#853 – anything worthwhile

22 thoughts on “#853 – anything worthwhile

  1. Take notes, Ning.

  2. God fucking dammit this is just too real for me right now. Too real.

  3. I majorly appreciate Jane's view on this. I kind of shared the same trepidation when she and Mar were going through their hook-up previously–how could it be so effortless and still be sustainable? But it's easy to forget that these kind of things can happen, and it's a nice reminder that they do, even when we feel uncertain. It's just disorienting when we're so accustomed to struggling through failure to find happiness.

    Also, on another note, I'm totally in awe of this comic as a whole. It was already exceptionally good when it started, and has only gotten exceptionally better over time. I recently reread the whole archives, and everything from the very beginning still holds up as well as when I first read it. It really speaks to Gran's aptitude for visual storytelling that the quality is so consistent. She also made a majorly good choice in bringing Valerie on for colors, her ability to capture mood and setting so evocatively is beyond impressive.

    tl;dr THIS SHIT'S SO GOOOOOOOD UNF

  4. Jane's superego and id angels look like Eve. In some weird way, Jane idealizes Eve. So I think it makes sense that Jane would spill the beans on her new relationship without Eve asking.

    1. I think Jane was also remembering this conversation: http://www.octopuspie.com/2013-06-23/609-the-wisdhttp://www.octopuspie.com/2013-06-25/610-adjustedhttp://www.octopuspie.com/2013-06-27/611-songs-to

      Also, I think the last time they really hung out was at the spa, with this conversation: http://www.octopuspie.com/2015-02-24/755-its-hardhttp://www.octopuspie.com/2015-02-26/756-its-justhttp://www.octopuspie.com/2015-02-28/757-one-foot

      Part of Jane and Eve's bond may be that they recognize one another as crypto-romantics: both women struggle with longing and doubt but cover it up. Jane's mask is swagger, Eve's is cynicism.

      Maybe Jane brought things up unasked because they both know this point of commonality has changed, now that Jane has found who she was looking for.

      1. Thanks for reminding me of those conversations, it all makes even more sense now!

  5. Recalls me back to this strip of old. http://www.octopuspie.com/2008-09-12/194-based-on

    1. Ah, but she was so much older then…

    2. This is my all time favorite Octopus Pie strip (and one of my all time favorite quotes, ever) and I perked the fuck up when Jane mirrored that sentiment. I am so happy to see this called back to, and so happy to see it ultimately invalidated.

    3. I think this parallel really speaks to the fact that everyone is on their own quest to happiness and that a person's values system can definitely direct the course of their quest. There is no universal answer.

  6. "Do you think we'll ever stop overthinking everything?"
    "…probably not."

  7. "You're probably trying your damnedest not to ask"
    Eve's eyes betray her completely.

  8. Dear Hollywood,

    Please make this entire comic into a movie and also do not ruin it like you always do.

    Sincerely,

    Me

    1. Dear Hollywood,

      Please don't make this entire comic into a movie as Yo!mieho suggested. They may retain a cautious optimism, but you and I both know you are completely incapable of NOT fucking this comic up. Just leave it alone.

      Sincerely,
      Me

  9. How did I miss that Jane gave Marigold her jacket??? SHE'S THE BEST.

  10. Last 3 panels: DAYUM!!
    Also, the colors… wooooooooow…

  11. Oh wow! That comic was brilliant and beautifully truthful!
    What really stood out to me this time was the dialogue: how true-to-life the language felt, while still maintaining a touch of that trademark Octopus Pie lyricism.

    I also think this is the first time I've sided with Jane on anything completely, without reservation: The fact that nothing in this world worth having comes easy. I don't think that, because things with Jane and Mar fell into place so easily, the relationship isn't worth having; it's just taken them years of friendship and going through other troubles to get to where the are. Plus, I mean, what long term relationship doesn't have it's rocky points? They're still a new couple; they should try to enjoy the easy part while they can. It's so short and lovely.

  12. Love those last two panels, and Jane's comment about life being arbitrary. In the U.S. we are taught from a young age that "hard work leads to success." But I have found that is rarely true; sometimes stuff just happens, for better or worse.

  13. The whole "I didn't think anything worth having came easily" thing catapulted me back to a side storyline that (I think?) got dropped and I was kinda wondering what happened. Can't find the story now but it was the last time I remember seeing Eve's brother. He'd gotten engaged but there were problems…i.e. it wasn't easy, but was it worth having? and then….nothing. What happened with that?

    1. Well if you’re looking for it I’m pretty sure you’re talking about exile on Jericho turnpike http://www.octopuspie.com/2008-12-01/227-nutri-wa

  14. The updates are kind of slow compared to your 5-day-a-week webcomics, in fact some might say they're very slow, but I would counter that with the following:

    1. When we get updates, they are at least one entire page in full colour, and often two pages.
    2. The storytelling, art and seemingly infinite rabbit-hole of nuance present in each update and the wonderful commentary down here will keep you (mostly) sated in between updates.
    3. This is one of the highest-quality comics in existence, period, so it is literally ALWAYS worth the wait.

    Hope that helps! 🙂

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