An odd, but sweet, little series with an unpromising name - "Lil Depressed Boy"

[icon_uk]

This time around, no costume acrobats, no cute linguist mutants, no superbeings at all in fact...



This is an Image title, published (well, the first issue at least, I haven't picked up #2 yet) without adverts, which seems rare sign of confidence in this day and age.

It's actually more or less the hardcopy print of a webcomic, but since I found the comic before the webcomic (Which I only found about 10 minutes ago, since the comic doesn't even mention it exists), I'll treat it as such for the moment, and mention the webcomic at the wnd

There is no explanation made for the appearance of LDB as a ragoll guy, as his friends know him. This is just what he looks like.

This is the opening page...





He's a quirky little chap, isn't he?

At the diner, he meets his friend Drew, LDB mentions he's dropped out of the Poetry classes he was taking because he wasn't getting what he wanted from it). Drew tries to get him to rejoin the band, or at least get an X-Box so they can co-op play. Drew thinks this would be perfect for LDB because he wouldn't need to leave the house. Drew the goes off to get a refill and...





I think our little chap has a bit of a crush going on...

Later (after playing Guitar Hero with Drew and a sequence with a trip on a bus which reminds me a little of the scenes of Shinji in the train in "Evangelion", but that's probably coincidence) he runs into the mystery girl again at the laundrette (I think Americans would call it a "laundromat" but I could be wrong) and after a few more endearing moments, they agree to go on a date to see a band that they both like (Kepi Ghoulie, a real world band getting a shout out). LDB has a great time (he's a BIG fan)

Afterwards they head for a diner...



And it ends with a kiss.

It's an odd little series, not a lot happens perhaps, but it does so engagingly and the art is pleasing. On the other hand it's maybe a little TOO adorably quirky (which is fine to tease you into coming back for more, but could be a little overpowering long term) and LDB doesn't come across as THAT depressed, which is also, y'know, fine, since a day in the life of a depressive isn't necessarily that engaging (potentially interesting though), but it IS in his name and the title of the comic.

The website with archives and follow-ups is here. The story started here in late 2005, but the creators also provide a link to the same point as the comic starts with the recommendation that "This is where it started getting good", so make of that what you will.

Certainly a series I'll be keeping an eye on.

Comments

[cypherfdp]

It was for Magnetman's stage, wasn't it? I feel those blisters, too, girl.

[sigmund_droid]

Totally Magnetman's stage

[sigmund_droid]

A little off topic, but I whole heartedly support any game that comes with coach co-op these days.

If you have steam and a couple wired pc controllers (those include 360 controllers as well mind you) do you self a favour and pick up Jamestown.

One of the most drunken fun nights I've had gaming.

[icon_uk]

I think I understood about one word in four of that...

[sigmund_droid]

Pictures make sense good

[thanekos]

Disclaimer: Jamestown is not historically accurate.

The Spanish never struck an alliance with the Martians, John Smith never mapped anything dark, and Croatoa is maybe not some darkness with a lost temple.

[drmcninja]

So, uh, they announced Saint's Row 3 with in room co-op. Hardly a game that fits this site's demographic, but I really don't know what you like. Its really fun to play for me, at least.

Just that off the top of my head.

[sigmund_droid]

Does it actually have in-room co-op? That's amazing.

Saint's row 2 was a blast.

[drmcninja]

Yeah, co op all the way through. It's shaping up to be my most anticipated. I would look into it if you get the chance.

[sigmund_droid]

Oh it's an auto buy after 2, the best experience I ever had on my 360

[drmcninja]

We should totally play when it comes out! As in together! In your house! Because I know where you live!

For real tho, we should play!

[sigmund_droid]

for sure just remind me when it comes out

[drmcninja]

November 11th. See you then!

[equinox216]

I thoroughly enjoyed the... GLEE with which they made a silly sandbox for SR2. They put just about as much plot as I could stand, kept it self-aware of its ridiculousness, and then just let you go to town.

The fact that I made a fat goateed English-accented man dressed in a large purple coat, obscene belt buckle, and animal-print hat didn't hurt the entertainment value, either.

[drmcninja]

Have you been following the third? They cranked the crazy up to 12. It just looks fun, just like the last one did.

[equinox216]

I don't usually track a lot of pre-game hype. I'm not allergic to spoilers or anything, I just don't do it.

So I went and watched the trailers on the site. I'd seen the 30-second 'prelude to a nut punch' one, which had already sold me on getting 3, but the rest was new to me.

I'm thinking I may play as Bomb Queen for this one. She seems like she'd be right at home.

[drmcninja]

There may not be enough presidential fetuses for her, but I'm sure she'll manage. I like playing as Deadpool. Cliche, maybe, but he fits the game perfectly. just reckless chaos.

[sleepymax]

I completely agree 100%.

I grew up playing games with my brother and we actually live together right now. All too often do we get excited for a new game only to find out it's online-only.

[icon_uk]

Out of curiosity, do you mean "coach co-op" or "couch co-op", because I first read it to mean a game where you could teach others to play, like a sort of in game mentor, but other referenfces seem to mean "playing against the person physically next to you", which in my day was just called a "two player game".

[wizardru]

I'm sure he meant 'couch co-op' such as Halo: Reach, where my son and I can play at the same time, versus 'coach co-op', where Team Fortress 2 allows you to mentor another new players.

[amancalledblaze]

wow
I read through the back issues and just..wow, its staggering how much this reminds me of of one my best friends, he went through some stuff and..yeah odd to see a comic so close to things in some ways.
Good read though, I might have to track it down in paper.

[sigmund_droid]

Spoiler: this comic is actually about YOU

[biod]

They always are.

[whitesycamore]

Video games are completely an excuse for me to hang out with my friends.

And just this week I came home from a twelve-hour shift and still made time to play Crash Bandicoot with my man. ♥

I have also flown a kite at night. At the time I thought it was a fun and whimsical thing to do, now I'm worried it actually made me an adorably quirky webcomic poseur.

[icon_uk]

now I'm worried it actually made me an adorably quirky webcomic poseur.

Then it's just one short step from "adorably quirky" to "kooky" and after that comparisons can only be made to the likes of Goldie Hawn or Lisa Kudrow and once you reach that point, then there's just no hope for you.

I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry.

[whitesycamore]

Never fear; I also recently got him to drive me to the garden centre while we listened to Classic FM on the car stereo.

I think that gives me anti-kooky insurance.

[icon_uk]

Whew! Though I'd add that in future it might help if one, or both, of you was wearing a cardigan... just to make sure.

[whitesycamore]

But cardigans are actually *totally* hipster-y right now...

They must have changed it while you were busy being for-real old. :P

[icon_uk]

while you were busy being for-real old

As they say, "Age and guile beats youth, innocence and a bad haircut" :P

[riddler13]

Waitress "Flo" is also a shout-out to a videogame: Diner Dash.

[blunderbuss]

JESUS. I'm sure the guy who made this comic has depression, because those first few pages are my LIFE right now. Hoy, it's even depressing to look at. Which is definately not a slam against the series.