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Comic 101: Reality

Started by Akilladafun [3071460] on in General Discussion.

31 replies · 314 views · thread synced · 4 days ago · View on torn.com
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Posts archived: 32 / 32 posts (100%) · the total is Torn's reply count + the opening post at the last fetch

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Akilladafun [3071460]

Alright, I need to get this off my chest, especially for anyone out there genuinely thinking of putting time and effort into making a comic for Torn.

Here’s the uncomfortable truth: you don’t need talent. You don’t need a story. You don’t even need art skills. You just need… stick figures. And one joke that’s simple enough to hit someone square in the face without needing a second read.

That’s it.

A basic comic with stick figures and a dumb, quick Torn-related joke is far more likely to get attention and praise than something that took real effort, hard lines, clean shading, detailed backgrounds, or any actual artistic skill. If your comic looks like it took more than half an hour and dares to include subtlety or depth, odds are it’ll be ignored or misunderstood.

It’s not even about whether a comic is good. It’s about how quickly the joke lands. Torn’s comic crowd, for the most part, isn’t here to interpret or admire craftsmanship. They’re here to chuckle and move on. If they don’t get the joke in three seconds or less, you’ve already lost them.

So if you're thinking of joining in, don’t sweat the art. Don’t worry about style, skill, or narrative. Just draw something Torn-related that even the sleepiest junkie on cooldown can “get” instantly. The simpler and dumber the better.

This isn't bitterness (well, maybe a little). It's just the reality. Effort doesn’t always pay off here. Relatability does. Quick laughs win over quality almost every time.

So yeah. Stick figures, cheap gags, Torn references. That’s the formula. Don’t overthink it.

Good luck.

Hogfather [330973]

*checks the last 4 pages of comics*.

 

Literally only 1 comic has stick figures. I can't be bothered to check the rest.

 

And yeah a Torn joke is more likely to be picked because... shock horror. That's the website!

BaggyWrinkles [3145984]

In all honesty,  that's kind of the point of comics, something quick and funny to laugh at and move on.

 

If people want to think, they'll read an actual article. 

Akilladafun [3071460]

Clever wit is what comics have always been known for, not lazy opinions or cheap gags. Those are for people who don’t want to think.
Art is subjective, sure.
I’m not upset that simple jokes get accepted. I’m frustrated that thoughtful, high-effort work gets ignored while the lowest-effort content is rewarded.

blockhead77 [2539580]

There are some good comics, but I agree that a lot of them don’t impress me. And I’ve never laughed out loud at one ever. It would be nice if there was a Torn comic section and a non-Torn comic section. We could see a lot more variation that way, like real newspaper comics. 

Ben_Hagen [2966467]

 I’m frustrated that thoughtful, high-effort work gets ignored while the lowest-effort content is rewarded.

 

Welcome to Torn life!

EarthFireMonkey [2620167]

As someone who has made over 70 something successfully accepted comics I can confirm that simple, easy to understand humour is the winning formula. 

Don't take too long or sweat too hard because after all it is a free to play online text game.

 

Art levels need to be able to accomodate differing abilities so I am very happy they accept lower quality offerings as well - to include more of the community. 

 

If you have good art, but the idea is poor, thats on you. 

 

However if you have a nice simple idea AND good art, you will be in line for Lt_Wolf throwing you up to $100m in prize money. 

 

TLDR:

 

Good idea + Basic execution = win

Good idea + Good execution = win win

Bad idea + Good execution = still a bad idea

 

 

 

blockhead77 [2539580]

Yeah… TouTube isn’t the same. I hate the slow normalization of using AI to create amalgamated pictures. It’s not art, not even close.

blockhead77 [2539580]

How come your comics aren’t uploaded to your profile pictures? I wanted to read them :/

 

The newspaper comics should have a search feature or something.

AgntOrngRuffy [3268335]

Strip #4 was the funniest strip this week. All stick figures. Just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Don't get salty, just make more strips. You do good work, I like your stuff. But this will not garner you any fans.