Dumbing of Age Book Twelve

Dumbing of Age

A college webcomic by David Willis
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June 22, 2026

Valid

by David M Willis on August 2, 2014 at 12:01 am
  • 04 - The Whiteboard Dingdong Bandit
└ Tags: danny, ethan

Discussion (209) ¬

[ Comments RSS ]
  1. An Average Loser
    An Average Loser
    August 2, 2014 at 12:01 am | #

    hehe, Valid.

    • Bionic_Doctor
      Bionic_Doctor
      August 2, 2014 at 1:49 am | #

      Instead of “it’s a way to feel valid”, for the first time in his life, Danny is told “it’s a valid way to feel”… If someone had told me my first post would end up to be this one I would not have believed it but here we go: hugs for Danny!

      • tinfoil theory
        tinfoil theory
        August 2, 2014 at 2:35 am | #

        Danny Wilcox emotional support group now providing comfort through light physical contact and hugs.

        • JacHunter
          JacHunter
          August 2, 2014 at 3:02 pm | #

          That sounds like something Dina would come up with. With that exact phrasing.

      • DudeMyDadOwnsADealership
        DudeMyDadOwnsADealership
        August 2, 2014 at 2:01 pm | #

        Hopefully it’ll sink in. It just might. Danny’s a fast learner…..When he really wants to drop the drama and learn, that is.

        • turoni
          turoni
          August 2, 2014 at 4:39 pm | #

          Bit off topic but I bet someone here knows.
          I’m caught up with DOA and am at 1100 with shortpacked but I’m wondering if there’s any order I should read the different comics since the universes albeit loosely seem intertwined.

          • CJGrimm
            CJGrimm
            August 2, 2014 at 7:37 pm | #

            Shortpacked is in no way intertwined with DoA. They share character names and appearances, but the characters develop differently.

            • turoni
              turoni
              August 3, 2014 at 4:02 am | #

              I heard DoA was pretty much a fresh start but isn’t the rest more or less the same universe?

              • Robin
                Robin
                August 3, 2014 at 8:07 am | #

                No, not really. DoA takes place in the Dumbniverse, Shortpacked! in the Walkiverse.

                • Robin
                  Robin
                  August 3, 2014 at 8:12 am | #

                  Make that *Walkyverse and *Dumbiverse.

                • turoni
                  turoni
                  August 3, 2014 at 9:15 am | #

                  Okay DoA is dumbiverse and shortpacked walkyverse but does that mean there’s an order in wich I should read the different walkyverse titles.
                  I presume it’s walky is part of the walkyverse too?
                  Should I read it’s walky before or after shortpacked, tough the latter would be a bit late.

                • Leorale
                  Leorale
                  August 3, 2014 at 4:05 pm | #

                  If you want to read ’em all, any order is fine, as they’re all made to stand alone.

                  Personally, I liked reading them in the order they were written: Roomies, I!W, Shortpacked, and DoA. That way, the art technique improves over time, which is fun.

  2. Doctor_Who
    Doctor_Who
    August 2, 2014 at 12:01 am | #

    Before you guys start shipping these two, please consider the fact that having TWO of her boyfriends turn out gay – for each other no less, could very well be what finally drives Amber stark raving mad.

    So what I’m saying is you should totally ship these two.

    • Jen Aside
      Jen Aside
      August 2, 2014 at 12:01 am | #

      Can I ship ’em to Abu Dhabi?

      • Plasma Mongoose
        Plasma Mongoose
        August 2, 2014 at 12:04 am | #

        At least then Nermal won’t be lonely anymore. 😀

        • arank11
          arank11
          August 2, 2014 at 12:07 am | #

          ^^ I like this guy

          • Plasma Mongoose
            Plasma Mongoose
            August 2, 2014 at 12:16 am | #

            ^_^ *hehe*

        • Ocbrad1
          Ocbrad1
          August 2, 2014 at 11:05 am | #

          Yessss! The memories come flooding back. Of course when I actually did visit Abu Dhabi, Nermal was nowhere to be found.

      • JimmyMcNuggets
        JimmyMcNuggets
        August 2, 2014 at 12:18 am | #

        I don’t think any credits would transfer. So if you did, it might seriously disrupt their education. I have to vote No.

        • Seerow
          Seerow
          August 2, 2014 at 11:33 am | #

          They’ve been in college for like 3 weeks, maybe a month tops. They haven’t earned any college credits yet.

          They’d be set behind by 1 semester at most. An acceptable loss.

          • Jostikas
            Jostikas
            August 2, 2014 at 11:57 am | #

            All that drama in three weeks? Newsflash: they’re never gonna have enough credits. Well… except Dorothy. And both Walkertons probably, for different reasons.

            • Rowanmikaio
              Rowanmikaio
              August 2, 2014 at 11:58 pm | #

              I’m not sure how well Street-cred transfers.

    • bananarama
      bananarama
      August 2, 2014 at 12:04 am | #

      That’d make for one great final Killing-Joke-like madness scene, where the Amazi-girl persona finally shatters Amber and becomes the dominant, destructive default. It’ll never happen, bar an Evangelion-esque mental breakdown on behalf of Willis, but its interesting.

