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(High-res version available for free over on my Patreon!)
Colorists oniontrain & koofins & Caedere !
https://unitedhelpukraine.org/ https://www.comebackalive.in.ua/
(High-res version available for free over on my Patreon!)
Colorists oniontrain & koofins & Caedere !
https://unitedhelpukraine.org/ https://www.comebackalive.in.ua/
Category Artwork (Digital) / Comics
Species Yinglet
Gender Any
Size 900 x 2838px
Listed in Folders
What a moment.
Just what. A. Moment.
That matriarch knows her skillset!
Just what. A. Moment.
That matriarch knows her skillset!
Yeah yinglet hugs aren't super comfortable with those long skinny pole arms
I'd imagine it's like tent poles, the modern ones with the elastic cord to hold all the parts of the stick together.
You tell 'em Viz!
And you accept that hug, Kass. Take it like a man... or woman... or whatever helps you through the really fucked up shit your life has thrown at you.
And you accept that hug, Kass. Take it like a man... or woman... or whatever helps you through the really fucked up shit your life has thrown at you.
She has a point there kass can't keep ignoring it forever ya know
for Kass, i think it just meant he would deal with it when he has **time** to do so. We have seen him deal with his issues. It's usually while he's alone and thinking.
The problem is that Kass also refuses to make time for himself so long as there's even a chance that someone else will need him for something, because he seems to be the kind of person who puts the needs of others before his own even when his needs are the most pressing.
Kass freaking needed the hug. I just know it. That expression at the end says it all.
The feels...
No dialog at the end, but the way the expressions are portrayed... there doesn't need to any, wonderful work and writing.
No dialog at the end, but the way the expressions are portrayed... there doesn't need to any, wonderful work and writing.
I was thinking the last panel needed dialogue:
"I am hugging you"
"I am also hugging you"
"I am hugging you"
"I am also hugging you"
And most of it is due to the demonization of being masculine that started in the 2000s.
Yeah, I can feel Kass in panel 4, that explains all that needs to be said. Vizlet hasn't walked in Kass' shoes, hasn't seen what he has, done what he has. Some scav trying to shank him hurt, but not because of what they might do to him. The pain was not having the strength to fight back like he'd have done were he not a yinglet.
We already know he has PTSD from his time with the Dinnish Army and his subsequent desertion and flight. But he'd at least managed to deal with that well enough that it didn't seem to be hampering him that much.
So yeah, I'm not sure Vizlet really gets what's going on here, to the point where her intervention could do more harm than good.
So yeah, I'm not sure Vizlet really gets what's going on here, to the point where her intervention could do more harm than good.
You mean the hyper-performative douchebro synthetic masculinity that started showing up at that time? Yeah that should be demonized, it's hurting boys and men.
The 80's wasn't exactly new. You could trace that back to CONAN! novels, the 1950's hard boiled detectives coping with obvious shell shock, The two fisted pulp magazine heroes, the cowboy dimestore novels...heck you could probably cue Hercules up to an 80s riff suplexing Cerberus, hop in a time machine and any greek would recognize the themes.
Indeed, just look at The Odyssey and what the hero Odysseus had to go through for some 20 years just trying to get home. It is a long held common theme for the hero to stalwartly endure the slings and arrows of repeated misfortune in order to ultimately triumph in the end.
The toxicity and harm of that misguided version of masculinity and of patriarchy in general goes back just a bit before that, you know...
Roll back the rock to the dawn of time When the Earth was smokin' and the lava flowed Roll back the rock to the dawn of time And blow your cool just like a volcano Snap your fingers and stomp your feet
Now all I can think of is a cartoon T-rex with John Goodman's voice
Of all the takes, this ain't it. Masculinity itself has never been under attack. Certain tropes most certainly are and indeed ARE bad.
I dunno. When you ask men to change https://youtu.be/cEqgJEkdIZI?t=25 you know.. ALL of ...this. it can certainly feel that way. (How to train your dragon scene)
The example here is men are told that bottling it up and holding it in, burying it and letting it go away is dumb. Getting it out and talking it over is the better, more mature way to do things. For everyone. I don't think that's the case, and I think there's a very big gender gap in the populations about what the best approach for any individual would be.
It's also possible that, much like sleeping in one 8 hour chunk, that's a coping mechanism Kasses male human brain could have worked with but their female yinglet brain is not going to handle very well.
The example here is men are told that bottling it up and holding it in, burying it and letting it go away is dumb. Getting it out and talking it over is the better, more mature way to do things. For everyone. I don't think that's the case, and I think there's a very big gender gap in the populations about what the best approach for any individual would be.
It's also possible that, much like sleeping in one 8 hour chunk, that's a coping mechanism Kasses male human brain could have worked with but their female yinglet brain is not going to handle very well.
The books and the movie of that series are so different they're not even the same characters.
Coping mechanisms are not actually that good a thing, they're just masking trauma instead of fixing it. Ask about the dozen or so I still have. (don't actually.)
Does trauma ever get fixed really? Or does the patch/mask just have to last for 50+ years?
Is there a better fix than just patching it and moving on?
Does that work the same for everyone?
Are there differences in gender?
There's no guarantee that there IS a fix. Plenty of diseases and conditions don't have a cure or effective treatment. Sometimes that's reality and it sucks but you have to deal with what is.
Even when there is an effective treatment, Lots of treatments don't work the same for every individual: antibiotics fix a lot of infections but not when people are allergic for example.
There's just way too many unproven or outright unknowns there to say one way is right and one way is wrong.
Is there a better fix than just patching it and moving on?
Does that work the same for everyone?
Are there differences in gender?
There's no guarantee that there IS a fix. Plenty of diseases and conditions don't have a cure or effective treatment. Sometimes that's reality and it sucks but you have to deal with what is.
