Baddest Company

RayWe were a bit crunched this week as we tried to adapt our regular routine around my new work schedule, so there are definitely some areas that the quality of the comic suffered because of it. But the fact we were able to turn out something at least this decent lets me know we’ll do just fine once we become comfortable enough.

There are some interesting questions I have regarding my own style, and I’m constantly trying to understand how it should look. Tim and Ray have a very unique style that no one else seems to share lately. But would characters like Birdo or Sonic look as interesting if I did them in simplistic vector/nubby-elbow style? Or should I start changing how Tim and Ray look, instead? There are a number of things I need to flesh out here, and maybe I’ll bring it back up in the next podcast. Maybe.

TimI think this week was tough because I was really focusing on getting the forum up and at the same time, had to take Ray’s new work schedule into account. This meant I was trying to think of a comic idea, building the forum, and doing the podcast all over the weekend. So unfortunately the comic idea slipped a bit into Monday and Ray really didn’t have as much time to work on it as he needed. Hopefully that’s remedied in the coming weeks as we get used to an employed Ray. So sorry, it’s not the best comic we’ve done, but I hope you still enjoy it!

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44 Comments

  1. roadjcat says:

    Last panel is great!

  2. Andrew says:

    NCG!

    I love grampa’s elbows.

  3. shancad says:

    … i settle for any thing halo chronicles related! or what about sonic unleashed? or diablo 3 (i am getting these from duelinganalogs)
    or yet what about Mortal kombat Vs. DC universe?

    FIRST i think….

  4. shancad says:

    crap…. while i was typing too…..

  5. CKcheeseboy says:

    Meh…not great, but not terrible. At least you have excuses, though. Your comics used to be good; back before the forums.

    As for the art itself (well, except panel 1…way to take the lazy way out and just use silhouettes and a gradient 😛 jk), it’s good for not having tons of time to put into it. There are really only two things that stand out two me. First, that’s a really bright orange for the background, and it’s a little distracting. Second, because of Old Guy’s shoulder placement, it look like he has a weird neck rather than him being hunched over. That could just be me, though.

    I think for the other characters, though, keep it how it is. Tim and Ray you could change if you want, but don’t change it just for the sake of change. For the other characters, I think they would look strange in that style, just because they aren’t normally in that style. You could always experiment for a few strips and see which people like better, too. That way, we can have a better idea of how they would look, and you would have an idea of which way you prefer to draw them.

  6. heh, I loved it.
    reminds me of how my dad reacts to the new recruits.
    especially loved grandpa’s expression in the last panel.

  7. dj75728 says:

    First thing I thought; Cranky Kong, DK:Country. First panel is my favorite.

  8. CKcheeseboy says:

    😛

    Is it just me, or does that look more like a smiley with his mouth open rather than one with his tongue out?

    You guys are probably like “Geez, this new guy is critiquing everything, even our smileys!” but I really do like your comics; you guys are much more consistently funny than some of the other web comics I read.

  9. MetaRidleyR27 says:

    Not bad! I’m glad I get it, since I played the Bad Company Demo. I personally love the style you use now Ray. If it really bugs you though, you could have a side by side comparison of the current Sonic and (potentially) new Sonic. That would make it easy to tell what style looks best for each character.

    And the grandpa looks like he may have had a heart attack in the last panel.

  10. shadowkid92 says:

    ncg. i like the joke and the last pannel was great!

  11. hyper says:

    The Old Guy Got Own

  12. tustin says:

    Oh, so that’s why Tim didn’t get back to me. Sorry to bother you then.

    Pretty good comic, and the punch line was great. The old man’s gonna have a heart attack soon. 🙂

    In the first panel, I though it was gramps talking to some young kid. Then the green helmet came in the next panel. Very interesting 🙂

  13. steve-ohs says:

    Good Comic
    I don’t really know anything about the game, but funny
    The old guy is awesome!

  14. Tristan says:

    doh, we didnt get to 500 comments on the last one =(

  15. D3vin says:

    doh, we didnt get to 500 comments on the last one =(

    Not yet, ;). Even though that would be the equivalent of attaching a carriage to a dead horse, not worth the effort.

    I love the comic, even though I had to search the game up to fully understand it.

  16. Anon says:

    The old guy looks like Herbert the pervert.

  17. dr.mario says:

    we also put smiely faces on our grnads

  18. Izaccthefrost says:

    Ajust soon!! I joke, its still good. And a second serving of spaghetti is WAY bad…..

  19. Teh Shadowman says:

    1. Your style reminds me of Nintendo Wii graphics.
    2. Nintendo Wii sells out where ever it is released
    3. think about that before you listen to the wankers who heckle and realise that half the talent you have is having the guts to post something.

    Personally I think you guys have some funny stuff and some not so funny stuff, but what I think (or what other people think) doesn’t really matter as long as you are happy and trying to improve.

    I’ll keep coming back (and linking here to friends via email) regardless.

    Keep up the great work. BOTH of you.