      • An Average Loser
        An Average Loser
        August 2, 2014 at 12:07 am | #

        Let’s just hope he never gets suicidally depressed and turn everyone into Sunny D. Oh yeah, I forgot, Congratulations!

        • 3oranges
          3oranges
          August 2, 2014 at 2:12 am | #

          Wait, are you saying someone got turned into the orange drink?
          Sunny D is PEOPLE!

          • Dragon
            Dragon
            August 2, 2014 at 3:25 am | #

            Soylent green reference?

            • Vincent
              Vincent
              August 7, 2014 at 5:01 am | #

              Of course not. Soylent green is made out of seaweed.

        • Bibulb
          Bibulb
          August 2, 2014 at 4:50 am | #

          TANG.

          (Also, who else here is now thinkin’ about either Ruth or Billie in a plugsuit? ‘Cause DAAAAAANG.)

          • Griffinguy24
            Griffinguy24
            August 2, 2014 at 1:05 pm | #

            Either?

          • Kryss LaBryn
            Kryss LaBryn
            August 2, 2014 at 2:21 pm | #

            What the hell is a plugsuit, I am too scared to ask Google?

            • Bill M.
              Bill M.
              August 2, 2014 at 4:05 pm | #

              A plugsuit is similar to a wetsuit. Pilots for the Evas in Neon Genesis Evangelion wear them while being immersed in LCL so that their sync ratios approach the level needed for piloting.

            • StClair
              StClair
              August 3, 2014 at 5:58 am | #

              Fanservice. That’s what it is.

            • gwalla
              gwalla
              August 4, 2014 at 4:54 pm | #

              It is anime fetishwear.

      • smashman42
        smashman42
        August 2, 2014 at 12:12 am | #

        Just pictured Walky in a chair with everyone going ‘Congratulations!’

        Thanks for that.

      • Doctor_Who
        Doctor_Who
        August 2, 2014 at 12:23 am | #

        I’m sorry. This was the best I could do.

        I mean, fitting Amber’s big round head over the Joker’s long thin one isn’t easy. And no way I could tint that suit yellow and have it look any good.

        • bananarama
          bananarama
          August 2, 2014 at 1:53 am | #

          But its still fantastic, so we love you.

        • L33tmaster
          L33tmaster
          August 2, 2014 at 11:48 am | #

          Lol made it my desktop

      • Ancestral Hamster
        Ancestral Hamster
        August 2, 2014 at 2:38 am | #

        Implement Instrumentality!

      • Speedball
        Speedball
        August 2, 2014 at 2:01 pm | #

        What about the Amazi-Girl of Zurr-enh-Ahhr?

    • Timinane
      Timinane
      August 2, 2014 at 12:11 am | #

      Doctor, I was also going to make a comment about not shipping but the drama of a raving mad Amazigirl/Amber is just too good to pass up.

      ALL ABOARD! *blows up monitor with headcannon*

    • Inlaa
      Inlaa
      August 2, 2014 at 12:42 am | #

      My God yes you’re right shipped no questions EMBARK ON THE VESSEL DAMN YOU.

    • Rabid Rabbit
      Rabid Rabbit
      August 2, 2014 at 3:35 am | #

      How would you tell the difference?

    • Lord Geovanni
      Lord Geovanni
      August 2, 2014 at 10:14 am | #

      you mean like a certain bat themed caped crusader

    • Yet_One_More_Idiot
      Yet_One_More_Idiot
      August 2, 2014 at 10:33 am | #

      If I ship them together, is there a chance that it’ll drive Amber over the edge to hook up with Dorothy and Joyce?

      ‘Cos that’s a thing I’d kinda want to happen. 😛

    • Dante
      Dante
      August 2, 2014 at 2:08 pm | #

      You act like that ship didn’t set sail the instant they were in a panel together.

    • Gold
      Gold
      August 2, 2014 at 2:42 pm | #

      Ethan’s kind is not welcome there.

  3. Tacdud2
    Tacdud2
    August 2, 2014 at 12:02 am | #

    Great. Now I ship it.

    • An Average Loser
      An Average Loser
      August 2, 2014 at 12:02 am | #

      That’s the spirit!

  4. JessWitt
    JessWitt
    August 2, 2014 at 12:03 am | #

    The bromance is strong with these two.

    • AgentKeen
      AgentKeen
      August 2, 2014 at 12:46 am | #

      I friendship it.

      • JessWitt
        JessWitt
        August 2, 2014 at 2:50 am | #

        I friendship it harder.

        • Ntrovert60
          Ntrovert60
          August 2, 2014 at 8:17 am | #

          For a nickle…

        • Lord Geovanni
          Lord Geovanni
          August 2, 2014 at 10:19 am | #

          I Friendship it so later i can break it

    • L33tmaster
      L33tmaster
      August 2, 2014 at 11:49 am | #

      Strong in the bromance they are

  5. Plasma Mongoose
    Plasma Mongoose
    August 2, 2014 at 12:03 am | #

    I’m detecting a vibe of feels radiating from this comic, not sure what type but I’m detecting it none-the-less.

    • An Average Loser
      An Average Loser
      August 2, 2014 at 12:05 am | #

      It’s a D. Willis joint, feels trips are a prerequisite.

