Dumbing of Age Book Twelve

Dumbing of Age

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May 8, 2026

Simpatico

by David M Willis on November 10, 2018 at 12:01 am
  • 01 - Flyin' to the Red
└ Tags: amber, dorothy, walky

Discussion (103) ¬

[ Comments RSS ]
  1. Doctor_Who
    Doctor_Who
    November 10, 2018 at 12:01 am | #

    *sniffles in Lost Light*

    Seriously, the word “Simpatico” is gonna be super heartwarming to me from now on.

  2. Kyrik Michalowski
    Kyrik Michalowski
    November 10, 2018 at 12:02 am | #

    Smooth Walky, smooth.

    • Nono
      Nono
      November 10, 2018 at 12:06 am | #

      Well, he hasn’t gotten his chest hair in yet.

      • Jamie
        Jamie
        November 10, 2018 at 2:52 am | #

        I thought he had one. I mean, exactly one.

        • Needfuldoer
          Needfuldoer
          November 10, 2018 at 5:49 am | #

          You mean “will have”.

    • Pterodactyl Ghost
      Pterodactyl Ghost
      November 10, 2018 at 2:38 am | #

      I don’t think “subtle” is part of Walky’s vocabulary.

      • Diner Kinetic
        Diner Kinetic
        November 10, 2018 at 9:50 am | #

        I’ve never seen someone try to adhere to social convention and fail so, so badly

  3. King Daniel
    King Daniel
    November 10, 2018 at 12:02 am | #

    Walky is a master of the Suspiciously Specific Denial.

  4. shadowcell
    shadowcell
    November 10, 2018 at 12:03 am | #

    Dumbing of Age Book 9: Just Extremely Void of the Touch of A Woman, So Far As You Know

    • Keulen
      Keulen
      November 10, 2018 at 1:06 am | #

      Dumbing of Age Book 9: I Just Feel Terrible Because of How Girlfriendless I Am

      • DaveM
        DaveM
        November 10, 2018 at 5:36 am | #

        Dumbing of Age Book 9: Yeah, we are simpatico.

        • wwwhhattt
          wwwhhattt
          November 10, 2018 at 10:02 am | #

          Dumbing of Age Book 9: “How’re You Doing” “Pretty Good”

  5. LeslieBean4Shizzle
    LeslieBean4Shizzle
    November 10, 2018 at 12:03 am | #

    Aww… sad Dorothy is sad.

  6. vacantVisionary
    vacantVisionary
    November 10, 2018 at 12:05 am | #

    HOW DID YOU TIME THIS YOU WRITE THESE MONTHS IN ADVANCE

    • GreatContagion
      GreatContagion
      November 10, 2018 at 12:37 am | #

      I’m not sure of the significance of this timing. What’s up?

      • Catman
        Catman
        November 10, 2018 at 12:51 am | #

        It’s a Lost Light reference

      • adjudicus
        adjudicus
        November 10, 2018 at 12:52 am | #

        Issue 25 of Lost Light (an amazing amazing comic book about transformers) just came out, and the word “simpatico” was used as a call back in it

        • Reltzik
          Reltzik
          November 10, 2018 at 2:37 am | #

          Willis has done Transformers product before. Maybe he’s an alpha- or beta-reader or something?

        • thereaverofdarkness
          thereaverofdarkness
          November 11, 2018 at 8:17 pm | #

          Maybe Lost Light copied Willis.

        • Deathjavu
          Deathjavu
          November 13, 2018 at 8:38 pm | #

          The comic was made months ago, but the title in the URL can be changed right up until the comic goes up.

          • David M Willis
            David M Willis
            November 13, 2018 at 9:26 pm | #

            The URL can be easily altered, but not the filename of the strip. I’d have to delete the page entirely, plus all the various permutations of the comic strip image, and start over.

            but honestly the answer is “we are simpatico” is not a phrase original to James Roberts, and its timeliness in respect to the last issue of LL is a complete coincidence — hell, when I wrote this strip, the last issue was gonna come out in, like, September or so, IIRC.

