Dumbing of Age Book Twelve

Dumbing of Age

A college webcomic by David Willis
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there's definitely a book nine title in this strip
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May 8, 2026

Subterfuge

by David M Willis on October 3, 2018 at 12:01 am
  • 01 - Flyin' to the Red
└ Tags: dorothy, fuckface, joyce

Discussion (162) ¬

[ Comments RSS ]
  1. Ana Chronistic
    Ana Chronistic
    October 3, 2018 at 12:03 am | #

    building that Jesus Christ witness testimony, one minor infraction at a time

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 12:18 am | #

      She is a rebel

      • Clif
        Clif
        October 3, 2018 at 10:25 am | #

        A rebel with a cause. Or at least a reptilian overlord.

  2. Doctor_Who
    Doctor_Who
    October 3, 2018 at 12:03 am | #

    Lojinks ensue.

    • Clif
      Clif
      October 3, 2018 at 10:26 am | #

      The laws of the universe require that somewhere a webcomic with this name exists.

      • Jim
        Jim
        October 3, 2018 at 3:34 pm | #

        Well, apparently a record label with the name “Lojinx” exists… Two of their artists include The Posies and They Might Be Giants.

  3. TrueVCU
    TrueVCU
    October 3, 2018 at 12:04 am | #

    MILD EXCITEMENT SQUAD IS GO!

    • Zathras10
      Zathras10
      October 3, 2018 at 10:09 am | #

      I am so stealing this line. I don’t know when I’ll need it, but when I do I’ll be glad I to have it.

  4. Nono
    Nono
    October 3, 2018 at 12:04 am | #

    Oh man, these dorks.

  5. purblebirb
    purblebirb
    October 3, 2018 at 12:05 am | #

    …dorks

  6. Cattleprod
    Cattleprod
    October 3, 2018 at 12:05 am | #

    This might be the most Squirrel Girl-esque you’ve ever gotten. Squirrelesque. I’ll show myself out.

    • Doctor_Who
      Doctor_Who
      October 3, 2018 at 12:07 am | #

      Joyce would make a good Squirrel Girl.

      • Shawn L.
        Shawn L.
        October 3, 2018 at 8:34 am | #

        Willis, Quick! Trademark Iguana-Girl while it’s still available!!!

        • Abbefaria
          Abbefaria
          October 3, 2018 at 3:05 pm | #

          Iguana-Girl, Iguana-Girl, does whatever an iguana does
          Wears an iguana, on her head
          Look out, here comes the Iguana-Girl!

    • Heavensrun
      Heavensrun
      October 3, 2018 at 1:02 pm | #

      “Squirrelesque” sounds suspiciously like a furry burlesque production.

  7. Darkoneko
    Darkoneko
    October 3, 2018 at 12:05 am | #

    woah what

  8. Meta
    Meta
    October 3, 2018 at 12:05 am | #

    I wish the book 9 cover could fit Dorothy’s panel five line

    • David M Willis
      David M Willis
      October 3, 2018 at 12:06 am | #

      who knows i might try

      • butts
        butts
        October 3, 2018 at 12:14 am | #

        Joyce’s panel 5 line would be good too

        • butts
          butts
          October 3, 2018 at 12:14 am | #

          Really anything from the second half of this strip

          • Clif
            Clif
            October 3, 2018 at 10:07 am | #

            Yeah, I would certainly settle for the panel 4 line.

    • King Daniel
      King Daniel
      October 3, 2018 at 12:11 am | #

      I mean, a couple of books ago we had the title “The Machinations of my Revenge Will Be Cold, Swift, and Absolutely Ridiculous” – 23 syllables – so we could go with “Let’s Go Commit Something Mildly Subversive” – 13 syllables – at the very least?

      • King Daniel
        King Daniel
        October 3, 2018 at 12:11 am | #

        and ninja’d by Willis himself, huh.