      • AgentKeen
        AgentKeen
        August 2, 2014 at 12:47 am | #

        While on the feels trip, don’t forget to pick up your sack lunch and always sue the buddy system.

        • AgentKeen
          AgentKeen
          August 2, 2014 at 12:47 am | #

          *use, gotdangit.

        • TPman
          TPman
          August 2, 2014 at 1:54 am | #

          Has the buddy system caused you or a loved one injury? Have you lost wages after being unable to work because of the buddy system? Have you experienced runny eyes, heartache or heavy feels within six months of using the buddy system?
          Call Keen, Man &assoc. to see if you have valid grounds for a lawsuit.
          It’s time to take the buddy system down!

          • Lord Geovanni
            Lord Geovanni
            August 2, 2014 at 10:23 am | #

            i always get paired up with suckish people in the buddy system never anyone i like

        • Ivan
          Ivan
          August 2, 2014 at 10:09 am | #

          Their carrying each other’s lunch – it’s their sacks!

  6. Yotomoe
    Yotomoe
    August 2, 2014 at 12:03 am | #

    I mean…maybe she’d be more receptive to tell me how she feels if I didn’t take a HUGE STEAMING dump on the entire summer where I broke her heart and put her through hell with her AND MY family only to fake it with the first girl who crushes on me in college.

    • newllend
      newllend
      August 2, 2014 at 12:11 am | #

      Ya it kind of feels like she’s doing what everyone does after bad break and is trieing to get some space from me?….Na that can’t be it.

    • Nono
      Nono
      August 2, 2014 at 12:27 am | #

      As opposed to Danny, who waited the entire summer til his ex took a HUGE STEAMING dump on him in college by breaking his heart and causing more friction between him AND HIS family only to make it with the first boy who crushes on her in college.

      • tinfoil theory
        tinfoil theory
        August 2, 2014 at 3:00 am | #

        Now the shat-upons open up to each other’s exes.

        The situations seems super symmetrical, with just a slight disparity that might prevent the annihilation of all that matters.

        How will Amber feel about Danny being good friends with both Ethan and Sal?

        Feelings of hurt will intensify.

        • TJ Baltimore
          TJ Baltimore
          August 2, 2014 at 6:28 am | #

          I feel like it’s asymmetrical: Danny is the shat-upon whereas Ethan is the upon-shitter. Similarly, Dorothy is the upon-shitter whereas Amber is the shat-upon. This is more of a swap than a support group.

          • Marisa Mockery
            Marisa Mockery
            August 2, 2014 at 12:35 pm | #

            Ew.

  7. MrSirk
    MrSirk
    August 2, 2014 at 12:04 am | #

    Ethan versus Joe in a best friend off. Ethan wins?

    • Aolbain
      Aolbain
      August 2, 2014 at 12:11 am | #

      Ethan doesnt want to have sex with your girlfriend because she’s messed up, so…+

      • Kirby
        Kirby
        August 2, 2014 at 12:42 am | #

        And another reason or two.

      • Lord Geovanni
        Lord Geovanni
        August 2, 2014 at 10:25 am | #

        not anymore at least

      • newllend
        newllend
        August 2, 2014 at 4:25 pm | #

        On one hand Joe hits on girlfriend on the other hand if your a guy he’ll hit on you.

    • Lone Wolf
      Lone Wolf
      August 2, 2014 at 1:45 pm | #

      Oh yeah, Ethan wins big time. No contest. Two conversations together, and Ethan’s already being emotionally supportive and recognizing that Danny’s feeling pretty shitty and acknowledging it’s okay for him to feel that way.

      Contrast with: http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-1/05-media-rumble/wingman-2/

      Joe has yet to do anything to disprove Danny’s assertion here; the closest he’s come was the time he nearly walked in on Danny and Billie making out and took it upon himself to guard the door to the room so nobody else would walk in on them. Every other time they’ve discussed Danny’s love life, Joe has been exasperated or annoyed that Danny hasn’t just had sex and moved on yet the way he does. Oh and now he’s going on about how much he wants to tap the campus vigilante… that is to say, the same girl Danny has flat-out told him he’s in a relationship (of sorts) with several times now.

      Joe Rosenthal – Still the Worst Wingman Ever.

  8. brightcoatandbravado
    brightcoatandbravado
    August 2, 2014 at 12:04 am | #

    So wait, does Ethan know that Danny knows that Amber is Amazi-girl? Because his panel 2 dialogue indicates otherwise, but then he basically gives that info away…

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      August 2, 2014 at 12:17 am | #

      He probably doesn’t wanna say it allowed. Also they confirmed that a WHILE ago.

      • JimmyMcNuggets
        JimmyMcNuggets
        August 2, 2014 at 12:20 am | #

        Aloud. Loud as in noisy. Synonym to audible. Not allowed as in permissible.

        Best regards,
        The Internet

        • Yotomoe
          Yotomoe
          August 2, 2014 at 12:24 am | #

          He’s not Aloud to say it.

          • Betty Anne
            Betty Anne
            August 2, 2014 at 12:31 am | #

            +10 troll points. XD

    • Heatth
      Heatth
      August 2, 2014 at 12:19 am | #

      Yes, he knows. Danny knows Ethan knows also. This have been established in an earlier story arc. Ethan is just avoiding using her real name in public. Even if he is talking just to Danny, who knows who could overhear? They are in a pretty open place.

