Pawn

Another black and white comic, and again I'm not sharing black and white comics unless they are "really good".

Pawn most certainly qualifies true and proper for the "really good" title. Even though updates are sporadic at best, it's still alive after many many years and it's always a treat to get an update posted.

The story is about a lesbian scribe going down into a dungeon to seek it's biggest treasure. Not gold and jewels as you might expect, but it's mighty demoness guardian. Naturally that part of her quest succeeds, but getting back out of the dungeon is another task entirely.



So, start reading Pawn today! Not because it's updating every day, not because it's black and white, but because you should have started reading it years ago already! That, and it's an awesome comic.

Twisted Kaiju Theater

Neo Monster island, or Twisted Kaiju Theater is a comic, and not a comic both at the same time.

Some explanation is required on this though. Basically the "roots" of the comic come from a huge collection of monster toys both big and small. Arrange the toys, take an image, put the image on your computer, edit it with photoshop for special effects and text boxes and then print that on the website.

This has been going on for a staggering 1760 pages - and still counting. The comedy is as the comic title suggest - somewhat twisted and definitely aimed at the more mature reader. But the comedy - there is SO much of it! It's hard to believe it's coming from a single crazy mind.

Plenty of people have "tried" making a web comic in a similar way, either with lego toys, or sonic the hedgehog sprites, or megaman sprites, you name it. But, like with any black and white comic, it's not the quality of the artwork that makes the comic. It's the person behind the comic that makes it into the work of art that inspires thousands to read it every time there is an update.

A very twisted kind of special even, and for all that it's just that much more awesome.



It's one of those comics where you can start reading halfway through (page 1500 or thereabouts) and with a few clicks you'll enjoy it. Personally, picture and sprite comics don't do much for me, but this one stands out of the lot by a decent head (and tail). It has great comedy value of a unique kind that you're not likely to find elsewhere.

And the occasional bonus artwork,



Release your inner Kaiju and get stompy, at Twisted Kaiju Theater!

Goblins

The comic Goblins is a major presence on the web. Funny enough it is actually hosted by the comic listed earlyer: Licd.

Goblins tends to be ranked #1 or #2 on TWC (Varies so n then between updates). And for good reason. Over the years it has evolved from a simple non-web black and white comic to a highly popular, very detailed story about the life of a group of Goblins. Unlike your run of the mill adventure RPG story, this one features Goblins as seen "through their eyes".

The author has put up a warning of this fact to inform new readers starting at page one. You'll run into the following image as below to give you an indication.

Below: An example of how much the comic has evolved


The comic is marked PG-13 / Teen for graphic violence. Bodies being ripped apart into a bloody mess would certainly fall in that category, if not higher.
It is definitely a story though and features three different groups of actors to which the reader is shown a glimpse of their action packed adventure.

Updates are generally once a week, sometimes more, sometimes less.




Among the story lines there is also a side comic called "Tempts Fate", where the comic author tempts the life of the character being drawn. The readers get to donate cash and help answer riddles in order to progress this side story. In order to give you an idea how insanely popular this comic is, the current Tempts Fate has raised over 46.000 dollars! More than a year's salary for most people.

Goblins is certainly a giant player on the web, I'd be surprised if you hadn't already heard of it or seen it. But if not, today is as good a day as any to start reading Goblins - Life through their eyes.

Undertow

A comic a bit more for all ages is Undertow. Sadly, the comic hasn't been updated in a year, even though the author is still active and drawing.

Be sure to say hi to her on DeviantArt!

The comic has evolved from black and white to amazing full color pages over the years. As indicated by the author, as her skills grow, so did the comic.

This is a story, which starts out with a human enlisting in the guard during what appears to be medieval times. You'll find magic usage, swords and knives, elves and other fantasy creatures, monsters and a long plot to rescue a princess in distress.

The art changes a lot over the chapters, but a general impression of western anime is prevalent among the pages. This gives the comic it's own unique kind of style.



It's a relaxing read, though frustrating it's not really getting updated anymore. Perhaps in due time. But, for now I'd say give it a try and start from the beginning. Read: Undertow.