      • Regalli
        Regalli
        October 3, 2018 at 12:20 am | #

        I think it’s mostly the size when there have to be two characters on the cover, assuming I’m remembering the process for Put Down The Ukulele.

      • Needfuldoer
        Needfuldoer
        October 3, 2018 at 2:20 am | #

        Panel 4 in its entirety is only about 16 syllables, but that may not be long enough.

      • thejeff
        thejeff
        October 3, 2018 at 7:11 am | #

        I think he’s got a self-imposed rule that they have to be the complete sentences though. “Let’s Go Commit Something Mildly Subversive Which, at Worst, Will Serve as a Humanizing Anecdote and Not as Anything Truly Threatening to the Power Structures at Hand” is something like 45 syllables. A bit much – though actual word/character count is probably more important, considering it needs to be printed on the book cover.

    • Roborat
      Roborat
      October 3, 2018 at 2:43 pm | #

      I do too, but there would be no room for the cover art.

  9. Stephen Bierce
    Stephen Bierce
    October 3, 2018 at 12:06 am | #

    –Strike at the Stroke of Midnight
    Jump on the bones till the girls say when
    Sweep up what’s left by daylight
    When Fuckface goes home
    –apologies to Steely Dan

    • DaveM
      DaveM
      October 3, 2018 at 5:51 am | #

      Kudos sir. It’s not often someone makes a reference to the classic “Aja.”
      Damn, now I need to put my copy on the turntable and cue up “Josie”. And then play the whole album, probably followed by Pretzel Logic. Welp, there goes the night. 🙂

  10. adjudicus
    adjudicus
    October 3, 2018 at 12:06 am | #

    This strip is fantastic

  11. Kernanator
    Kernanator
    October 3, 2018 at 12:06 am | #

    Dummbing of Age Book 9: Every Line is a Potential Book Title

    • shadowcell
      shadowcell
      October 3, 2018 at 12:08 am | #

      Dumbing of Age Book 9: A Series of Humanizing Anecdotes, None of Which Are Truly Threatening to the Power Structures at Hand

      • butts
        butts
        October 3, 2018 at 12:13 am | #

        Dumbing of Age Book 9: I’ve Never Before Felt This Exact Portion Alive!

        • Keulen
          Keulen
          October 3, 2018 at 12:17 am | #

          Dumbing of Age Book 9: Go Team Subterfuge-Within-Certain-Outlined-Parameters!

          • King Daniel
            King Daniel
            October 3, 2018 at 12:19 am | #

            Dumbing of Age Book IX: You’re Surprisingly Up For This Subterfuge

            • Keulen
              Keulen
              October 3, 2018 at 12:23 am | #

              Dumbing of Age Book 9: If You Think You Can Run The 33 Steps…

              • ShinyNeen
                ShinyNeen
                October 3, 2018 at 7:31 am | #

                Dumbing of Age Book 9: I’m Cool! I’m Hip! I’m Chill!

                • Bicycle Bill
                  Bicycle Bill
                  October 3, 2018 at 8:39 am | #

                  “Alright, alright, alright.  From henceforth, we’re all to be known as Team Alpha Super Awesome Cool Dynamite Wolf Squadron.”

                • Amazi-Stool
                  Amazi-Stool
                  October 3, 2018 at 11:57 am | #

                  Dumping of Age Book 9: “Too late! The magical fantasy I’ve written for this iguana on my head has already taken hold!”

                  (OK, it’s a combiner from yesterday’s comic and this one).

  12. Inahc
    Inahc
    October 3, 2018 at 12:07 am | #

    *facepalm*

  13. shadowcell
    shadowcell
    October 3, 2018 at 12:07 am | #

    subterfuge, subterfuge
    doesn’t do anything that’s huge
    can they throw down The Man?
    no they can’t, that’d be bad
    look ouuuuuuuut, here comes team subterfuge

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 12:08 am | #

      *claps*

  14. Architex
    Architex
    October 3, 2018 at 12:08 am | #

    I’ll make a make-out Kickstarter pledge if you pick panel five for book nine’s title!