Even when there is an effective treatment, Lots of treatments don't work the same for every individual: antibiotics fix a lot of infections but not when people are allergic for example.
There's just way too many unproven or outright unknowns there to say one way is right and one way is wrong.
I don't think Trauma is ever "fixed." Healed, sure. Mitigated somewhat. But like a bad sprain or deep cut, the after effects are still there after it has healed. The scars , the emotional damage, remain. You strengthen the muscles and tissue around the wound and learn to compensate for the damage, but it's never quite the same again. That joint or muscle never quite works the same way again, even after it has healed.
Yes, yes it does. And sorry about accidentally starting this long comment thread, did not think it would happen.
Love this comic and its story. Makes me happy to catch it fresh and post a comment! ^.^
Ayyyy always nice to see ya, one of the super rare people who were able to nab a commission from me way back when! : D
Hmm, "did not used to be male" is meant to say female, yes?
Also this is very much what I hoped would happen. Kass just finally talking it out with someone!
Also this is very much what I hoped would happen. Kass just finally talking it out with someone!
No they're correct, I'm reasonably sure. Kass did not used to be female, as they used to be male. And "used to" is the correct grammatical form as opposed to "use to"
Yeah, "It was a great error on my part to have ever doubted zhat you did not used to be male" reads as "I was wrong to doubt that you were always female" to me. I feel like "...ever doubted zhat you used to be male" works better.
"It was a great error on my part to have ever doubted zhat you USED to be male"
I think that is what the sentence was supposed to be like, considering what's being said afterwards. I feel like that "did not" is a typo that just managed to crawl it's way in. Still, it made me re-read the first panel in confusion more times than I am comfortable with.
P.S. Omg, why did the FA website designers put the 'Cancel' button to the RIGHT of the 'Post Comment' button?? I had to re-write this entire comment TWICE because I clicked on the wrong button by accident.
I think that is what the sentence was supposed to be like, considering what's being said afterwards. I feel like that "did not" is a typo that just managed to crawl it's way in. Still, it made me re-read the first panel in confusion more times than I am comfortable with.
P.S. Omg, why did the FA website designers put the 'Cancel' button to the RIGHT of the 'Post Comment' button?? I had to re-write this entire comment TWICE because I clicked on the wrong button by accident.
I am definitely familiar with accidentally cancelling a comment, either from spacing out and just licking on "the button on the right", or the mouse having an errant cat hair under it that makes the pointer not move as much as I intended it to.
Nah, it's just something very relatable is all XP
Valsalia is a very good writer
Valsalia is a very good writer
It's never too late! Just ambush them and hug them with your skinny little pole-arms
I kinda want to ruin the moment by saying an inappropriate and profound thing...
... But making quips like Ran would have to come another time. Kass earned this.
... But making quips like Ran would have to come another time. Kass earned this.
No matter how strong the wall you build around yourself sooner or later the cracks will appear. Hopefully before that happens someone you can trust your back to makes it through
I believe that is diplomatic Kass current strategy now that his best friend and brother arms is on their recovery bed
Everyone reading wishing they had a Vizlet in their lives during that time, this time, or another.
I'm in this photo and I don't like it
[But at the very least I can do my best to be there for others, ayy]
[But at the very least I can do my best to be there for others, ayy]
I am sobbing, I love her so much and I want only the best for her, the world needs more of her IRL oh my god
fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck
I figured this would be where things where going in the last page, but I didn't expect it to hit this hard
Fuuuck I love Vizlet, we all need one of her in our lives, your so right
fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck
I figured this would be where things where going in the last page, but I didn't expect it to hit this hard
Fuuuck I love Vizlet, we all need one of her in our lives, your so right
and YOU get a Vizlet! and YOU get a Vizlet! EVERYBODY GETS A VIZLET!!!
Me thinks Viz has had some stuff happen to her, or others around her that have tried to do the 'man up' thing and had it devour them.
Think it's nice that Viz is taking a moment to be real here. Before she was looking for an advantage, and maybe still is, but I think she showing she actually 'does' care beyond that.
Think it's nice that Viz is taking a moment to be real here. Before she was looking for an advantage, and maybe still is, but I think she showing she actually 'does' care beyond that.
From what we've seen, I think that's the primary difference between Vislet and Varicriox. Both have plans and agendas. But Vislet cares. Because she's a bigol softie.
I'm not thoroughly convinced that Viracroix isn't at least somewhat sympathetic to the weird situation Kass has found himself in. It's just that his first and foremost commitment is to the city and the people of Val Salia - everything else is secondary.
Kass happened to present a unique opportunity to learn more about the yinglets and their enclave, which had the potential to benefit the city. So Viracroix, being a consummate Machiavellian, necessarily had to exploit that opportunity.
Vizlet, by contrast, is more than just a political leader of her people. She's been seen acting as a mother figure to them as well - mostly to the other females, but one could easily argue that her position is seen as such by the general populace. So it's not entirely unexpected that she should act as such even towards a yinglet that isn't a member of her enclave.
Kass happened to present a unique opportunity to learn more about the yinglets and their enclave, which had the potential to benefit the city. So Viracroix, being a consummate Machiavellian, necessarily had to exploit that opportunity.
Vizlet, by contrast, is more than just a political leader of her people. She's been seen acting as a mother figure to them as well - mostly to the other females, but one could easily argue that her position is seen as such by the general populace. So it's not entirely unexpected that she should act as such even towards a yinglet that isn't a member of her enclave.
It is absolutely incredible how good you are at drawing their emotions
That last panel, the emotion is so perfectly captured in Kass' face I just know what he's feeling
Poor Kass though, at least Vizlet is willing to do the things that'll get them to open up more and hopefully start healing
That last panel, the emotion is so perfectly captured in Kass' face I just know what he's feeling
Poor Kass though, at least Vizlet is willing to do the things that'll get them to open up more and hopefully start healing
Much appreciated! Panels like those I tend to go over a few times in order to really nail down the right details of the expression. It's especially important when there's no dialogue.
