Review of Todd and Penguin

Toddandpenguin · Post by **Toddandpenguin** » Mon Jun 11, 2001 6:52 am

Thanks for the addendum. I was complimented by the initial review, don't get me wrong. I just didn't want the comic to seem too sweet. Maybe that isn't a bad thing. Maybe it's the strength of the comic, I don't know. The strip is still evolving. I do know that the comic's premise in my head is a mixture of sweet and serious. Thanks for the Calvinesque comment. I try to create the feeling without being derivative. You will notice that the relationship with Mr. Bear is not the same as Calvin and Hobbes. The inspiration for some of the comic is actually my own Mr. Bear, though he is not a bear, he is a dog, and my childhood memories of the days we used to do things together.Thanks again for the review!~dave------------------
<A HREF="http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/</A>

Somebody Strange · Post by **Somebody Strange** » Mon Jun 11, 2001 7:01 am

You can find a review of Todd and Penguin at <A HREF="http://viciouslies.keenspace.com/review.html" TARGET=_blank>http://viciouslies.keenspace.com/review ... ...This url will change on Monday, June 18, to <A HREF="http://viciouslies.keenspace.com/review04.html" TARGET=_blank>http://viciouslies.keenspace.com/review04.html</A>, so be prepared.--Strange/DaveEdited because I honestly didn't know that simply typing a URL could make it a link. That second one is a nonexistent link, and I can't make it go away. Sorry.------------------
<A HREF="http://viciouslies.keenspace.com" TARGET=_blank>Vicious Lies.</A> You can't handle the truth.
Neurotic -- sane, but unhappy about it.
[This message has been edited by Somebody Strange (edited 06-11-2001).]

Toddandpenguin · Post by **Toddandpenguin** » Mon Jun 11, 2001 10:19 am

Thanks for the GREAT review!!
I am honored.
I don't know that the comic is as sweet as you make it out to be, though. I like to think that there are a few comics in the archives where the theme is somewhat cynical/satirical in nature.
There are some rather pointed barbs at such topics as the media, the "self-help" industry, and other quirks of human behavior. In that regard, I kind of hoped I was pushing the envelope within the boundaries of a "nice comic." Perhaps not, I don't know.
I appreciate the wonderful review. My goal in starting Todd and Penguin was to make other people feel how Bill Watterson made me feel when reading Calvin and Hobbes, and how the earlier Peanuts strips made me feel. I suppose I am still a ways off from duplicating the magic, but that someone thinks so highly of my little comic, I am humbled.
Thanks,~dave------------------
<A HREF="http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/</A>

Somebody Strange · Post by **Somebody Strange** » Mon Jun 11, 2001 11:27 am

I usually write my reviews in one sitting, and I'll admit they're often spontaneous bursts. In other words, I don't go back and re-read the entire archives before posting the review.In your case, after reading your reply (above), I started remembering things that had slipped my mind. I have posted a revised review -- two new paragraphs at the bottom.Overall, I still stand by what I said, but I don't think I gave a complete picture. There is topical content, and Penguin, while emotionally innocent (in my opinion), certainly has his share of intelligence. The new paragraphs reflect that, I believe.I don't expect I'll have to revise reviews often, but you were right. I hadn't really read what I wrote, and it DID make it out to be cutesy-poo sugary sweet. While it certainly has very sweet moments, it does also have very Calvinesque qualities.--Strange/Dave------------------
<A HREF="http://viciouslies.keenspace.com" TARGET=_blank>Vicious Lies.</A> You can't handle the truth.
Neurotic -- sane, but unhappy about it.

Spartacus · Post by **Spartacus** » Tue Jun 12, 2001 2:07 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by toddandpenguin:
The strip is still evolving. You will notice that the relationship with Mr. Bear is not the same as Calvin and Hobbes. The inspiration for some of the comic is actually my own Mr. Bear, though he is not a bear, he is a dog, and my childhood memories of the days we used to do things together.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Evolve indeed!Ah, so that whole peanut butter thing between you and the dog will be explored with Penguin and Mr. Bear....cool.I can't wait 'til you reveal that Todd is a repressed homosexual who has a thing for small dark men.Great review by the way, Well deserved.------------------
I was <A HREF="http://zapjones.keenspace.com" TARGET=_blank>Zap Jones</A> But now, I am Spartacus!!![This message has been edited by Spartacus (edited 06-12-2001).]

Toddandpenguin · Post by **Toddandpenguin** » Thu Jun 14, 2001 3:31 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by Spartacus:
 I can't wait 'til you reveal that Todd is a repressed homosexual who has a thing for small dark men.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Whatchyou Talkin' Bout Willis?~dave------------------
<A HREF="http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/</A>

Stinkywigfiddle · Post by **Stinkywigfiddle** » Fri Jun 15, 2001 12:41 am

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by toddandpenguin:
I'm glad some new people are starting to write on here. I know people go to my page, it's nice to see some names to go with the hit counts.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>It's nice to get hit counts too. <IMG SRC="http://www.keenspace.com/forums/frown.gif">------------------
Who am I?
Daniel the Willingham
What do I do?
<A HREF="http://spacelosers.keenspace.com" TARGET=_blank>the comic SPACE LOSERS!</A>
Who cares?

Jesse Brack · Post by **Jesse Brack** » Fri Jun 15, 2001 8:04 am

Just wanna add my own mini-review...I love this strip because it has a certain charm and sweetness to it, but not being too cute at the same time. To me, it's working in the ways to describe, as in Calvin & Hobbes, Peanuts, etc... but what really sells it to me is the own formula Tood & Penguin seems to be taking shape. I can't describe it, but it works so well! One thing I wouldn't let go of is the innocences Penguin seems to have. It makes his character very unique, and I love it. Please keep up the great work.btw, my favorite comic would be the exterminator strip. The punchline worked so well

Toddandpenguin · Post by **Toddandpenguin** » Fri Jun 15, 2001 10:30 am

Thanks, Jesse!
I'm glad some new people are starting to write on here. I know people go to my page, it's nice to see some names to go with the hit counts. Thanks for the good words. It means alot to me that some of you really like the comic!
Oh yeah, the exterminator one is gonna be on the list of 7 for sure! I think it's one of the better visual gags.
Anyone else wanna vote a favorite?~dave------------------
<A HREF="http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/</A>

Toddandpenguin · Post by **Toddandpenguin** » Sun Jun 17, 2001 8:14 am

Hits will come. I just checked out your comic, and sent you an e-mail. It looks good.
At first my hits were almost non existent. However, I didnt know better, I was just happy that some people were coming by. Even now, as I am starting to grow, there are lots of comics out there that do better in the hit counts. You can't let that affect your desire to do a comic, though. Keep up the good work!~dave------------------
<A HREF="http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://toddandpenguin.keenspace.com/</A>