  15. Bagge
    Bagge
    October 3, 2018 at 12:08 am | #

    The time slot between 8.15 and 8.24 in Dorothy’s schedule reads only ‘Shenanigans’. And with Walky gone, Joyce is the perfect outlet!

    Look at these two REBELS. They are having fun 🙂

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 12:12 am | #

      SHENANIGANS SISTERS!!!

      • butts
        butts
        October 3, 2018 at 12:14 am | #

        SHENANIGANAUTS

      • Heavensrun
        Heavensrun
        October 3, 2018 at 1:04 pm | #

        Shenanisters?

      • ValdVin
        ValdVin
        October 3, 2018 at 1:10 pm | #

        Huh. The boyfriend is gone, dang if she didn’t reclaim her Dotty-time.

  16. Baf
    Baf
    October 3, 2018 at 12:08 am | #

    …yeah this is going to go a lot worse than they expect isn’t it

  17. SchoolbyWomp
    SchoolbyWomp
    October 3, 2018 at 12:09 am | #

    Plot Twist: On the way back Dorothy sees Walky coming out of Amber’s room

    • Fire_daws
      Fire_daws
      October 3, 2018 at 1:57 am | #

      He’s over at Billie’s dorm getting ‘advice’ from her.

      • thejeff
        thejeff
        October 3, 2018 at 7:33 am | #

        And Amber’s in class

        • SgtWadeyWilson
          SgtWadeyWilson
          October 3, 2018 at 10:13 pm | #

          So what you’re saying is that the plot twist is time travel?

  18. Icalasari
    Icalasari
    October 3, 2018 at 12:10 am | #

    I will actually back a kickstarter and get the book if panel five is its title or subtitle

  19. William Leonard Reese Jr.
    William Leonard Reese Jr.
    October 3, 2018 at 12:10 am | #

    Ah. . Here we see the Lawful Good Rebels. Subverting the Rules by doing a good thing.

  20. Marsh Maryrose
    Marsh Maryrose
    October 3, 2018 at 12:10 am | #

    At first, I mistakenly thought that the hovertext referred to panel five.

    Let’s Go Commit Something Wildly Subversive Which, At Worst, Will Serve As a Humanizing Anecdote and Not As Anything Truly Threatening to the Power Structures At Hand! would be a great title, but the amount of text would sure limit the possibilities for the cover art.

    • Marsh Maryrose
      Marsh Maryrose
      October 3, 2018 at 12:12 am | #

      And now I’m suddenly realizing that the bottom would be an even greater title.

      • Marsh Maryrose
        Marsh Maryrose
        October 3, 2018 at 12:17 am | #

        * The bottom text of panel three. I was not intentionally referring to Willis-Jacques Syndrome.

        • King Daniel
          King Daniel
          October 3, 2018 at 12:20 am | #

          But(t) it’s too late, you have already revealed a telltale symptom.

        • Batman
          Batman
          October 3, 2018 at 11:52 pm | #

          Same universe but no ai here oddly.

  21. Reltzik
    Reltzik
    October 3, 2018 at 12:11 am | #

    Thirty (in-comic) years from now, this photo will be brought forth as evidence that Candidate Keener is in cahoots with reptilian overlords, which given changing demographics over the decades will be as damning an accusation as proof today that a candidate is in cahoots with the Devil.

    • Durandal_1707
      Durandal_1707
      October 3, 2018 at 12:14 am | #

      Oh god dammit.

      Well, I still think mine was funnier. 😛

      • Bagge
        Bagge
        October 3, 2018 at 12:28 am | #

        STILL FUNNY, DAMMIT!

    • Regalli
      Regalli
      October 3, 2018 at 12:24 am | #

      Can the Soggies just maybe rule THIS universe, too?