  20. Anon says:

    Well, I guess all (great) artists go through times of change and experimentation with their style (and focus)
    What you have is going for you, and while improvement, on anything, is greatly apperciated, what you are working with now is great.
    Though, maybe a change in style is for the better, as an example look at the evolution of the art in CAD.

    Or am I over-thinking this and/or making it harder.

  21. Adam Strange says:

    Hey Tim …don’t be so hard on yourselves about the comic….the artwork is secondary to the content…Ray does a great job and it is interesting that he can incorporate various styles to go with the wit and humor of your ideas….even if the art format change is due to time constraints….no one should fault him for his art…it is not as if this is his full time job and getting paid for it….you guys do a marvelous job with all the things on 2PStart…especially since this is a labor of love….don’t let petty criticisms get to you….

  22. Tristan says:

    hey Izaccthefrost, GREAT Sho Minamimoto avatar. luv it! Where did you get that pic of ol’ pi-face?
    lol…. 3.14159265358979323!!!!!

    heh heh. all WEWY fans, i direct you to this site:
    http://twewy.wikia.com/wiki/The_World_Ends_With_You

  23. Tristan says:

    also, you cant do the comics in a vector style, cause i dont really think you can draw everyone as crocodiles. LOL sonic referance! Vector the Crocodile. I WIN!

  24. lordwindowlicker says:

    WOW!
    It has been a LONG time since I’ve read anything as unfunny as this comic.
    Pathetic.

  25. Anon says:

    WOW!
    It has been a LONG time since I encountered someone as rude as lordwindowlicker.
    Pathetic.

  26. Tim says:

    Lordwindowlicker, are you actually FROM Virginia or just stationed there? I always thought Virginians were quite polite. I can provide a long list of unfunny websites if you’d like.

  27. lordwindowlicker says:

    Born and raised.

    I’m glad I actually got through to the author.
    Not only is your comic unfunny, but full of a disgusting bias.

  28. Anon says:

    Bias towards?

  29. lordwindowlicker says:

    Bias towards?

    You’ve been reading the comic for.. how long?

  30. Anon says:

    Well, what or who are they bias towards.
    Tell me oh great and powerful master.

  31. lordwindowlicker says:

    Well, what or who are they bias towards.
    Tell me oh great and powerful master.

    First, you mean biased. Someone who has a bias, is biased.
    Take a look at every comic, the blog, the info posted after every comic, and the forum subtitles.
    As I post this I run the risk of being labeled a “fanboy”. I guess that is the risk you run if you enjoy all consoles these days.
    Everything on the site, is anti Sony, Playstaton, etc. I find it disgusting, and violently ignorant. Some would argue that they’ve not been worthy of praise in the past few years.
    I’ve had as much fun with my Ps3 as I have with my Wii this gen.

    They’re perfectly entitled to create any webcomic that they want. Pro Nintendo.. Pro Microsoft… I’d rather be pro gaming.

  32. Anon says:

    I count three out of 73 comics that could hardly be considered anti-sony.
    If that’s bias then I’m a Nazi.

    And if you don’t like the comic leave.
    No-one is forcing you to read the comic, or even visit the site.

  33. lordwindowlicker says:

    I count three out of 73 comics that could hardly be considered anti-sony.
    If that’s bias then I’m a white supremist.

    You counted all the comics.. in that sort of a time?
    Okay, how many say anything good about Sony? Read the forum subtitles.

    You’re right, nobody IS forcing me to read it. I happened to do so, and was disgusted.
    I’ve said my piece, and I’m done.

  34. Anon says:

    No, I looked in the archives, the comics are numbered.
    And the PS3 subtitle is referencing how the PS3 recently included rumble features after them saying “rumble is last gen”
    And the PSP subtitle is pointing out the obvious.

  35. lordwindowlicker says:

    The PSP has load times becasue of the nature of optical media.
    Find one positive thing that they’ve EVER said about Sony (other than the Patapon comic’s “I might have to borrow a PSP to maybe play this game”.)

    Can’t do it?
    No, I didn’t think so.

  36. Anon says:

    The Brawl/MGS4 comic. Tim considers to get a PS3 just for MGS4.

    Hey, I never say anything good about turtles, it doesn’t mean I’m anti-turtle.

    Besides you said it yourself, they have the right to create any webcomic they want.
    If them not saying anything good about the PS3 disgusts you this much, I suggest you get help.

    Besides, I’m sure that Tim and Ray don’t have enough experiance with a PS3 to right good things about it.
    I don’t think none of them own one.

  37. lordwindowlicker says:

    The Brawl/MGS4 comic. Tim considers to get a PS3 just for MGS4.
    Hey, I never say anything good about turtles, it doesn’t mean I’m anti-turtle.
    Besides you said it yourself, they have the right to create any webcomic they want.
    If them not saying anything good about the PS3 disgusts you this much, I suggest you get help.
    Besides, I’m sure that Tim and Ray don’t have enough experiance with a PS3 to right good things about it.
    I don’t think none of them own one.