Being killed is one thing. Especially in a war. You already know the stakes, and you have a chance, however slim, to defend yourself and avoid it. And if you don't, well, it's over. You don't survive being killed, you don't have to live with it. What Brakka and the gang did was take away that chance, render him completely helpless, and drive home all the negative aspects he's been worrying about and cranking the knob to 11.
If they'd actually gotten the chance to go through with what they wanted to, it would've been an utter violation of his very core. It would've been the pain of being turned into a female yinglet squared, since it would've only been possible because of the transformation. And he would've had to live with the memory and knowledge of those sensations for the rest of his life. For the rest of his life, he'd have to remember what it felt like to have a body part he's not supposed to have be penetrated by someone who held that power over him and took it away from him. He'd never be able to undo it. Even if he somehow got revenge on Brakka, it'd still be in the back of his mind, that voice whispering "It can happen again. Anyone could be the next one to do it. Not only are you weaker than every single human over the age of about 5, you're even weaker than the tiny little Scavs running around." And if he was forced to carry and lay eggs because of it, the ultimate act of "female yinglet"-ness? ...He probably would not survive himself.
If they'd actually gotten the chance to go through with what they wanted to, it would've been an utter violation of his very core. It would've been the pain of being turned into a female yinglet squared, since it would've only been possible because of the transformation. And he would've had to live with the memory and knowledge of those sensations for the rest of his life. For the rest of his life, he'd have to remember what it felt like to have a body part he's not supposed to have be penetrated by someone who held that power over him and took it away from him. He'd never be able to undo it. Even if he somehow got revenge on Brakka, it'd still be in the back of his mind, that voice whispering "It can happen again. Anyone could be the next one to do it. Not only are you weaker than every single human over the age of about 5, you're even weaker than the tiny little Scavs running around." And if he was forced to carry and lay eggs because of it, the ultimate act of "female yinglet"-ness? ...He probably would not survive himself.
Don't worry about it, I'm not offended. I just only usually check FA once or twice a day, so I don't always reply right away. ^.^
I'm not saying that's death in war "no big deal", I'm just saying that Kass was more equipped to handle the trauma of it because it was more aligned with how he saw himself and what he expected. It's still traumatic as heck, but it's a different kind of trauma.
I also view life as sacred, but what I meant was that from Kass's perspective, between the options, he'd likely rather choose "death by war" over "death after rape by Brakka" over "surviving rape by Brakka". To the point where he might commit suicide if it happened and he laid Brakka's eggs. I view both rape and murder as utterly reprehensible crimes, roughly on equal levels, and murder as slightly worse because there is still that hope of healing and recovery. But I doubt Kass would be able to handle it with the tools and people available to him at this time.
I'm trans myself, and I'm lucky in that there isn't the option of something so traumatic happening to me. It's bad enough having to have a body who's gender doesn't match what I know myself to be, but I can't be made to experience the utter core violation of being forced to carry the child of an attacker. And in Kass's case, it would not only be an inescapable confrontation with his gender, but also his species, since it would be a yinglet egg. He's not really shown himself to be ready to confront either of those, so the combination of both would likely just destroy him, emotionally and mentally.
I'm not saying that's death in war "no big deal", I'm just saying that Kass was more equipped to handle the trauma of it because it was more aligned with how he saw himself and what he expected. It's still traumatic as heck, but it's a different kind of trauma.
I also view life as sacred, but what I meant was that from Kass's perspective, between the options, he'd likely rather choose "death by war" over "death after rape by Brakka" over "surviving rape by Brakka". To the point where he might commit suicide if it happened and he laid Brakka's eggs. I view both rape and murder as utterly reprehensible crimes, roughly on equal levels, and murder as slightly worse because there is still that hope of healing and recovery. But I doubt Kass would be able to handle it with the tools and people available to him at this time.
I'm trans myself, and I'm lucky in that there isn't the option of something so traumatic happening to me. It's bad enough having to have a body who's gender doesn't match what I know myself to be, but I can't be made to experience the utter core violation of being forced to carry the child of an attacker. And in Kass's case, it would not only be an inescapable confrontation with his gender, but also his species, since it would be a yinglet egg. He's not really shown himself to be ready to confront either of those, so the combination of both would likely just destroy him, emotionally and mentally.
Well, I mean, it depends on what kind of game and story you're making. Most of my writing has been in a setting where Earth has a parallel universe full of magic, and the natives call their world Terra, but because they had so few people that got pulled in unexpectedly, they had a bit of a "reset" and slow progress, so they're still on medieval-era stuff because there's been no real pressure to force them to innovate. ^_^;;
Flopsy started as me working on planning out a Metroidvania, but I don't have the energy to code and the money to hire a team for all the other stuff I'd need, so I ended up turning it into a story and then re-using the setting I'd made for Princess. A lot of her abilities were designed with a game in mind, either starting with them or obtaining them through gameplay.
Feel free to note me a bit about what you're working on and what you need, and I'll see what I can come up with? ^_^
Flopsy started as me working on planning out a Metroidvania, but I don't have the energy to code and the money to hire a team for all the other stuff I'd need, so I ended up turning it into a story and then re-using the setting I'd made for Princess. A lot of her abilities were designed with a game in mind, either starting with them or obtaining them through gameplay.
Feel free to note me a bit about what you're working on and what you need, and I'll see what I can come up with? ^_^
AY, Hug. Called it.
Kassen getting hit with one of those '... Honey, are you okay?' lines.