    • Mass Confusion
      Mass Confusion
      August 2, 2014 at 12:20 am | #

      http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/03-up-all-night-to-get-vengeance/nightclass/
      Yep

    • John
      John
      August 2, 2014 at 12:23 am | #

      He knows and he knows that he knows and he knows that he knows that he knows that he knows… Ethan probably just doesn’t want random passers-by to overhear it.

      • L33tmaster
        L33tmaster
        August 2, 2014 at 11:52 am | #

        Its cause in reality amaz-girl is really….. BATMAN

  9. rhelmot
    rhelmot
    August 2, 2014 at 12:05 am | #

    Today I learned that I’m Danny.

    • An Average Loser
      An Average Loser
      August 2, 2014 at 12:05 am | #

      Awesome. Just don’t Dan it up for everyone else. . .

    • Salmo
      Salmo
      August 2, 2014 at 12:13 am | #

      Admitting you have a problem is the first step.

    • L33tmaster
      L33tmaster
      August 2, 2014 at 11:52 am | #

      Its ok there’s a group for that

  10. newllend
    newllend
    August 2, 2014 at 12:07 am | #

    Eathen you are not helping, in fact knowing what you’re up to I say what your trying to do will help even less.

    • Yotomoe
      Yotomoe
      August 2, 2014 at 12:17 am | #

      Maybe if you stop Eating Hen.

      • nekobawt
        nekobawt
        August 2, 2014 at 1:10 am | #

        ethan stopped eating hens a while ago, he’s more interested in eating…you know, roosters.

  11. Fit-to-freak
    Fit-to-freak
    August 2, 2014 at 12:09 am | #

    I like this. Cus like, sometime people feel petty stuff or unfair stuff or mean stuff- and it okay. It’s not something they should express to the person in question, but it’s okay. We don’t always feel the perfect way. That’s fine, we work out those feeling on our own or with a trusted friend or therapist. That’s part of growing up. I like this. I like this a lot.

  12. Nono
    Nono
    August 2, 2014 at 12:09 am | #

    It might sound gay, but Ethan’s rocking that shirt. It’s practically slimming on him.

    I feel like more and more I’m just doing fashion commentary on DoA.

    • tinfoil theory
      tinfoil theory
      August 2, 2014 at 2:35 am | #

      That’s a valid way to feel.

      • Deanatay
        Deanatay
        August 2, 2014 at 8:49 am | #

        ICWutUDidThar.

      • L33tmaster
        L33tmaster
        August 2, 2014 at 11:53 am | #

        and now the lols start

  13. Historyman68
    Historyman68
    August 2, 2014 at 12:11 am | #

    Feeling validation is not something Danny is used to.

  14. Packy
    Packy
    August 2, 2014 at 12:11 am | #

    Nice, Ethan!

  15. Just Me
    Just Me
    August 2, 2014 at 12:15 am | #

    I have no idea what that phrase’s other meaning is. Its’ a valid way to feel … I mean, sure, Danny feels hurt that Amber chose not to fully confide in him.

    Am I missing a joke here?

    • Annamal
      Annamal
      August 2, 2014 at 12:22 am | #

      It means exactly what it sounds like, that Dan is feeling perfectly OK feelings about a weird situation.

      If he acts on those feeling he would be kind of a douchebag, but just feeling them does not make him a bad person.

    • Dagazzard
      Dagazzard
      August 2, 2014 at 12:25 am | #

      Danny usually hangs around with Joe, who doesn’t say stuff like “It’s a valid way to feel”.

      • nekobawt
        nekobawt
        August 2, 2014 at 1:11 am | #

        and his parents don’t seem likely to encourage him to have any kind of confidence in himself or his feelings

    • Camachri
      Camachri
      August 2, 2014 at 12:28 am | #

      The joke is that in this instance Danny’s feelings are reasonable, but every other time in comic (being dumped by Dorothy, pushing away Amber while espousing Amazi-girl) his feelings have been rather unreasonable or misguided.

      And so this is the first time anyone’s been able to say that to him with a straight face.

      • Aolbain
        Aolbain
        August 2, 2014 at 5:36 am | #

        What? Sad (while getting dumped) and angry (when your friend keeps acting as if you are a couple despite knowing that you have a girlfriend and offers no explanation when asked) are both perfectly valid feelings.

        • OldFart
          OldFart
          August 2, 2014 at 8:56 pm | #

          There are invalid feelings? Some feelings we shouldn’t feel, even though there is little or no choice about what we feel in any moment?

    • Edmund Grain
      Edmund Grain
      August 2, 2014 at 1:02 am | #

      The joke is that Danny had an emotionally abusive childhood.

      • Yo Gabba Gabba Messiah
        Yo Gabba Gabba Messiah
        August 2, 2014 at 2:30 am | #

        Hilarious!