    Your logic is flawed. How many “anti-turtle” things have you said in your life?

    It disgusted me enough to take a few minutes out of my life to post a comment. Yeah, I’m clearly insane.

  38. Anon says:

    A few. That doesn’t mean that I’m anti-turtle, it means they has flaws like the PS3.

    No but your insane to care so much about what other people think about a machine that in 5 years you’ll trade in for another. You care so much as to call the people that said 3 bad things about it disgusting and violently ignorent.
    (notices hole in armor left open)

  39. Tim says:

    Lordwindowlicker,

    Let’s get a couple things straight, are you insulting this particular comic, “Baddest Company” or the whole site? This particular comic has nothing to do with Sony, so I’m guessing you’re just mad about our ‘bias’.

    First of all, I have nothing against Sony. I was a HUGE fan of the PS1 and had very little to do with the N64 in that time. I was 50/50 during the PS2 era as well (hard to ignore one of the best systems of all time). But Sony has made many a misstep this generation, and they’ve coupled that with some TERRIBLE PR. Rumble is last-gen? Come on! I actually do want a PS3 at some point as it combines a Blu-Ray player with a great gaming system. While there are only a couple games right now that I’d be interested in playing (MGS4 and Uncharted primarily), it’s still a good system.

    You have to realize that comics typically make fun of SOMETHING, and yes, occasionally it’s the PS3 or PSP. But I think we make fun of the Wii far more often as it has its own issues. Our recent Wiik Band comic takes the Wii to task on the casual gaming market. I remember a GREAT comic Penny Arcade did years ago about the huge Xbox controller. It’s a valid criticism and pretty darn funny too, but it doesn’t mean they hated the Xbox.

    Anyway, you are certainly entitled to your own opinion, but I don’t want you to think we have something against Sony. I probably wouldn’t have said anything if your comment was more constructive, but I think you’ll find that we’re pretty decent, reasonable people (Ray and I). I hope you find at least some of our comics funny! If not, feel free to let us know in a constructive way as that’s the best way to get your point across (ask sheppy about that).

  40. lordwindowlicker says:

    It is a little of both, honestly.

    The PR never bothered be to be honest, and I’ve found Reggie to be more annoying honestly. Perhaps it is because I’m personally not a fan of force feedback. The only games I’ve ever seen it used effectively were within the Metal Gear Solid series. Ocerena of Time had that “it rumbles when you’re near a secret” feature.. but that that’s about it.

    I read your Wii Rock Band comic, and I see that not so much poking fun at Wii.. but the public perception of the system. Which I also disagree with. If Suda Goichi can make No More Heroes for it.. well you understand.

    Perhaps I was rude about it.. but it would be nice to see a few less.. “HAR HAR HAR PS3 IS BIG!!” or “LOLZZZ PSP HAS NOTHING TO PLAY ON IT!!” comics. I can see your side of it, I can. You think the system deserved two negative comics, right off the bat. With Ratchet & Clank Future, Uncharted, Resistance, Heavenly Sword and other fantastic games already out.. and some amazing ones on the way. (Little Big Planet looks amazing) Would it kill you to change the forum subtitles to something more neutral? Perhaps make a comic depicting the system in a more favorable light?

    I’m a gamer. I have been since the NES days. I have NEVER given into the console battles.. and it sickens me to see anyone (especially adults) fall into that trap.

  41. Tim says:

    The Wiik Band comic is definitely a Wii criticism (as are a number of the Rejected Wii Channels), and not a perception thing. Rock Band Wii is dumbed down for the weaker console, that sucks. Wii games are increasingly geared toward casual gamers, that sucks too.

    I’ll give you one thing though. Since Ray and I don’t have PS3s, the depth of our PS3 jokes will be a little shallow (one reason we don’t typically do PS3 jokes), so I’ll accept that criticism. The PSP criticism was mine to make as I’ve owned a PSP and found it not nearly portable enough (just my opinion). I’m personally not interested in non-gaming features for my gaming system unless they are as good and as useful as non-integrated units. For instance, I don’t care at all about the Wii’s or the PSP’s internet browser because they are completely useless in the company of a PC. I really wasn’t saying that there aren’t any games to play, but that the glut of non-gaming features sort of overshadows the great games out there. There are many games I’d love to play on the PSP now that it’s matured a lot, but the forum subtitle stays, it DOES have better graphics AND longer load times. Some people don’t mind the load times for the more epic gaming experience and I get that. But you have given me a great idea and I will change the DS forum’s subtitle to something much funnier (what I wanted to do anyway).

    I can’t say that I have much interest in console battles except that it’s humorous to watch. The success of one console will only make the others better, so there’s always something to appreciate about the innovations of each company.

  42. rawras/ says:

    lordwindowlicker seems to be a fanboy.

    but an extremely sophisticated one.

    wat

  43. chriskatching says:

    Ohh dagnabbit!

  44. Mirby says:

    Great! You just killed Gramps!

    Seriously though, good comic!

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