  7. Nono
    Nono
    November 10, 2018 at 12:06 am | #

    Back to calling him ‘Walky’ instead of ‘David’, I see.

    • ShinyNeen
      ShinyNeen
      November 10, 2018 at 8:52 am | #

      Well, he did ask her to!

  8. Stephen Bierce
    Stephen Bierce
    November 10, 2018 at 12:06 am | #

    Today’s strip is sponsored by Stouffer’s Macaroni and Cheese. “Creamy, Cheesy Goodness”.

  9. BBCC
    BBCC
    November 10, 2018 at 12:06 am | #

    Walky, honey, there’s an easy out here – just say ‘I’m fine’. It sounds good but it’s also politely sad enough to spare her feelings if she’s watching for it and you think she’ll be sad you’re happy.

    Although Dorothy’d have to be in a way crappier place to be sad you were happy (as opposed to being sad they broke up and she was still sad or being sad she was no longer the source of said happiness).

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      November 10, 2018 at 1:18 am | #

      Nonsense. The EASY out is to pretend to be a mysterious stranger belonging to a disenfranchised branch of European royalty. “You are mistaken, unknown yet beautiful stranger. The Duke of Thingley does not know a ‘Walky’.”

      • BBCC
        BBCC
        November 10, 2018 at 1:49 am | #

        Of course! I really should brush up on my knowledge of Thingley’s government – its a beautiful place. 😛

        • Dean
          Dean
          November 10, 2018 at 7:00 am | #

          Ever since the Thingley Revolution, the Duke’s role in government has been largely ceremonial.

          • Bagge
            Bagge
            November 10, 2018 at 10:48 am | #

            They say he fled to the colonies to live a life in exile.

    • Reltzik
      Reltzik
      November 10, 2018 at 2:39 am | #

      I always go with the non-committal grunt that doesn’t say anything beyond a vague “eh” but sounds like agreement with whatever people want to hear while fending off further interaction.

      ….

      …. crap, that’s why my social life is non-existent, isn’t it?

      • Bagge
        Bagge
        November 10, 2018 at 3:25 am | #

        Sarah is taking notes!

      • DaveM
        DaveM
        November 10, 2018 at 5:48 am | #

        My preferred method was to answer that I’m “exceedingly average”. And if further pressed “exceedingly average, bordering on mundane”. If they still didn’t take the hint I’d sigh and shake my head sadly before moving in the general direction of elsewhere. I won’t claim it’s the BEST method, but its success rate in closing down that particular line of questioning is excellent.

        • thejeff
          thejeff
          November 10, 2018 at 9:08 am | #

          I’ve taken to conspicuously checking my pulse.

          • MatthewTheLucky
            MatthewTheLucky
            November 10, 2018 at 11:08 am | #

            Personally, I’ve found that sincere honesty is usually unnerving enough to make people go away.

  10. WikiDreamer
    WikiDreamer
    November 10, 2018 at 12:08 am | #

    *sigh*
    Amber & Walky
    …yeah, I ship it

    • Jay
      Jay
      November 10, 2018 at 12:10 am | #

      It’s one of my minor ships but yeah it’s adorable. I still want my WalkyXDorothy to come back but I’m content with this

      • Roborat
        Roborat
        November 12, 2018 at 4:39 pm | #

        Your avatar is terrifying.

  11. newllend(henryvolt)
    newllend(henryvolt)
    November 10, 2018 at 12:08 am | #

    This encounter had no good outcomes.

    • Goki
      Goki
      November 10, 2018 at 12:09 am | #

      Depends on what you consider a good outcome

      • Clif
        Clif
        November 10, 2018 at 9:54 am | #

        The school is not on fire. This is a good outcome.

    • newllend(henryvolt)
      newllend(henryvolt)
      November 10, 2018 at 12:23 am | #

      Eh Idk

  12. Raen
    Raen
    November 10, 2018 at 12:08 am | #

    I’d say lesson 1 of adulthood is that no one cares how you’re doing, but frankly, I think this is something you learn long before adulthood.