      *Remembers that whole meta about the Soggies representing the metaphorical straight white dudebro and thus Shortpacked fighting douchebag fans would never die* Never mind, they already do.

      • King Daniel
        King Daniel
        October 3, 2018 at 12:55 am | #

        Well, not the universe. Hopefully.

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 12:29 am | #

      Stupid reptilian overlords

  22. Defensor
    Defensor
    October 3, 2018 at 12:11 am | #

    Will Dorothy’s last caption be the title of the next book?

  23. butts
    butts
    October 3, 2018 at 12:12 am | #

    oh my god that last panel is joy

  24. Durandal_1707
    Durandal_1707
    October 3, 2018 at 12:13 am | #

    In a presidential election, 40-some years from now:

    Candidate Adolf Shitstain McHannibalLecter may have committed a little tax fraud, money laundering, grand theft auto, methamphetamine dealing, first-degree serial murder, genocide, and treason, he might have blown up the entire state of Delaware as a science project, and he might have built a doomsday device and held the Earth ransom for one million dollars, but shrug, boys will be boys, amirite?

    But what’s this? Candidate Dorothy once assisted in hiding an illegal iguana! IGUANAGATE! IGUANAGATE! LOCK HER UP!

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 12:28 am | #

      “No, wait, she has the iguana on her head. SHE SEEMS VERY TRUSTWORTHY NOW FOR SOME REASON”

    • 3oranges
      3oranges
      October 3, 2018 at 1:09 pm | #

      McHannibalLecter is a great man, and it is such a disgrace to the country that he is being subjected to an election just so the other party can try to keep him from being president.

  25. cbwroses
    cbwroses
    October 3, 2018 at 12:14 am | #

    I’m sure this will not end horribly at all…

  26. Ryan
    Ryan
    October 3, 2018 at 12:14 am | #

    Ok, I finally understand why they get along so well.

  27. drs
    drs
    October 3, 2018 at 12:17 am | #

    adorkable

  28. Tacos
    Tacos
    October 3, 2018 at 12:20 am | #

    RE: ALT-TEXT: Heck why not just go for broke and have this entire conversation as the title?
    >.>
    <.<

    • Jamie
      Jamie
      October 3, 2018 at 12:28 am | #

      Just paste the entire strip. All you need to do is slap “Dumbing of Age” somewhere.

  29. BBCC
    BBCC
    October 3, 2018 at 12:24 am | #

    Well at least they’re finally putting the iguana back! Who wants to bet Malaya’s in her room now?

    Also, hooray, Dorothy’s finally thinking like a politician!

    …Wait, shit, she’s thinking like a politician.

    • Regalli
      Regalli
      October 3, 2018 at 12:27 am | #

      Malaya’s in her room, Mary’s stalking the halls like her icky self, and somehow Dorothy finds out Walky’s skipping class again.

      • BBCC
        BBCC
        October 3, 2018 at 12:32 am | #

        I’d be okay with just Malaya. Just because, well, it’ll be hilarious.

        • Regalli
          Regalli
          October 3, 2018 at 9:40 am | #

          That part’ll be hilarious and awesome. I fear the other parts because since when do things ever NOT cascade in this comic.

    • ShinyNeen
      ShinyNeen
      October 3, 2018 at 7:07 am | #

      No bet- this is the perfect setup for them to slam straight into an angry Malaya, wondering where her iguana went.

      Also, what do you mean about Dorothy thinking like a politician? The way she’s maybe tricking Joyce into getting excited to return Fuckface? The respecting power structures bit?

      • BBCC
        BBCC
        October 3, 2018 at 8:44 am | #

        The power structures thing.

  30. Inahc
    Inahc
    October 3, 2018 at 12:26 am | #

    is it just me or did the alt-text change? I could’ve sworn it referred to panel 4 before.

    • King Daniel
      King Daniel
      October 3, 2018 at 12:40 am | #

      It’s not just you.

