Now, thanks to the Internet, I can read the comics daily online. I can easily peruse various strips that are not available in my local newspapers. Not only that, I am now privy to the new evolution of the classic comic strip known as the webcomic. Comic strips lovingly created by aspiring cartoonists whose work exists solely online in the hopes of one day making it as syndicated cartoonists. Scott Kurtz's webcomic, "PVP" is a prime example of how dedication and determination can ultimately result in mainstream success.
Comic strips are generally aimed at specific audiences. Much like "Dilbert" sympathizes with the plight of large corporate office employees and "Garfield" focuses on the owners of fat, lasagna eating cats, Kurtz's "PVP" is no different. Although in many instances the humour of this strip transcends the focus of its core audience, it definitely helps to have some knowledge of some of the so-called "geek" interests in order to appreciate the strip to the fullest. Video games, comic books, computers, role-playing games are all hot topics satirized daily in this wonderful comic strip.
The strip takes place in the offices of PVP magazine. A computer gaming magazine whose offices are comprised of a collection of unusual, yet all too familiar group of co-workers. Brent Sienna, the wise-ass coffee drinking Macintosh user who tends to be periodically attacked by rabid panda bears. Francis Ottoman, a 16-year-old game addict and Star Wars fanatic. Jade Fontaine, the strong female voice of the strip and the on again, off again paramour of Brent Sienna. Robbie and Jase, former classmates of the magazine's lovable editor Cole Richards, whose sole purpose in life it seems is to sit on a couch, drink beer and play console sports games all day. Sigh. And finally there's Skull the Troll. A big blue, mythological creature whose childlike innocence and perspective serves as a comic foil for the entire office.
I can't say enough good
things about this strip. Although it makes light of many topics that I
am all too familiar with it is more than able to garner more than a chuckle
from the professed "non-geek." I happened on this strip from
my monthly perusal of PC Gamer magazine and I have been hooked ever since.
Scott, through his continued dedication to his craft has made this comic
so much more than a collection of funny characters and jokes. His website,
not only showcases his cartoons but provides daily commentary on various
topics from the artist himself, which only adds a more personal connection
to the strip and it's creator. PVP has been recently picked up by the
comic book publisher Image Comics and his collected work will now be sold
in comic book stores across the country. I strongly encourage you to check
out his site. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
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