    • Alanari
      Alanari
      November 10, 2018 at 2:46 am | #

      A few do. The key is to find those. They usually are called true friends.

  13. Jay
    Jay
    November 10, 2018 at 12:09 am | #

    I’m still hoping for a rekindling but I know it’s probably not going to happen and that makes me sad 🙁 I like Walky and Amber don’t get me wrong I just like Walky X Dorothy more.

    • Badgermole
      Badgermole
      November 10, 2018 at 12:20 am | #

      I like Walky X Dorothy too but the more I think about it the more I realize Dorothy can do better. I know I know, they’re both flawed and essentially good people, but she needs someone to be an equal partner and raise her up more than she needs a goofy boy to watch cartoons with. Walky’s just not there yet.

      • thejeff
        thejeff
        November 10, 2018 at 9:16 am | #

        Whereas I think she’s got enough of the “raise her up” herself and she badly needs some goofy in her life. Joyce can provide some shenanigans, but I think she needs it in a partner too.

        • Clif
          Clif
          November 10, 2018 at 10:05 am | #

          Yes. Dorothy can do better. Dorothy knows she can do better. Walky knows she can do better. From the first Walky was just a temporary throw-away goofy boyfriend, and even if she reached the point of loving him, he was still expendable if it interfered with her goals.

          Whether Amber can do better is a tricky question.

          • thejeff
            thejeff
            November 10, 2018 at 11:51 am | #

            That she’s focused on her goals doesn’t mean Walky wasn’t good for her.
            She did fall in love with him, because he was goofy and because he could step up when needed.
            He accepted that, he supported her, he gave her space when she needed it.

            Would a better boyfriend for her be one that wasn’t expendable? One that would actually interfere with her leaving when she can transfer into Yale?

          • thejeff
            thejeff
            November 10, 2018 at 11:54 am | #

            Besides that, I don’t really believe in this “can do better” nonsense. Partners aren’t rated on some scale you can move up. The whole “he’s not good enough for you” thing is bullshit.
            They can be bad for you: abusive or some such. Or sometimes just not a good fit. But that’s different.

            • Jay
              Jay
              November 11, 2018 at 12:25 am | #

              ^^^^^ THIS Walky and Dorothy were a great fit not because they were able to challenge each other intellectually but because they cared for each other and were willing to push themselves to improve for the other and just relax around each other. I’m not saying AxW can’t I’m just saying that WxD did perfectly.

          • Jay
            Jay
            November 11, 2018 at 12:21 am | #

            Why do people need to do better than “this person makes me really really really happy and cares for me” I’m sorry it just really fucking pisses me off

      • Jay
        Jay
        November 11, 2018 at 12:19 am | #

        I absolutely despise the “they can do better” argument. If people make each other happy I don’t see why they have to challenge each other. Walky wanted to be better for Dorothy and Dorothy was able to actually relax around Walky, something she doesn’t do very often.

    • newllend(henryvolt)
      newllend(henryvolt)
      November 10, 2018 at 12:21 am | #

      In order to reach old Danny’s old status you haft to be constantly introduced too scenarios where you have a good chance of not messing things up only to mess it up. To grasp defeat from the jaws of Victory one might say.

      Walky had no chance here.

      • newllend(henryvolt)
        newllend(henryvolt)
        November 10, 2018 at 12:22 am | #

        oops sorry this was supposed to be a reply to sporky.

    • BBCC
      BBCC
      November 10, 2018 at 12:29 am | #

      This is what shipping OT3s is for.

  14. Sporky
    Sporky
    November 10, 2018 at 12:10 am | #

    Can we change “Danny it up” to “Walky it up”? I’m kinda feeling that.

    • Doopyboop
      Doopyboop
      November 10, 2018 at 12:40 am | #

      I concur.

  15. DailyBrad
    DailyBrad
    November 10, 2018 at 12:13 am | #

    Oh, Dotty, nooo.