  31. Rabid Rabbit
    Rabid Rabbit
    October 3, 2018 at 12:31 am | #

    I’m starting to think that Dorothy has reached that level of sleep deprivation where you are, for all intents and purposes, stoned.

    • neeks
      neeks
      October 3, 2018 at 8:14 pm | #

      Iirc research shows that the effect of sleep deprivation on the brain is the same as that of alcohol, soooooo…

  32. newllend(henryvolt)
    newllend(henryvolt)
    October 3, 2018 at 12:33 am | #

    Cue the Mission Impossible theme.

    • Batman
      Batman
      October 3, 2018 at 11:54 pm | #

      No pink panther

  33. Goki
    Goki
    October 3, 2018 at 12:37 am | #

    There is no way that this will end well …….. (smiles evilly and gets some popcorn ready)

    Well, we will see how cool, hip and chill Dorothy is…… mwahahahahha

  34. Pacce
    Pacce
    October 3, 2018 at 12:47 am | #

    YAY! ENJOYABLE CHARACTER MOMENTS AGAIN!

  35. mrnoidea
    mrnoidea
    October 3, 2018 at 12:50 am | #

    Fuckface’s face just says to me “UUUUUGGGGGHHHHH” in panal five.

    “Uuuuggghhh, what have I gotten myself into”

    • BenRG
      BenRG
      October 3, 2018 at 2:12 am | #

      He’s rapidly coming out as the sane one in this trio.

      • DaveM
        DaveM
        October 3, 2018 at 6:12 am | #

        Fuckface: “The things I put up with because of being ectothermic.”

  36. Ivy
    Ivy
    October 3, 2018 at 12:54 am | #

    Ruth: what’s all that yelling about?

    • BenRG
      BenRG
      October 3, 2018 at 2:12 am | #

      The answer is that Ruth’s sanity probably would benefit from not knowing. I mean… Dorothy and Joyce as rebels? That’s brain-twisting enough to make the colour balance of the world shift slightly!

  37. JessWitt
    JessWitt
    October 3, 2018 at 12:55 am | #

    Way to anime, Joyce and Dorothy.

  38. DailyBrad
    DailyBrad
    October 3, 2018 at 12:56 am | #

    They can celebrate with the snack of sneakery: subterfudge.

  39. Sol Karas
    Sol Karas
    October 3, 2018 at 1:25 am | #

    Personally I’d like “I’ve never before felt this exact portion alive!” as a book title.

    • Danielle
      Danielle
      October 3, 2018 at 1:28 am | #

      so wood i

      • Batman
        Batman
        October 3, 2018 at 11:56 pm | #

        As WOULD I

  40. Nobody
    Nobody
    October 3, 2018 at 1:35 am | #

    Let’s each try to predict what happens next, I’ll go with this seemingly innocuous attempt at controlled subversion spirals into some wacky hijinks followed by grim and sobering consequences far beyond their predictions

    • BenRG
      BenRG
      October 3, 2018 at 2:37 am | #

      Ruth catches them. In desperation, Joyce tries Head Iguana Hypnosis and it works! Another hint that, just maybe, Joyce has the telepsychic powers of her Walkyverse counterpart!

      Meanwhile, Ruth spend the rest of her life believing that, if she spends too long without Billie, she starts hallucinating people wearing animal hats.

  41. CoMa
    CoMa
    October 3, 2018 at 1:55 am | #

    Okay, from yesterdays comic I denfitely did NOT expect this outcome.

    But I love it anyway, especially the last panel! (Plus, they somehow remind me of myself in my teenage years)

  42. BenRG
    BenRG
    October 3, 2018 at 2:11 am | #

    It’s a reminder of, their religious positions aside, how very similar Dorothy and Joyce actually are. They’re both women who want to be daring and live interesting lives but are, in the end, too nice and generally lawful-good to want to really cause problems or break any serious rules! So, being mildly mischievous and finding minor rules to break is a major thing for them!