    • takashid
      takashid
      August 2, 2014 at 1:53 am | #

      the joke is that joe is a terrible best friend and danny needs to drop him for ethan asap

    • Drizzle My Kizzle
      Drizzle My Kizzle
      August 4, 2014 at 1:29 pm | #

      Telling someone that an emotion is ‘valid’ is bizarre, because telling someone that their emotions are valid is the same as telling them sometimes their emotions *aren’t* valid, and Danny has never encountered Ethan’s particular brand of insanity before.

      At least, that’s how I took it.

  16. boomwofl
    boomwofl
    August 2, 2014 at 12:18 am | #

    First off, Danny that is beyond pathetic, second off, if these two ship, I’m gonna poop enough bricks to make a warehouse… yeah let that one sink in for a while.

    • ninja_jesus
      ninja_jesus
      August 2, 2014 at 2:13 am | #

      Rude.

    • Jimmy
      Jimmy
      August 2, 2014 at 11:33 am | #

      Why is Danny pathetic? For having feelings? If that’s the case we’re all pathetic.

      • L33tmaster
        L33tmaster
        August 2, 2014 at 11:54 am | #

        here here….
        Wait what!!!

        • Jimmy
          Jimmy
          August 2, 2014 at 3:41 pm | #

          I said IF. I don’t believe that I swear!

      • masterofbones
        masterofbones
        August 2, 2014 at 3:34 pm | #

        I don’t have feelings.

        Not since the accident.

        • Jimmy
          Jimmy
          August 2, 2014 at 3:42 pm | #

          Is this Murphy?

      • Boomwolf97
        Boomwolf97
        August 2, 2014 at 7:17 pm | #

        I meant its pathetic that he hasn’t heard the words “That’s a valid way to feel” before now.

      • gwalla
        gwalla
        August 4, 2014 at 5:14 pm | #

        Well, if you want to get all etymological, “pathetic” does actually mean “pertaining to emotions”, so yeah.

        (Though that meaning only really survives in the term “pathetic fallacy”)

  17. Dean
    Dean
    August 2, 2014 at 12:19 am | #

    “Say, do you work out?”

  18. liahansen
    liahansen
    August 2, 2014 at 12:22 am | #

    Has Ethan been growing his sideburns or were they always like that?

    • Jackson
      Jackson
      August 2, 2014 at 12:27 am | #

      All the cool kids have sideburns.

  19. Pyr05
    Pyr05
    August 2, 2014 at 12:24 am | #

    Ethan, you’re confusing the poor child.

  20. xain
    xain
    August 2, 2014 at 12:25 am | #

    Ethan god bless you

  21. Mass Confusion
    Mass Confusion
    August 2, 2014 at 12:25 am | #

    Oh Danny, why do I feel like I know what you’re going through?
    Oh yeah, lack of validation

    • liahansen
      liahansen
      August 2, 2014 at 12:27 am | #

      I think Danny’s problem is more a general lack of validity.

  22. Jackson
    Jackson
    August 2, 2014 at 12:26 am | #

    Yep, Dan’s just hangin’ out feelin’ some real valid feelings.

  23. xain
    xain
    August 2, 2014 at 12:27 am | #

    Am I the only one that thinks Joe just got replaced in the Best Friend Catagory

    • MrSirk
      MrSirk
      August 2, 2014 at 12:31 am | #

      It’s really starting to look that way isn’t it.

    • Nono
      Nono
      August 2, 2014 at 12:37 am | #

      ‘Just’?

    • nekobawt
      nekobawt
      August 2, 2014 at 1:14 am | #

      joe, danny’s roommate, replaced danny with jacob, ethan’s roommate. it’s only fair if danny, joe’s roommate, replaces joe with ethan, jacob’s roommate, and makes one hell of a bromance quadrangle.

      • L33tmaster
        L33tmaster
        August 2, 2014 at 11:56 am | #

        the college logics are so confusing. Is this what its going to be like.

  24. Kernanator
    Kernanator
    August 2, 2014 at 12:31 am | #

    Well Danny, maybe if your feelings were more often valid than not, you wouldn’t be experiencing this disconnect.

  25. Opus the Poet
    Opus the Poet
    August 2, 2014 at 12:37 am | #

    Ethan, you’re confusing Danny, good job.

  26. Henry
    Henry
    August 2, 2014 at 12:40 am | #

    Is EthanDanny gay?

    • nekobawt
      nekobawt
      August 2, 2014 at 1:16 am | #

      not according to amazi-makeouts, no, but bisexuality/pansexuality isn’t necessarily out of the running yet.

      • madock345
        madock345
        August 2, 2014 at 12:19 pm | #

        As much as I’m enjoying the mental image of the Danny/Ethan ship, I think Danny’s entire character is way too vanilla for that to be a possibility.

        • Fit-to-freak
          Fit-to-freak
          August 3, 2014 at 12:08 am | #

          Ehhh you can be vanilla and still be straight

  27. Rowen Morland
    Rowen Morland
    August 2, 2014 at 12:52 am | #

    Aw, Danny 🙁

  28. AtomsOrSystems
    AtomsOrSystems
    August 2, 2014 at 1:00 am | #

    Ethan and Danny: BrOTP.

  29. caesaria82
    caesaria82
    August 2, 2014 at 1:05 am | #

    What is this, I’m having Danny-related emotiony-type feelings? I… I did not sign up for this.