Was in a rough spot working retail once, had an old lady ask me that once on a particularly bad day, and had a breakdown and an anxiety attack shortly thereafter. Wish I had Yinglet-hugs to stem the tide.
Kassen getting hit with one of those '... Honey, are you okay?' lines.
Was in a rough spot working retail once, had an old lady ask me that once on a particularly bad day, and had a breakdown and an anxiety attack shortly thereafter. Wish I had Yinglet-hugs to stem the tide.
Now that's a mood. I'm almost 40, from a sadly conservative country, and I can tell you that I feel guilty as hell for crying at literally anything no matter how justified it is.
Conservatism and patriarchy are killers. No one should ever have to feel guilty for their true emotions.
I had a heavily conservative father that drilled in ideas of "what a man is like" into my head that still affect me even though I've been out as a trans girl for over 20 years. It's almost impossible for me to let myself cry, especially if my roommates can see/hear me, because I feel like I'm making them worry if they see me breaking down. I'm often the "rock" or "pillar of stability" for people, and so I can't let myself "burden" them with my own issues.
Same. I'm married- and there's no way I'd cry in front of my wife. It doesn't matter how many people say it's okay, I will swallow that damn knot it my chest and I won't. I can't. Neither in front of any of my male irl friends either- the thought of it feels so inappropriate... like I'm showing something I really shouldn't, something dirty or unclean.
And even when I do let myself actually feel things and let myself cry- like during emotional scenes in games / anime / movies or whatever, it's strictly where and when no one can see me, and then I still feel like some weakling or wuss afterwards. I'm similarly seen as the stoic one, and have been the 'bedrock' to my circle of friends online and offline. It feels so strange that... me breaking down would be like, I'm breaking character or going off-script... everything would be so awkward and none of my friends would even know what to do with me, or probably wouldn't do anything. Just kinda, ignore it till it goes away...
I hate toxic masculinity
And even when I do let myself actually feel things and let myself cry- like during emotional scenes in games / anime / movies or whatever, it's strictly where and when no one can see me, and then I still feel like some weakling or wuss afterwards. I'm similarly seen as the stoic one, and have been the 'bedrock' to my circle of friends online and offline. It feels so strange that... me breaking down would be like, I'm breaking character or going off-script... everything would be so awkward and none of my friends would even know what to do with me, or probably wouldn't do anything. Just kinda, ignore it till it goes away...
I hate toxic masculinity
I am so so sorry.
I know it changes nothing in your day to day life, but I hope you know your valid, your loved and your allowed to feel emotions. Even if people in your life can't deal with that fact, it remains true that you are a person, deserving of respect and the ability to be vulnerable.
I know it changes nothing in your day to day life, but I hope you know your valid, your loved and your allowed to feel emotions. Even if people in your life can't deal with that fact, it remains true that you are a person, deserving of respect and the ability to be vulnerable.
I legit don't know how to reply to this; but thank you, it's a sweet gesture
"Everything would be awkward and none of them would know what to do with me." Yep, that's exactly how it is with me, too. I also can't yell or raise my voice, because I'm always the "calm, rational one", the one that never lets emotions take control. The one that everyone depends on when they're worried or unsure about things. The one who comes up with the plan and manages things and tells everyone how we're gonna get through things.
...And then they yell at me and call me a 'robot' or a 'Vulcan' when they're out of control or drunk. >.>
...And then they yell at me and call me a 'robot' or a 'Vulcan' when they're out of control or drunk. >.>
I just noticed that Vizlet has earings.
Then give him a manly man hug, preferably from his best bro Elim. (It has happened before, when he held Kass like a sad and precious banana, therefore it can happen again... After he get better though, wouldn't want to hurt him)
What happens when you're so willfully blind to you own ache, that it's palpable to anyone that's even had a bare taste of such. Listen to the lady leader kassen, there's a kind of wisdom in that noggin of hers and a heart that felt crushed every time to see you just stuff one more trauma under a rug that's got so much other trauma pushed under that it's looking more like a mountain of dirty clothes now.
Sometimes you need to push down the pain and carry on. Usually that’s in the middle of a stressful moment. As soon as the moment is over though it all will hit you again and at that point it’s okay to let it out. Don’t hold back too long or it will just hurt far more and you won’t have anyone to help you through it anymore
This is very good. I can more than appreciate the way Vizlet genuinely cares about Kass here. That there is truly awesome.
Just awww. Also, nice little detail with the ear rings to show movement in a still panel. ;)
This is EXACTLY how I predicted this would go down, right down to the hug (Kass really needs that right now).
Also, the grammar in "did not used to be male" confuses me.
Also, the grammar in "did not used to be male" confuses me.
lol yeah I caught that when I woke up today, it's edited now
The manliest thing a man can do, is realise he can cry and talk about his pain without being lesser for it
This is an excellent Vizlet moment. One of the best, I'm willing to declare. As much as we love to see her cleverness in diplomacy, this blunt honesty and willingness to give emotional support is something that definitely needed to be said and done before things spiraled out of control.
Words simply cannot describe the raw unfiltered joy I felt at the last 4 panels. This is definitely one of the pages that people will remember the comic for, years to come.
Hey you better filter that joy, it makes it last a lot longer in the fridge
Amazing stuff. Matriarch is smart, and able to adjust. Gotta be direct with Kass.
Also, 4th panel is begging to be a reaction meme.
Also, 4th panel is begging to be a reaction meme.
It is appropriate because the whole panel is Kass reacting to something
"Whoa wait, no, I don't like this. I don't want to address someone showing genuine concern for me when they're not my totally not gay bestie bromance!" X3
That is sad, spending a lot of time trying to brush it under the rug. At least He/she has someone who understands
A hug is truly what they needed. Hugs work great if one tries to subdue something with their "Methodes"
Words can be ignored.