    Eventually, all of this is going to get back to Ruth and she won’t have the slightest clue what she’s supposed to do or even think about all of this!

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 2:37 am | #

      “It’s cute you think I know more than you.” http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-1/06-yesterday-was-thursday/predrunk/

      • BenRG
        BenRG
        October 3, 2018 at 2:55 am | #

        I’m guessing that was the strip that birthed the Joyce/Dorothy ship?

        • Bagge
          Bagge
          October 3, 2018 at 3:49 am | #

          Or possibly this one
          http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-1/04-the-bechdel-test/hic/

          • Bagge
            Bagge
            October 3, 2018 at 3:50 am | #

            Or this one with their first date.

            http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-1/05-media-rumble/boo/

            Joyce and Dorothy are friggin’ adorable, is what I’m saying.

            • Bagge
              Bagge
              October 3, 2018 at 3:51 am | #

              Joyce having Dorothy’s back is also a high note.

              http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-1/06-yesterday-was-thursday/idea/

              • Bagge
                Bagge
                October 3, 2018 at 3:53 am | #

                Ooooh, oooooh, Joyce threw a toy at Dorothy’s head. They are basically married.

                http://www.dumbingofage.com/2011/comic/book-2/01-pajama-jeans/studying/

                (Yes, I’m reading through the Joyce+Dorothy-tag. A day well spent in my book.)

                • Bagge
                  Bagge
                  October 3, 2018 at 3:55 am | #

                  CHURCH DATE!!!

                  http://www.dumbingofage.com/2012/comic/book-2/02-choosing-my-religion/sierra/

                • ValdVin
                  ValdVin
                  October 3, 2018 at 5:36 pm | #

                  It seems you want to be the Syria’s unofficial librarian. You got my vote.

                  Wait, that’s not how it works?

                • Bagge
                  Bagge
                  October 4, 2018 at 12:15 am | #

                  And of course one of my favorites – a bit of relationship drama, my, my.

                  http://www.dumbingofage.com/2014/comic/book-5/02-threes-a-crowd/cheating/

          • Heavensrun
            Heavensrun
            October 3, 2018 at 1:11 pm | #

            I am Joyrathy trash forever, and this is the one that started it for me.

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 2:39 am | #

      I think Ruth will very much want to maintain plausible deniability. With everything else going on, she doesn’t want to have to go all tyrant over a fudging lizard.

  43. Magic Jukebox V
    Magic Jukebox V
    October 3, 2018 at 2:55 am | #

    That’s the most boring way to say “Let’s get dangerous”

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 3:04 am | #

      You say boring

      I say adorable!

      • Crimson Doom
        Crimson Doom
        October 3, 2018 at 10:30 am | #

        A-boring-ble? :v

  44. abysswatcher1993
    abysswatcher1993
    October 3, 2018 at 3:12 am | #

    When an optimistic Christian and a moral atheist make a team they are unstoppable, but they still limit themselves to avoid breaking the rules of society.

  45. Bagge
    Bagge
    October 3, 2018 at 3:36 am | #

    Being a rebel together with Dorothy is such a dream coming true for Joyce

    • BenRG
      BenRG
      October 3, 2018 at 6:03 am | #

      The only thing that could make it better is if Sal agreed to let her ride on her bike’s pillion again (at just mildly more-than-absolutely-safe speeds)!

  46. Hescotti
    Hescotti
    October 3, 2018 at 3:41 am | #

    Fuckface is unamused at all this. Which is amusing.

  47. Chris Phoenix
    Chris Phoenix
    October 3, 2018 at 3:47 am | #

    They are totally breaking each other’s 4th wall. It’s weird, but that’s the only way I can find to really describe this strip.

