden.
Quick, someone write stats for the Wisteria of Depravity.
But when you reach the Scene of Crime
the Wisteria’s … not there!
Macavity’s not there, he couldn’t have anything to do with it!
It sounds like a Munchkin card.
I believe that’s your department.
Is it anywhere near the Seashell and Salt Water Taffy Shop of Doom?
Maybe it’s a memorial garden to his creator.
Or maybe Shaenon made an homage to the ST: TNG episode “Hollow Pursuits,” with Virginia and Mistycorn in place of Counselor Troi and Ensign Barcly.
I’m not sure which option would be more disturbing, really.
I know which one would be the most fun for *us*!
Well, at least it doesn’t look like Duckburg.
ohhhh the garden looks so LOVELY
…..did he make a place where a unicorn could be a unicorn?
Perhaps he’s… homesick for Whimsy? Who would have thought it…
Hmm… don’t forget what his avatar is like around Aimee. I’d not be surprised if the *core* Baron is what he wishes he was.
“Wisteria of Depravity” just made my day.
Now, is the Baron just afraid to admit that he’s a big old romantic softie at heart?
All that wisteria can make a guy wisterical.
Or at least wistful.
Creating a secluded pastoral setting where he can be himself doesn’t necessarily preclude him still being, well, himself.
No one ever expects the “landscaping by elves” fetish!
(I’ll see myself out.)
I finally parsed it, but for some time I was trying to read “stanky den Baron” as some sort of weird pseudo-Germanic title. (Then the coffee hit, I guess.)
The final panel is especially lovely. Beautiful illustration. The fountain even has little splashes! But something bothers me…
“Nevermind! These glowing butterflies are leading us through the wisteria!” is funny but raises critical questions about glowing butterfly psuedo-biology. Do they spontaneously generate in the darkness of the wisteria’s shadow? Do the fly a circuit, returning to dimness when they plunge back into the inky blackness? Are they anglerfish-like lures..?
You’re overthinking it – they’re just video game particle effects. They don’t have to make sense, they’re just a looping visual effect to look nice.
Ah, but if they’re particle effects, are they billboards or do they have polygonal models? Is the glow a shader or an actual light source? Is their fluttering a drunken walk along some guiding vector, or do they behave as a swarm? And where are the anglerfish, D. Walker? Where are the anglerfish?!
Are they anglerfish-like lures..?
I like the way you think!