Emotions can be supressed.
But a Hug like that can be hardlyignored or pushed away.
Besides: every social living beeing needs 3 hugs a day. Guess someone might be also unknowingly starved for hugs.
Emotions can be supressed.
But a Hug like that can be hardlyignored or pushed away.
Besides: every social living beeing needs 3 hugs a day. Guess someone might be also unknowingly starved for hugs.
It is a massive male problem actually to not just let your emotions out. I notice alot of guys simply "Tough it out" without realizing that its just not the best way to cope with things. Dudes.. you can cry too. you are allowed to feel you know. Don't just tough it out. if you need to speak with someone close that you can trust to get those painful emotions out. Do so. Its not healthy to keep all that stuff in. Its also sad however that a guy letting out their emotions is so shunned. It shouldn't be that way
Kass needed the hug.. and they just didn't realize it till someone gave it to them
Kass needed the hug.. and they just didn't realize it till someone gave it to them
We have some massive problems in our RL culture about that, but it has to be worse with Kass. She still thinks like a human even though she's in a yinglet body and that's glaringly obvious to Vizlet. Sometimes I think we ALL need someone like her in our lives.
Its a bit more than just that though.
Not only was Kass Human, But also Male. Where as now he is a Female Yinglet. Its a culturre shock on so mny fronts all at once. And Kass is very much still trying to deal with it like he would as a Male Human. The context of the worlds specific culture isn't 100% defined, but seems similar enough based on the way people act that its safe to assume that outside his close circle of friends, there straight up isn't anyone he can confide in.
And being a Female Yinglet has made that harder. Since he still very much seems to have the mentality that the world isn't going to care about his emotions, problems, or give him any special treatment because that generally is what is expected of men. The expectation is wht he is initially trying to do here, push it down until he can deal with it. Which like it or not is how most men have to deal with their problems.
As a Human he was more able to directly confront his problems, and has lost a LOT of power in that regard. But is still trying to soldier on with what power or influence he can to cope. It seems as both a cultural and gender difference for the Yinglets that they pay much more attention and are more open about that than humans tend to be. Which might prove beneficial to Kass long term.
Might end up proving long term that the change is more to Kass's overall benefit than he likely will ever be comfortable admitting.
Not only was Kass Human, But also Male. Where as now he is a Female Yinglet. Its a culturre shock on so mny fronts all at once. And Kass is very much still trying to deal with it like he would as a Male Human. The context of the worlds specific culture isn't 100% defined, but seems similar enough based on the way people act that its safe to assume that outside his close circle of friends, there straight up isn't anyone he can confide in.
And being a Female Yinglet has made that harder. Since he still very much seems to have the mentality that the world isn't going to care about his emotions, problems, or give him any special treatment because that generally is what is expected of men. The expectation is wht he is initially trying to do here, push it down until he can deal with it. Which like it or not is how most men have to deal with their problems.
As a Human he was more able to directly confront his problems, and has lost a LOT of power in that regard. But is still trying to soldier on with what power or influence he can to cope. It seems as both a cultural and gender difference for the Yinglets that they pay much more attention and are more open about that than humans tend to be. Which might prove beneficial to Kass long term.
Might end up proving long term that the change is more to Kass's overall benefit than he likely will ever be comfortable admitting.
I think I would be more discombobulated to become a female human than to become a male yinglet. And Kass got BOTH changes.
That sort of behavior only makes things worse, and can have serious consequences, even including shortening one's life.
It is harder to keep all your emotions inside when you are much smaller; there is less room to keep them in
Just keep compressing the feeling until it collapse into a singularity. Nothing bad can happen !
Damn. I already had a lot of respect for Vizlet for the sheer amount of weight she carries on her shoulders, but on top of it she also can read Kass like a book. In addition to male Vizlets, she understands a whole lot about male humans.
I know all about unprocessed trauma. I've got a boatload of it myself. A hug isn't a cure-all, but it's a damn good start, and Vizlet knows it.
She practically has a degree out of Unseen University, that one. And she's exactly what Kass needs right now.
I know all about unprocessed trauma. I've got a boatload of it myself. A hug isn't a cure-all, but it's a damn good start, and Vizlet knows it.
She practically has a degree out of Unseen University, that one. And she's exactly what Kass needs right now.
I guess when your arms are like long dowel rods, your posture is a heavy lean forward, and you have a long bendy neck, it requires a different way of embracing. While Kass is falling back on trying a more human-style hug, Viz is giving something more special: elbows to the chest and hugging Kass's head to hers. Kass is trying to pull away, but can't, and finally gives in.
Kass has probably been used to being treated as nothing more than a tool for the leaders and nobles to use for their own ends: a soldier to draft into battle, a grunt to clean livestock pens, a security guard to stay up all night while they sleep, an escort to transport goods worth more than him, etc. The trademaster wants to use Kass as a diplomatic advantage with the yinglets. Ran wants to use Kass for scientific study. To Ivenmoth he was only ever a war refugee and servant without any status, until he became a better tool for something else, but still just a tool. When Kass first met Vizlet, she only seemed to use him as a tool to placate the patriarchs and the elders' spy. The fact that she might actually care about Kass as a person and not just a useful tool probably never seemed a possibility to him.
Kass has probably been used to being treated as nothing more than a tool for the leaders and nobles to use for their own ends: a soldier to draft into battle, a grunt to clean livestock pens, a security guard to stay up all night while they sleep, an escort to transport goods worth more than him, etc. The trademaster wants to use Kass as a diplomatic advantage with the yinglets. Ran wants to use Kass for scientific study. To Ivenmoth he was only ever a war refugee and servant without any status, until he became a better tool for something else, but still just a tool. When Kass first met Vizlet, she only seemed to use him as a tool to placate the patriarchs and the elders' spy. The fact that she might actually care about Kass as a person and not just a useful tool probably never seemed a possibility to him.