  30. Poz
    Poz
    August 2, 2014 at 1:07 am | #

    Are we going to ship this? I’m going to ship this.

  31. nothri
    nothri
    August 2, 2014 at 1:09 am | #

    Oh god! What’s happening to me! This warm feeling in my chest! Am I having a heart attack? Oh wait, I think this is what they call…validation? P-Pride? Huh. Neat.

  32. pumpkincat
    pumpkincat
    August 2, 2014 at 1:12 am | #

    Shipped and tracking available.

    • JessWitt
      JessWitt
      August 2, 2014 at 2:51 am | #

      Shipping received!

  33. Robin
    Robin
    August 2, 2014 at 1:31 am | #

    Squeeeeeee

  34. Bionic_Doctor
    Bionic_Doctor
    August 2, 2014 at 1:32 am | #

    Instead of “it’s a way to feel valid”, for the first time in his life, Danny is told “it’s a valid way to feel”… If someone had told me my first post would end up to be this one I would not have believed it but here we go: hugs for Danny!

  35. Orangey
    Orangey
    August 2, 2014 at 2:18 am | #

    Yesssss these two need to be bffs. Would be nice for Danny to see what a good friend is like after putting up with Joe for so long!

  36. Beachfox
    Beachfox
    August 2, 2014 at 2:18 am | #

    You know, for a gay guy trying to be straight with a fundamentalist pollyanna, Ethan’s got a lot of his shit together.
    Go you, Ethan.

    • Disloyal Subject
      Disloyal Subject
      August 2, 2014 at 2:51 am | #

      Now there’s a sentence I never expected to see, hear, or read. And it’s hilariously true.

  37. ninja_jesus
    ninja_jesus
    August 2, 2014 at 2:40 am | #

    The real reason why Danny’s confused is because whenever he confides his problems to Joe, his so-called “best friend”, what he usually gets as a response is belittlement and/or ridicule for having feelings that Joe refuses to try to understand, or he gets ignored.

    Danny, this is the kind of friend that you need to have. Someone who actually cares enough to give you a decent response. Joe only cares about himself and the girl he fucks, and currently has no intention of acknowledging concepts of love, romance, or long-term relationships. Asking him for help has never, ever paid off, and he’s been trouble for you on more than one occasion.

    It’s quite simple, really: break off your friendship with Joe and make Ethan your new best friend.

    • Chase
      Chase
      August 2, 2014 at 3:42 am | #

      Don’t do it Dan, only a real friend will tell you how stupid you’re being.

      • ninja_jesus
        ninja_jesus
        August 2, 2014 at 4:19 am | #

        I suppose that depends on the person.

      • Catullus
        Catullus
        August 2, 2014 at 10:28 am | #

        Appropriate gravatar is appropriate.

    • Rabid Rabbit
      Rabid Rabbit
      August 2, 2014 at 3:45 am | #

      Except for the minor problem that whether he’s aware of it or not, Ethan wants into Danny’s pants.

      • mistrali
        mistrali
        August 2, 2014 at 8:54 am | #

        Where is there any indication of that? He might, but saying he automatically wants to bone Danny is kinda jumping ahead of yourself..They’ve interacted for all of three strips.

        • madock345
          madock345
          August 2, 2014 at 12:22 pm | #

          I think he does too. Not just because I want to bone both of them/want them to bone, but I’m just getting that kind of vibe.

        • timemonkey
          timemonkey
          August 2, 2014 at 3:16 pm | #

          Ethan’s been very complimentary of Danny’s appearance in the past. Not hit on complimentary but possibly attracted and over investing.

      • Deanatay
        Deanatay
        August 2, 2014 at 8:55 am | #

        … in the sense that Ethan thinks Danny has great fashion sense, and wants a pair of pants like his. (Hey, he already copied his haircut…)

    • timemonkey
      timemonkey
      August 2, 2014 at 6:39 am | #

      It helps that Ethan actually understands what’s going on. Joe has no idea because Danny doesn’t tell him anything until he needs to complain.

      • Jimmy
        Jimmy
        August 2, 2014 at 11:36 am | #

        Danny and Ethan know Amber/Amazi-Girl and Joe doesn’t. Danny was trying to keep her secret, that’s why he never told Joe. Joe doesn’t seem like the type to keep secrets.

      • Greenygal
        Greenygal
        August 2, 2014 at 1:56 pm | #

        Joe actually knows most of it, or would if he was paying attention:
        http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/02-i-was-a-teenage-churchmouse/love/
        http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/02-i-was-a-teenage-churchmouse/romance/
        http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-4/04-the-whiteboard-dong-bandit/skim-2/

        When he bothers to listen to Danny, his response is “you’re dumb, get over it.” I can see how Ethan’s response might be a pleasant surprise.

        • gwalla
          gwalla
          August 4, 2014 at 5:19 pm | #

          I dunno, Joe had a good point in the second link.

    • Jason
      Jason
      August 2, 2014 at 2:13 pm | #

      To be fair, Joe has given Danny good advice on at least one occasion: http://www.dumbingofage.com/2012/comic/book-2/02-choosing-my-religion/casualbang/

  38. Karishi
    Karishi
    August 2, 2014 at 2:41 am | #

    So does it work like parking? Does getting your feelings validated mean you don’t have to pay for them?