  16. Stu
    Stu
    November 10, 2018 at 12:13 am | #

    With catlike tread there.

    • Roborat
      Roborat
      November 12, 2018 at 4:42 pm | #

      But what prey are they stealing upon?

  17. tirachokko
    tirachokko
    November 10, 2018 at 12:16 am | #

    oh walky (oh everyone really in the strip!)

  18. Tacos
    Tacos
    November 10, 2018 at 12:24 am | #

    Aw damn. The word “simpatico” reminds me that Lost Light ended and now I’m sad.

  19. abysswatcher1993
    abysswatcher1993
    November 10, 2018 at 12:26 am | #

    Walky, your attempts at covering your relationship with Amber are just worsening Dorothy’s insecurities, you idiot!

  20. thereaverofdarkness
    thereaverofdarkness
    November 10, 2018 at 12:33 am | #

    Damnit, Walky! Just tell Dotty you moved on lickety-split with Amber. People need to stop getting offended that their exes need love, and just be happy that they found it. And you know what? I think our golden atheist friend can pull that off.

    Better than she can pull off good grades….*snicker*

    • BBCC
      BBCC
      November 10, 2018 at 12:39 am | #

      Better grades than Walky’s.

    • Deadjolras
      Deadjolras
      November 10, 2018 at 12:59 am | #

      I wish I had Dorothy’s grades, to be honest.

      • Jay
        Jay
        November 11, 2018 at 12:22 am | #

        Dorothy’s shitty grade is my dream grade. I just don’t have the focus lol

  21. Bagge
    Bagge
    November 10, 2018 at 1:04 am | #

    EVERYTHING IS FINE-NOT FINE IN A NONSPECIFIC WAY THAT DOESN’T NEED TO BURDEN YOU

    • Needfuldoer
      Needfuldoer
      November 10, 2018 at 6:02 am | #

      EVERYTHING IS FINE NOTHING IS THE MATTER.

      • thejeff
        thejeff
        November 10, 2018 at 9:17 am | #

        He’s fine.

        • Council
          Council
          November 10, 2018 at 11:31 pm | #

          I don’t even need to click that to know it’s a callback to the Ruth-Carla “dynamic.”

          • Council
            Council
            November 10, 2018 at 11:32 pm | #

            Yep it was

  22. Bagge
    Bagge
    November 10, 2018 at 1:12 am | #

    Dorothy is still dressed in her approachable/likable T-shirt. I kinda think that, despite lizard shenanigans with Joyce she still feels a bit lonely, and feel that “perfect” persona weighing on her.

    http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-7/02-everything-youve-ever-wanted/gambit/

    • BBCC
      BBCC
      November 10, 2018 at 1:51 am | #

      Walky’s wearing one of those ‘fancy done up shirts’ Dorothy bought him to hang out with Amber in, too. Looks like he’s still adjusting to being Amber’s boyfriend rather than Dorothy’s.

      • Bagge
        Bagge
        November 10, 2018 at 2:12 am | #

        Well, Dorothy DID express the intention to leave him better than she find him for the next girl to enjoy.

        AREN’T YOU HAPPY THINGS WENT SO SPLENDIDLY ACCORDING TO PLAN, DOROTHY?

      • ValdVin
        ValdVin
        November 10, 2018 at 4:03 pm | #

        I guess we’ll see if those shirts lead to an increase in butt-grabbings by Amber as they did by Dorothy.

  23. jeffepp
    jeffepp
    November 10, 2018 at 1:13 am | #

    (Continuing hover text: )

    …With a girl I was ditching you, to spend time with. And with whom I spoke of my plans to break up with you.

  24. Dean
    Dean
    November 10, 2018 at 1:26 am | #

    “WHEN YOU THINK OF ME, IMAGINE AN AMBER-SHAPED VACANCY TO MY IMMEDIATE LEFT.”

  25. Questionor
    Questionor
    November 10, 2018 at 1:48 am | #

    so basically amazi-girl has given her identity to the worst liar ever.