Yeahhhh he's pretty used to having to fight for recognition!
I knew Kass needed a hug.
I just didn't realize how much I needed Kass to actually get that hug.
I just didn't realize how much I needed Kass to actually get that hug.
Can I get the free one first then pay for the next one? I need to know if it’s a good investment.
what's the other half for the people in the back of room who haven't been paying attention?
All they gotta do is invent professional therapy real quick!
Actually it’s not that hard. All they have to do is sit in a chair and ask “How does that make you feel?”
Well, there both vets, so their therapy sessions were probably this: https://youtu.be/APwfZYO1di4
Given their fragile bodies I bet yinglets usually don't survive traumatic experiances so the notion of anything like Stoicism (even a poor man's "tough it out" version) would be alien.
there IS the problem of yinglets being nymphomaniacs
Why is everyone cheering this on? Forcing someone to do something they don't want to do isn't helpful at all? Guess what some guys just are able to deal with emotions on their own, how they do it isn't up to someone else to judge.
are you actually asking or you just want to let your opinion be read?
i am actually asking in case you find it sarcastic.
i am actually asking in case you find it sarcastic.
Vizlet's usually pretty smart, and obviously has a fair handle on yinglet psychology. But she's pushing herself into a situation she's not qualified to handle. Kass isn't a yinglet mentally, and moreover he's a veteran of an actual war - a veteran that's demonstrated that not only does he have trauma associated with that war, but has found ways to cope with it that aren't completely self-destructive. This situation may be radically different on the surface, but the trauma is still trauma.
Vizlet could potentially be making things so much worse here.
Vizlet could potentially be making things so much worse here.
On the other hand...us guys go through tons of crap, and are conditioned to not have it affect us, unlike women. And we don't fall apart. We're mentally and psycologically so resilient that women believe we actually have it easier...and then some tried to live as men, and couldn't cut it due to the lack of hand-holding and emotional support.
It does in fact affect us, very badly in fact. We do fall apart without emotional support and the "conditioning" only makes it harder to seek help, which is why the male suicide rate is in double digits. This "resilience" is not real and the belief in it kills us in droves.
Not to mention that most of resilen is social expectations not true resilience.
The entire expectation that "Guys shouldn't cry." And if you are sensitive you are less of a man/not as good as emotionally detached individual.
It's messed up that men are, as mentioned, conditioned this way not by choice but by society. But I suppose it also makes a sick bit of sense. A guy that can feel sympathy for their fellow man makes for a poor weapon.
The entire expectation that "Guys shouldn't cry." And if you are sensitive you are less of a man/not as good as emotionally detached individual.
It's messed up that men are, as mentioned, conditioned this way not by choice but by society. But I suppose it also makes a sick bit of sense. A guy that can feel sympathy for their fellow man makes for a poor weapon.
Oh wow. We've got ourselves a live one here.
"mentally and psychologically so resilient..."
*facepalm*
"mentally and psychologically so resilient..."
*facepalm*
I feel sorry for you for the world you seem to be living in.
*shrug* Maybe I'm just weird. I grieve when loved ones die, and stuff, but I don't go all to pieces uncontrollably and I don't understand people who do in front of God and everyone. I do that in private, and move on. I'm not saying "Stuff shouldn't affect you", but I was never somebody who needs hugs when I feel bad or anything like that.
Sounds like you're not really in touch with your emotions. This can have bad effects on you as well as those around you. Of course not everyone deals with things in the same way, but men aren't really all that different from women, and burying one's feelings isn't healthy, and does no one any good.
The first thing you seemed to do was to say that men were being persecuted for this, and that that was a recent occurrence. I don't think that most people see things that way.
The first thing you seemed to do was to say that men were being persecuted for this, and that that was a recent occurrence. I don't think that most people see things that way.
"The first thing you seemed to do was to say that men were being persecuted for this, and that that was a recent occurrence. I don't think that most people see things that way."
That depends on who you talk to. Don't try to discuss men's issues with guys that don't have physical vocations.
That depends on who you talk to. Don't try to discuss men's issues with guys that don't have physical vocations.
I don't think I'm getting what you're saying here.
Of course you haven’t been transformed into a yinglet of the opposite sex.
making waves are we?
touching feels are we?
and all in style are we?
touching feels are we?
and all in style are we?
"can you at least tell me how to make sure I don't need a platoon of guards just to be near a male?" is probably running through Kass's mind somewhere.
gun, what gun? all I see are spears and some sort of mace with the occasional spasm of untimely technology!
"gonna need a bigger gun then" XD
"gonna need a bigger gun then" XD
I imagine very few Yinglets have ever been a literal war veteran, so fair point there I suppose.
wasn't one of their backstories about how dangerous they are as a military force due to their sheer numbers outnumbering conventional military by 10 to 1 ?
When you're smaller your head needs to be harder, it's a safety thing
As meaningful as that hug is, I can't imagine Ying hugs being the most comfortable with those stick arms.
Yeah it's usually done more by wrapping the noodly core around the other
the comfort doesn't come as much from being held, but more from holding unto something.
you can test it, hold a pillow.
you can test it, hold a pillow.
Sometimes you just need a hug. And Kas needs about 50. Fortunately, there's a whole enclave of Yinglets who'd love to hug her.
Alot of things would happen and things Kass would not particuarly be fond of
Why not? I am not reticent about telling others of this comic. On one forum after I did, someone finished the strip to the present and wrote something like ‘Damn you Tom, now I don’t have more strips to read and I am dying to know more!’
One panel out of hundreds of pages of canon and fanfic strips.
On FA and DA it is Mature only.
On FA and DA it is Mature only.