    • pumpkincat
      pumpkincat
      August 2, 2014 at 2:50 am | #

      Sadly, feelings ALWAYS have to be paid for. Sometimes in regret, sometimes in spare change from under the sofa traded in for 7-11 cheap vodka and Red Bull.

  39. dailybrad
    dailybrad
    August 2, 2014 at 2:43 am | #

    Reading the comments. Not sure what I expected, but yep, more Dannying danny do do dannyo.

    • Aolbain
      Aolbain
      August 2, 2014 at 5:53 am | #

      Danny could develop the cure for cancer and people would still be refering to it as dannying up.

      • timemonkey
        timemonkey
        August 2, 2014 at 6:42 am | #

        But Danny could never do that. Because he’s Danny. He might develop some sweet software or something.

      • Deanatay
        Deanatay
        August 2, 2014 at 8:59 am | #

        What, the cure has to be injected?? And it costs $30 a dose?? Man, way to Dan up your cure for cancer, Danny. Nice going.

  40. Idon'tcarenomore
    Idon'tcarenomore
    August 2, 2014 at 3:22 am | #

    Up until this story arc, Ethan was a jerk. He used people in his attempts to hide his own unwillingness/inability to come out of the closet.
    He was particularly rotten to Dorothy when he was making out with Joyce in the restaurant right in front of her.
    Ethan never really been all that concerned with other peoples needs until now.
    Suddenly he is worried about Amber and telling Danny he’s got a valid reason to feel his feels.
    Danny’s shocked. Someone thinks he’s okay.

    Don’t ship ’em. It would be nice just to see both of them have a real friend that wasn’t trying to use them for their own ends. Or maybe, see Ethan have a friend he wasn’t trying to use, and Danny have a real friend that wasn’t trying to use him.

    • mistrali
      mistrali
      August 2, 2014 at 8:56 am | #

      Agreed- though, Joe doesn’t so much use him as just not connect with him on any level whatsoever.

  41. HeySo
    HeySo
    August 2, 2014 at 3:41 am | #

    Amber x Dorothy
    Ethan x Danny

    The shipment is increasing~

    • Jackson
      Jackson
      August 2, 2014 at 10:09 pm | #

      We’re gonna need more pallets.

  42. Chase
    Chase
    August 2, 2014 at 3:50 am | #

    Part of me thinks that this is a great match… but another part of me is pretty worried about how Amber will feel if the only two men she’s been intimate with end up with each other instead of her…

    • Kai
      Kai
      August 2, 2014 at 4:55 am | #

      Did I miss something? It’s not like Danny dumped Amber, is it? SHE went away from HIM, didn’t she?

      • Chase
        Chase
        August 3, 2014 at 6:46 am | #

        No, she did give Danny the cold shoulder to some extent, but I’d still say that the relationship (If you can call it that) is up in the air, and even if Amber cut off things completely with Danny the confusing mix of emotions she’d likely feel after the only two people she’s had serious romantic feelings for in her adult life ending up with each other instead of her is what worries me.

  43. Nym
    Nym
    August 2, 2014 at 4:25 am | #

    I am really enjoying these Danny-Ethan interactions.

  44. Generalil
    Generalil
    August 2, 2014 at 5:01 am | #

    I’ve been reading DOA for about a year and this is the first comic I’ve felt so moved to leave a comment on.

    Love this.

    And … It has Danny? Holy shit.

  45. Pebblerocker
    Pebblerocker
    August 2, 2014 at 6:17 am | #

    Ethan is adorable! Trying hard not to forget that he’s also been awful to Amber and is setting up a lot more trouble with Joyce. Right here, he’s a sweetie.

  46. TJ Baltimore
    TJ Baltimore
    August 2, 2014 at 6:38 am | #

    Great. Thanks to Danny, now having valid feelings is probably a bad thing . . .

  47. T Campbell
    T Campbell
    August 2, 2014 at 6:48 am | #

    “That’s a valid two-way feel.”

    • shietka
      shietka
      August 2, 2014 at 2:11 pm | #

      “Let’s get Jacob and then it can be a valid three-way feel.”

    • xKiv
      xKiv
      August 2, 2014 at 3:44 pm | #

      Valid feel is a way to that.

  48. advancecasette
    advancecasette
    August 2, 2014 at 12:48 pm | #

    *sympathy via light physical contact*

    • StClair
      StClair
      August 3, 2014 at 6:01 am | #

      well spotted.

  49. gka
    gka
    August 2, 2014 at 12:50 pm | #

    I feel like Danny is talking about this comments page.

    • Tom T.
      Tom T.
      August 2, 2014 at 1:34 pm | #

      Well, yes, I think the meta-commentary can’t possibly be an accident.

    • John
      John
      August 2, 2014 at 2:26 pm | #

      And his so-called best friend, and his ex-girlfriend, and his parents…

  50. BrunDeign
    BrunDeign
    August 2, 2014 at 1:40 pm | #

    Wait – did Ethan just tell Danny that Amazigirl was his ex-girlfriend? Did I miss him saying this at some other point? Otherwise I’d figure Danny would be like “Yeah it’s a bit-WAAAAAIT A SECOND…

    • Greenygal
      Greenygal
      August 2, 2014 at 2:04 pm | #

      Amber actually told him, way back when: http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-3/02-guess-whos-coming-to-galassos/meet/

      • Bill
        Bill
        August 2, 2014 at 2:24 pm | #

        I think when Ethan talks abut “our ex-girlfriends” he is referring to Amber (who is also Amazi-girl and they both know it) and Dorothy, who was Danny’s high-school girlfriend.