    • Jamie
      Jamie
      November 10, 2018 at 2:55 am | #

      Joyce isn’t in this strip.

  26. Koms
    Koms
    November 10, 2018 at 2:14 am | #

    This is so sad Alexa play Simpatico

    • Catman
      Catman
      November 10, 2018 at 4:00 am | #

      https://youtu.be/CX8sddUj1uA

  27. @zombieundergrnd
    @zombieundergrnd
    November 10, 2018 at 2:14 am | #

    Walky Suave

  28. BenRG
    BenRG
    November 10, 2018 at 2:17 am | #

    At some point, someone is going to have to teach Walky about the “it’s okay to shut up at this point” rule.

    • Schpoonman
      Schpoonman
      November 10, 2018 at 8:33 am | #

      He figured it out after Ross showed up, briefly.

  29. Reltzik
    Reltzik
    November 10, 2018 at 2:41 am | #

    David Walkerton. Master of accidental reverse psychology.

  30. BenRG
    BenRG
    November 10, 2018 at 4:01 am | #

    The more I read this strip the more I think that, in Panel 5, Dorothy is basically saying: “Okay, bro, whatever you say!” and getting away from the crazy person who looks like her ex now rather than later.

  31. Black Bumblebee
    Black Bumblebee
    November 10, 2018 at 4:11 am | #

    Perceptor saying that… *sniff* 🙁

  32. CJ
    CJ
    November 10, 2018 at 4:32 am | #

    Darn, I’d like to know how Dotty looked between panels 4 and 5. is the glum face the result of Walky being happy or Walky talking strange bullshit?

    • Zee
      Zee
      November 10, 2018 at 7:42 am | #

      I think the result of him saying he’s incredibly lonely and feeling terrible. She feels guilty and I’m pretty sure completely regrets dumping him

      • you
        you
        November 10, 2018 at 8:25 am | #

        “Okay, Walky, I think you’ve embarrassed yourself enough.”

        “WHATEVER YOU SAY, GIRL I KNOW SLIGHTLY AND WHO DEFINITELY ISN’T AMAZI-GIRL!”

        • you
          you
          November 10, 2018 at 8:27 am | #

          Weird, usually when I mean something to be a reply, it doesn’t work. This is the first time it’s happened the other way round.

          (If this appears when the comment I’m talking about is still in moderation, I’m definitely talking about a real thing and am not crazy.)

  33. Teddae
    Teddae
    November 10, 2018 at 4:35 am | #

    WALKY NO

  34. Zee
    Zee
    November 10, 2018 at 7:43 am | #

    Walky you monster! She’s sad now…

    • ShinyNeen
      ShinyNeen
      November 10, 2018 at 8:48 am | #

      She’s making a sad face! The Saddest Face! : (

  35. Darkoneko
    Darkoneko
    November 10, 2018 at 8:10 am | #

    “as far as you know”

  36. Guest42
    Guest42
    November 10, 2018 at 8:38 am | #

    Walky, master of deception.

    • Clif
      Clif
      November 10, 2018 at 10:13 am | #

      That’s Walky, Duke of Thingy, Master of Deception, to you.

  37. ValdVin
    ValdVin
    November 10, 2018 at 11:35 am | #

    Book title: “Just extremely void of the touch of a woman, so far as you know.”

  38. ǝ snow ʍousɐ
    ǝ snow ʍousɐ
    November 10, 2018 at 11:48 am | #

    ohh, Walky, you were doing well until the 5th panel

    • ǝ snow ʍousɐ
      ǝ snow ʍousɐ
      November 10, 2018 at 11:50 am | #

      maybe you should tell her you actually are happy but the reason why is a secret

  39. Betty Anne
    Betty Anne
    November 10, 2018 at 9:44 pm | #

    Oh, just tell her you found a fuckin’ rebound. DX This kind of real-life soap opera shit pisses me off.

  40. stoodmuffin
    stoodmuffin
    November 11, 2018 at 3:43 am | #

    I hope not to much so because, fuck, Walky

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