Hello, OOPs folks! I'm here to remind you yet again that there's a place called "Top Web Comics" https://www.topwebcomics.com/?home=3 that compiles comics from various places. There's a bunch of cool stuff there. They have monthly votes, so you can support OOPs there. You can vote once a day per device, so your PC, laptop, tablet, phone, etc.
I've noticed that you can sometimes even get in extra votes from different IP addresses, or if you're disconnected from your IP and open up again later.
I neglected to check the numbers yesterday, but OOPs closed out last month at around 53rd place and around 845 votes. It's currently at 60 votes and 375th place. The highest it's reached is 36th place, and the top vote getters seem to end up with something close to 20,000 votes.
Vote early, vote often! Help OOPs get noticed!
I've noticed that you can sometimes even get in extra votes from different IP addresses, or if you're disconnected from your IP and open up again later.
I neglected to check the numbers yesterday, but OOPs closed out last month at around 53rd place and around 845 votes. It's currently at 60 votes and 375th place. The highest it's reached is 36th place, and the top vote getters seem to end up with something close to 20,000 votes.
Vote early, vote often! Help OOPs get noticed!
I don’t drive and I plan to move closer to the library next month, so I’ll be able to vote on their terminal more often.
Make sure you have a bag to store emotional excess when it comes out
Yea... its important to not bottle feelings up, especially for prolonged periods of time... I know a thing or two about it...
Those expressions say more than a hundred words heh... ehhh, I wish I could give those two a hug... long caring & very supportive hug...
Those expressions say more than a hundred words heh... ehhh, I wish I could give those two a hug... long caring & very supportive hug...
Well depends how tall I'd be there. Either way, no matter! I'd do that and go even further beyond! (Almost) Anything for Kalglet!
Just hugs harder! Stench the blood flow ! Not the one to the head though, that generally doesn't help
Vizlet's concern for Kass is so incredibly sweet. We'd all be better off if we had someone like her in our lives. I'm absolutely in love with the dialogue this page and that hug is just so heartwarming.
Kass has found a "life preserver" to help her ride out the seas of turmoil, it seems.
I called it, but also fuck I am crying so much irl what the hell, you didn't have to murder me like this with that hug and the pain on her face at the end ajsdiada ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
this comic is really really fucking good and I love Vizlet and Kass and fuuuuck
this comic is really really fucking good and I love Vizlet and Kass and fuuuuck
Okay calmed down a bit...
This comic is incredible and Val, you have my undying respect for your humane and empathetic tackling of a very serious, very loaded subject matter. In lesser hands this sort of thing could have been a breaking point for the comic, a point where it became too much to handle and a sign to just log off, but instead it has become a shining example of just how strong your art, your writing and your humanity truly are! Bless you and the team of people who work with you on these comics, your all... Just great!
Thank you.
This comic is incredible and Val, you have my undying respect for your humane and empathetic tackling of a very serious, very loaded subject matter. In lesser hands this sort of thing could have been a breaking point for the comic, a point where it became too much to handle and a sign to just log off, but instead it has become a shining example of just how strong your art, your writing and your humanity truly are! Bless you and the team of people who work with you on these comics, your all... Just great!
Thank you.
Ayyyyy a big part of why I put so much effort into these things is because people like you get so much out of it! It really motivates me to do the best I can.
Well, I know its a little redundant for me to say this at this point, but I'll say it anyway. I DO get allot out of this and I think your doing an amazing job.
Best damn page of the story so far. Holy fuckin' shit.
In the final panel, the ears tell all.
In the final panel, the ears tell all.
Every now and then a compassionate Elder essentially has to ram it down your throat that (even here) you're NOT the first person to go through A HUGE READJUSTMENT. You have to have the HUMILITY to accept help, and HUMILITY enough to act upon it. You never really find out that you ARE breakable until you're broken. Tremendous art and writing.
To be honest, Kass’ readjustment is a little…unique and extreme.
They feel kinda weird with those hard little stick arms tho
Can imagine a "no-touchy" alternate panel not unlike Emperor's New Groove given Kas' look of discomfort, though given their need for a hug this could just be my interpretation given Kas being a smartass frequently.
I was wondering about Vizlet's look on the last page...I see...
And now that guy from before is going to break this up thinking this is the 2 yinglets fucking in a closet.
Vizlet is a good bean she is, clearly sweet, Kass ahs alot of issues, just curious, will there be possabally a ship happening here, but yah this is absolutely sweet, Kass needed it badly clearly
I know this was meant to be a touching scene, but the Matriarch previously having been keen on pushing Kass into being female when he doesn't want to (and probably still intending to do so) makes it kinda the opposite.
Yeeeaaaahhhh. It comes off as Vizlet yet again poking her snout in where it doesn't belong. With the best of intentions, of course. But as the saying goes, the road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
Of course, we know it's not going to be written that way. But this is the kind of thing that could make Kass' issues so much worse than they already are. Because Vizlet isn't actually understanding what those issues are, and is instead trying to force Kass into doing things and thinking about things in a way he's not actually capable of. That's not how you help someone with trauma or other mental issues. That's how you make things so much worse.
Of course, we know it's not going to be written that way. But this is the kind of thing that could make Kass' issues so much worse than they already are. Because Vizlet isn't actually understanding what those issues are, and is instead trying to force Kass into doing things and thinking about things in a way he's not actually capable of. That's not how you help someone with trauma or other mental issues. That's how you make things so much worse.
Panel 4 definitely has that boo-womp sound that happens in SpongeBob when someone makes a point.
It's pretty easy actually, you just take two halfsomes and put 'em together
Just wanted to say, long time reader first time commenter here but thank you for this story you have woven for us. Moments like this just have so much impact because they feel earned. I love each and every character you have developed in this comic, and I'll admit every page has me wanting to see what happens next.