  48. Bagge
    Bagge
    October 3, 2018 at 4:07 am | #

    Of course Joyce knows the exact number of steps between her and Dorothy’s door

    http://www.dumbingofage.com/2017/comic/book-8/02-this-is-the-way-that-we-love/sweatband/

    • BenRG
      BenRG
      October 3, 2018 at 4:59 am | #

      Seriously, Joyce has been shown to have some OCD symptoms so being aware of things like that is entirely to be expected.

      • DaveM
        DaveM
        October 3, 2018 at 6:02 am | #

        Doesn’t need OCD to explain it. She’s got a semi-flirty (from her perspective at least) steps taken competition with Jacob. You can bet she’s watching her step counter pretty closely as the final figure can be used to start, or change the subject if needed in a conversation with Jacob. I’m honestly surprised she hasn’t been keeping count of movements too small to be considered “steps”, but when added together make a significant change to the outcome. 🙂

        • thejeff
          thejeff
          October 3, 2018 at 7:59 am | #

          Now it doesn’t need it. That she knew it before she got her step counter or started the competition with Jacob, points in that direction.

          • Regalli
            Regalli
            October 3, 2018 at 9:38 am | #

            Especially taken in conjunction with other traits, like the food thing. There are a lot of things that can result in that attitude towards food, but it’s fairly safe to say it’s SOMETHING going on there, anxiety or compulsion or ARFID or what. And it’s definitely long-standing given her entire family knows and considers it normal Joyce.

            Hesitant to give a single diagnosis, but I pretty definitely believe Joyce is some form of neurodivergent. There’s a lot there, and I definitely relate to Willis’s experience with religion of peeling back the fear and finding no true belief underneath and that was definitely an anxiety thing for me. With Joyce poised to take at least some of the same steps, I can see it being an anxiety thing for her, too.

  49. Martin Smith
    Martin Smith
    October 3, 2018 at 4:27 am | #

    There’s a book title if ever I saw one.

  50. marianne
    marianne
    October 3, 2018 at 5:04 am | #

    These two are possibly dorkier than first season Venture Brothers! I mean there’s at least three quarters of a Mecha Shiva here.

  51. Emily
    Emily
    October 3, 2018 at 5:22 am | #

    Straight White Capitalist Feminism in a nutshell right here.

  52. BenRG
    BenRG
    October 3, 2018 at 5:31 am | #

    Am I the only one who now hears Fuckface making Lurch-like groans every time either Joyce or Dorothy says anything?

  53. JBento
    JBento
    October 3, 2018 at 6:05 am | #

    Dorothy seems unusually hyper. Is that sleep-deprivation? Stimulant pills?

    Either way, I’m panel 5 Fuckface: So much eyeroll.

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 9:07 am | #

      I think with Walky gone, and with Roz’ and Billie’s words about being “too perfect” still ringing in her ears, Dorothy has a need for shenanigans.

      One aspect might also be finding an arena for her and Joyce to have fun together, without bumping into uncomfortable topics.

  54. Zaxares
    Zaxares
    October 3, 2018 at 6:07 am | #

    I wonder… Is this meant to be some sort of commentary about social media politics today? About how people will forward aggravating memes and posts to each other, get all self-righteous about it, but ultimately it just fizzles out and nothing truly changes, but people still have the impression that they’re being subversive and challenging the system by engaging in these acts that in reality have no true substance and create no lasting change?

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 9:07 am | #

      Dorothy is very self aware.

    • BBCC
      BBCC
      October 3, 2018 at 12:27 pm | #

      I doubt it. It sounds to me more like politicians who do the bare minimum but never actually seem to vote or make motions that could actually help.

      Besides, at least those memes inform and venting is cathartic. I’m not sure what the hell we pay politicians for if not to at least try to fix things.

  55. ShinyNeen
    ShinyNeen
    October 3, 2018 at 6:53 am | #

    Me too, Joyce, me too! Oh my gosh this is SO CUTE!

    • ShinyNeen
      ShinyNeen
      October 3, 2018 at 6:58 am | #

      Also I’m really glad somebody on tumblr asked for panel 5 w/o the dialogue. Thank you, whoever you are!