  51. Nena
    Nena
    August 2, 2014 at 2:20 pm | #

    I wonder if Ethan will end up falling for Danny.

    • Sean
      Sean
      August 2, 2014 at 4:28 pm | #

      I wonder if Danny will end up falling for Ethan.

      Just saying. 8D

  52. Bill
    Bill
    August 2, 2014 at 2:22 pm | #

    I question Ethan’s use of the term “scored” in “Ambmmzigirl scored an interview.” Amazi-Girl gave the interview; it was Dorothy who scored it.

    • John
      John
      August 2, 2014 at 2:29 pm | #

      I don’t think either of them scored, except in Daisy’s fantasies.

      • BalRog gets a "D"...and PASSES!!!
        BalRog gets a "D"...and PASSES!!!
        August 2, 2014 at 3:04 pm | #

        I don’t always read to the last quote…

        • BalRog gets a "D"...and PASSES!!!
          BalRog gets a "D"...and PASSES!!!
          August 2, 2014 at 3:05 pm | #

          ARRGH! “comment”, not “quote”!

  53. Regalli
    Regalli
    August 2, 2014 at 3:33 pm | #

    … Holy SHIT, Danny, you need a hug.

    *Adds him to the list of people in need of professional help, which by now is probably a good 75% of the major cast.*

  54. Sean
    Sean
    August 2, 2014 at 4:27 pm | #

    If I thought I might ship them before I certainly know that I DO ship them now. Also, this is not about Amber. Neither of them owe anyone their sexual orientation. And I’m not entirely sure Danny is good for Amber either. Most of the time his prima interest was in Amazi Girl, aka Amber’s coping mechanism that is part but not all of her. The whole “fall in love with someone’s secret identity” is fun in theory and putting Amber on one level with a trope connected to Superman is kinda cool, but on the whole I think Amber needs for someone to love and accept all of her. Danny is a fanboy, that’s not exactly ideal boyfriend material. I’m not saying that it can’t work out between them, but if it doesn’t that might not be the worst thing that could happen to her. Also, as some people have written that Danny would turn out to be gay, I think it’s safe to say that he’s be bisexual, if anything.

    • dailybrad
      dailybrad
      August 2, 2014 at 7:10 pm | #

      I dunno, Danny showed no lack of interest in Amber. He was initially worried she was too much like Dorothy, but time has shown that not to so much be the case. He also said that, without question, his role as supporting her has not changed any, even with her lying to him, because she was who she was, and he cared about her. Fanboys aren’t usually known for their sympathy when their idol isn’t what they thought. Just look at the reactions J-Pop singers get when they turn out to have boyfriends.

  55. Kyrros
    Kyrros
    August 2, 2014 at 5:11 pm | #

    If I didn’t know better, I’d think that Willis was subtly trying to tell the readers to back off of Danny for awhile…?

  56. bilfred
    bilfred
    August 2, 2014 at 6:24 pm | #

    Cue Ethan getting a crush on Danny…

  57. Archivist
    Archivist
    August 2, 2014 at 7:35 pm | #

    Reading Dumbing of Age I feel like Danny can tell how the fanbase (and author) occasionally hate him.

  58. cynicwithcinnamon
    cynicwithcinnamon
    August 2, 2014 at 9:04 pm | #

    If we didn’t already know that Ethan is hiding his sexuality by dating a girl who wants to “fix” him, he would seem like the most sane person in this comic.

    • Robin
      Robin
      August 3, 2014 at 8:05 am | #

      He’s still easily in the top five, though.

  59. Bagge
    Bagge
    August 2, 2014 at 9:07 pm | #

    Danny is opening up to someone and talking about feelings WITHOUT MEETING SNARK, RIDICULE AND RESISTANCE?!!!! Please, please, please, Danny and Ethan – KEEP BUILDING THIS RELATIONSHIP.

  60. Stoodmuffin
    Stoodmuffin
    August 3, 2014 at 1:10 am | #

    I hate reading the comments on this forum. You guys keep posting links to the older strips and I can’t help but click… I CANT DEAL WITH THE OLD FEELS, I CAN HANDLE ONLY SO MANY FEELS A DAY, DAMMIT

  61. OnnaStik
    OnnaStik
    August 3, 2014 at 1:10 am | #

    Suddenly, BroTP!

  62. Kelli
    Kelli
    August 4, 2014 at 1:24 am | #

    To valid a feel that’s way. Does that order work better? 😉

  63. AllyLegit
    AllyLegit
    September 28, 2014 at 11:27 am | #

    My girlfriend and I were talking about this last night and now I’m desperately hoping for a threesome. I mean, I assume with a lot of sad drama first, but then a threesome.

  64. Eeee
    Eeee
    January 3, 2015 at 9:34 pm | #

    Yeeees these guys are good for each other! :3

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