But yes, just wanted to thank you for bringing this story to us, and let you know that there are likely many silent readers like myself too! (Come to think of it I should comment more often XD)
But yes, just wanted to thank you for bringing this story to us, and let you know that there are likely many silent readers like myself too! (Come to think of it I should comment more often XD)
Really great expressions in this one; and I'm not even talking about the ending panels.
Oh my god its so wholesome!! I love it!
Gotta savour the wholesome until the next time Kassen has to stab things.
Gotta savour the wholesome until the next time Kassen has to stab things.
When the levee breaks...
If she keeps on huggin', levee's gonna break
If she keeps on huggin', levee's gonna break
When the levee breaks, yinglet's gonna cry
If she keeps on huggin', levee's gonna break
If she keeps on huggin', levee's gonna break
When the levee breaks, yinglet's gonna cry
I'll allow it because Kass is presently a female horrible stretchy-armed rat-thing, but if he goes back to being a human male he'd better not have any more of these emotions and vulnerabilities and whatnot.
Kassen’s facial expression in the last panel looks as though he’s scared. As if he’s scared Vizlet might be right. Scared to face his own feelings. Or maybe it’s the somber emotion creeping in.
This has certainly been a more serious conversation than I had expected, dealing with emotions and how to cope. While Kass would’ve had immense trauma if he had gotten raped, he still felt powerless when he was kidnapped and being in control is something evidently important to him so I understand where he may be struggling emotionally. And that’s a hard thing to come to terms with so I see why he’d be adversely against accepting that, but that’s why I like seeing him taking charge of things he can control.
It really is sad to see him hurt so much. Especially if it goes unnoticed, much the way I’ve felt before, so I’m glad Vizlet is able to recognize and offer some comfort.
I probably don’t sing your praises near well enough but I’ve been really enjoying the story, Val.
This has certainly been a more serious conversation than I had expected, dealing with emotions and how to cope. While Kass would’ve had immense trauma if he had gotten raped, he still felt powerless when he was kidnapped and being in control is something evidently important to him so I understand where he may be struggling emotionally. And that’s a hard thing to come to terms with so I see why he’d be adversely against accepting that, but that’s why I like seeing him taking charge of things he can control.
It really is sad to see him hurt so much. Especially if it goes unnoticed, much the way I’ve felt before, so I’m glad Vizlet is able to recognize and offer some comfort.
I probably don’t sing your praises near well enough but I’ve been really enjoying the story, Val.
Ah, Vizlet. I get that you're trying to help, and maybe you'd be right if Kass was someone other than who he is. But not everyone deals with their emotions in the same way. Not everyone is capable of dealing with their emotions in the same way. And pushing Kass into trying to process things before he's actually able to is a great way to make things so much worse than they already are.
Emotional Kass here in the next?
Still feel for Kass's situation, its a lot to process after the fact. And Viz... and think may have some first hand in there... She has been all of her life where as Kass (Age kinda unknown) has just had their world literally changed within the span of day...
Still feel for Kass's situation, its a lot to process after the fact. And Viz... and think may have some first hand in there... She has been all of her life where as Kass (Age kinda unknown) has just had their world literally changed within the span of day...
Me and my brother were talking and he pointed out that there's research that shows that while the best therapy for men is actually doing something constructive, like taking up a hobby that involves building or nurturing something, women appear to benefit more from talking it out. That rolls back to the fact that Kass' brain is actually biologically female now. So even if her old coping mechanism worked before, they probably won't work now.
Hehe, those last few panels. He's all, "Crud! A hug is working!"
Seriously, it's like getting hugged by a couple of broom sticks
Weird Cat here, ready to add a touch of my unique perspective!
You know, it's a real bummer, but there are folks out there who seem to believe that losing one's life in a war is something trivial, just because the individual was aware of the risks when they enlisted. Talk about a twisted outlook, huh?
But here's the scoop: we've got to amp up the empathy for every soul, whether they're donning a uniform or not. Every struggle deserves its spotlight, no exceptions. Even soldiers – yep, those very ones with families, friends, and dreams – they're not signing up for a one-way ticket, you know? Who's counting how many folks end up grappling with PTSD after being in the thick of it?
Just like that rollercoaster we call life, let's shift gears and embrace a different ride. Let's recognize the significance of every journey, acknowledge the shared human experiences, and toss judgment aside. It's all about bringing those groovy vibes of understanding to the forefront!
So, here's the deal: whether it's sketching, gaming, yoga, or just chatting with those who uplift your spirit, remember to keep your empathy hat on tight. And hey, if I, the quirkiest cat around, can admit my own past quirks and missteps, then we can definitely journey forward together, making this carnival of life an even better spectacle!
Turning off, Quirky Cat out!
You know, it's a real bummer, but there are folks out there who seem to believe that losing one's life in a war is something trivial, just because the individual was aware of the risks when they enlisted. Talk about a twisted outlook, huh?
But here's the scoop: we've got to amp up the empathy for every soul, whether they're donning a uniform or not. Every struggle deserves its spotlight, no exceptions. Even soldiers – yep, those very ones with families, friends, and dreams – they're not signing up for a one-way ticket, you know? Who's counting how many folks end up grappling with PTSD after being in the thick of it?
Just like that rollercoaster we call life, let's shift gears and embrace a different ride. Let's recognize the significance of every journey, acknowledge the shared human experiences, and toss judgment aside. It's all about bringing those groovy vibes of understanding to the forefront!
So, here's the deal: whether it's sketching, gaming, yoga, or just chatting with those who uplift your spirit, remember to keep your empathy hat on tight. And hey, if I, the quirkiest cat around, can admit my own past quirks and missteps, then we can definitely journey forward together, making this carnival of life an even better spectacle!
Turning off, Quirky Cat out!
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