  56. Jabberwocky
    Jabberwocky
    October 3, 2018 at 7:35 am | #

    Dorothy’s a liberal alright

  57. SomeGuy
    SomeGuy
    October 3, 2018 at 7:52 am | #

    This is the best encapsulation of their relationship and why they like each other so much in this entire comic so far.

    In my top 10 favorite DoA strips, for sure.

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 9:09 am | #

      I love it! Dorothy and Joyce are a delight together, and it’s great to see them just having fun

  58. Schpoonman
    Schpoonman
    October 3, 2018 at 8:41 am | #

    Dorothy’s messy hair continues to be adorable.

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 3, 2018 at 9:10 am | #

      NOT THAT WALKY NOTICES OR CARES OR ANYTHING *cries*

      • Schpoonman
        Schpoonman
        October 3, 2018 at 9:19 pm | #

        He’s gonna see it and not know what to do, Amber will see Walky’s deer-in-headlights and become jealous and muss her hair up like Amazi-Girl’s.

        It gets weirder before it gets better, folks.

        • Bagge
          Bagge
          October 4, 2018 at 12:16 am | #

          You have called it. I’m sure you are right.

  59. Clif
    Clif
    October 3, 2018 at 10:20 am | #

    I, for one, look forward to reading 33 STEPS.

  60. Nothri
    Nothri
    October 3, 2018 at 10:50 am | #

    Last panel iguana has had enough of this shit.

  61. Freezer
    Freezer
    October 3, 2018 at 12:06 pm | #

    LET THE POODLE POKING, RULE-ABIDING REBELLION BEGIN!

    • Deadjolras
      Deadjolras
      October 3, 2018 at 6:17 pm | #

      THE REVOLUTION WILL BE CIVILIZED!

  62. Daibhid C
    Daibhid C
    October 3, 2018 at 1:15 pm | #

    Mayhem!
    Albeit, quite restrained mayhem!
    Parameters rule!

  63. Roborat
    Roborat
    October 3, 2018 at 2:54 pm | #

    So, was Joyce this careful sneaking the iguana into Dorothy’s room?

    • thejeff
      thejeff
      October 3, 2018 at 5:27 pm | #

      I’m amused that with all their careful planning for the subterfuge, they don’t even consider carrying Fuckface anywhere less conspicuous than on Joyce’s head.

      • BenRG
        BenRG
        October 3, 2018 at 5:37 pm | #

        FWIW, I’m expecting them to walk right into Ruth outside of Dorothy and Sierra’s dorm because Rule of Funny.

  64. Ragingagnostic
    Ragingagnostic
    October 3, 2018 at 5:57 pm | #

    Blondes do have moderately more fun.

    • Bagge
      Bagge
      October 4, 2018 at 2:40 am | #

      Under controlled circumstances.

  65. Darkoneko
    Darkoneko
    October 3, 2018 at 11:58 pm | #

    Those watches tho

  66. Just for kix
    Just for kix
    October 4, 2018 at 10:44 am | #

    I am beginning to realize why these two get along.

  67. Griffin Raynor
    Griffin Raynor
    October 4, 2018 at 12:13 pm | #

    okay mood

  68. BrokenEye, the True False Prophet
    BrokenEye, the True False Prophet
    October 5, 2018 at 10:22 pm | #

    Of course Dorothy is up for subterfuge (within certain outlined perimeters). She wants to go into politics, after all.

  69. R. Francis Smith
    R. Francis Smith
    October 7, 2018 at 7:04 pm | #

    Since panel five is sure to be too long for a book title (right?), I like just “SURPRISINGLY UP FOR THIS SUBTERFUGE”. And if you don’t use it, I think I have a band name now.

  70. thetrueelec
    thetrueelec
    October 7, 2018 at 9:49 pm | #

    33 steps -Dumbing of Age book 9

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