Dumbing of Age Book Twelve

Dumbing of Age

A college webcomic by David Willis
RSS
‹
›
  • Home
  • About/Read before posting
  • Archive
    • by calendar
  • Cast
  • Store
    • Main Store (books and stuff)
    • T-shirts
  • Patreon
    • Patreon (regular)
    • Patreon (NSFW)
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
sal's entire existence is just leaving parties she accidentally wandered into but is too cool for
First Previous Random 100Comments Share Next Latest
Reddit Digg Facebook MySpace Delicious Stumbleupon Buzz Up! Mixx Technorati Google Bookmarks Yahoo Bookmarks Yahoo MyWeb Windows Live Propeller FriendFeed Newsvine Xanga LinkedIn Blinklist Twitter


BUFFER WATCH Comics are currently drawn and uploaded through:

May 12, 2026

Respite

by David M Willis on July 15, 2024 at 12:01 am
  • 04 – For Me It Was Tuesday
└ Tags: amber, dorothy, joe, joyce, sal, sarah, walky

Discussion (100) ¬

[ Comments RSS ]
  1. Ana Chronistic
    Ana Chronistic
    July 15, 2024 at 12:05 am | #

    I like that BOTH of the party’s hosts are hiding from the party

    • NGPZ
      NGPZ
      July 15, 2024 at 12:09 am | #

      autista party hostin’ = best party hostin’ ^^

      • Spacie
        Spacie
        July 15, 2024 at 6:41 am | #

        Amber is not autistic though. She has social anxiety. I also have social anxiety and have been misdiagnosed with autisim in the past.

        • Jeremiah
          Jeremiah
          July 15, 2024 at 1:26 pm | #

          She is definitely Neurodivergent though imo. Even taking aside the dissociative identity disorder.

          • NGPZ
            NGPZ
            July 15, 2024 at 3:17 pm | #

            Yee, people i know of who are DID also very often are autistic, and Amber has just as many of the autistic traits as other cast members like Dorothy and Joyce: hyperfixations, inability to read social cues, lack of eye contact, etc.

    • Ana Chronistic
      Ana Chronistic
      July 15, 2024 at 11:09 pm | #

      reminds me, we’re hosting a dorm-sized party this weekend

      *prepares corner*

  2. Doctor_Who
    Doctor_Who
    July 15, 2024 at 12:06 am | #

    So the question here is did she see the lights and decide to climb into a window to check out what’s up, or just materialize in that spot? Because we KNOW she didn’t use the door.

    • Slartibeast Button, BIA
      Slartibeast Button, BIA
      July 15, 2024 at 12:14 am | #

      She’s been taking lessons from Dina.

      • NGPZ
        NGPZ
        July 15, 2024 at 12:26 am | #

        She’s mastered the speed of SMB, now she learnin Instant Transmission!!! ^^

    • elebenty
      elebenty
      July 15, 2024 at 1:07 am | #

      She came in through the bathroom window….

      • Crotonhurst
        Crotonhurst
        July 15, 2024 at 1:39 am | #

        But where are the Mad Dogs & Englishmen?

        • John Campbell
          John Campbell
          July 15, 2024 at 11:32 am | #

          Out in the noonday sun.

    • Tawdry Quirks
      Tawdry Quirks
      July 15, 2024 at 2:49 am | #

      I’m convinced all of the main cast have one very specific thing that they can teleport for. Joyce does it to reach Dorothy, Dina can do it when a feat of badassness (or is it badassery?) is required, Walky can probably do it for Nachitos, and now we know that Sal can teleport to parties.

      • jeffepp
        jeffepp
        July 15, 2024 at 3:24 am | #

        Badassery is a kind of thing you do, and badassness is like, something you project.

        • deliverything
          deliverything
          July 15, 2024 at 12:56 pm | #

          And “badassfully” is how you communicate when you’re an elcor partnered with Blasto.

          https://youtu.be/nXf7HC7iYEY for the Mass Effect silliness this refers to.

      • Mark
        Mark
        July 15, 2024 at 7:01 am | #

        Seems it’s the parties themselves that teleport Sal.

      • Rowan
        Rowan
        July 15, 2024 at 8:59 am | #

        Joyce does it to correct people about Christianity

      • Taellosse
        Taellosse
        July 15, 2024 at 1:13 pm | #

        I think Dina’s ‘porting is triggered when factually inaccurate assertions are made about dinosaurs.

        • thejeff
          thejeff
          July 15, 2024 at 2:50 pm | #

          She is also behind all the doors.

  3. IntangibleMatter
    IntangibleMatter
    July 15, 2024 at 12:06 am | #

    Oh boy, it’s time for a speedrunning rematch!

    If they don’t kill each other first.

    Metaphorically, of course.

    Hopefully.

    • Thag Simmons
      Thag Simmons
      July 15, 2024 at 12:27 am | #

      If they don’t kill each other we should at least get some comment section arguments that will make an acceptable substitute.

      • Needfuldoer
        Needfuldoer
        July 15, 2024 at 5:55 am | #

        No we shouldn’t!

        /s

    • GreyICE
      GreyICE
      July 15, 2024 at 12:01 pm | #

      This is like the comic’s best crackship.

      • GholaHalleck
        GholaHalleck
        July 15, 2024 at 8:36 pm | #

        Knifeu Wifeus.

  4. Jo_cubstar
    Jo_cubstar
    July 15, 2024 at 12:07 am | #

    Now shipping amber n sal. Apparently that’s where my brain went tonight.

    • Michael Steamweed
      Michael Steamweed
      July 15, 2024 at 6:58 am | #

      I have walked aboard the Amber/Sal ship many a time. A solid deck; a great view; a very powerful motor!

  5. HueSatLight
    HueSatLight
    July 15, 2024 at 12:07 am | #

    elbows not getting tagged anymore?

    • DinaJoyce
      DinaJoyce
      July 15, 2024 at 1:03 am | #

      They’re even pretty identifiable!

  6. Sirksome
    Sirksome
    July 15, 2024 at 12:07 am | #

    I like the corners by the window for my antisocial at parties behavior. Hopefully the corner also has an outlet. That’s when you’re really living big.

    • Doctor_Who
      Doctor_Who
      July 15, 2024 at 12:09 am | #

      Everyone knows the best spot at any party is whatever room the cat or dog has chosen to chill out in.

      • Michael Steamweed
        Michael Steamweed
        July 15, 2024 at 7:00 am | #

        Sadly, no cat or dog available on this dorm wing. But maybe (?) Malaya will show up with Fuckface? (Or Carla with said lizardly headgear?)

  7. Bittersweet
    Bittersweet
    July 15, 2024 at 12:12 am | #

    This is a terrible party lol. Outside of Joyce, Becky, and Dina, is anybody having an okay time? Lol

    • Sirksome
      Sirksome
      July 15, 2024 at 12:22 am | #

      This party does feel kind of lame compared to the other two or three parties I can remember them having. No music, no costumes, no snacks. This one is kind of just a bad wine tasting with board games.

      • Michael Steamweed
        Michael Steamweed
        July 15, 2024 at 7:02 am | #

        Wait ’til Danny shows up and starts playin’ uke. Then things’ll get hoppin’.

      • thejeff
        thejeff
        July 15, 2024 at 8:41 am | #

        I mean, this one did start off with the premise of “Let’s drink this jug of booze Dina stole”, which is cool, but maybe a little limited.

        The halloween bash was bigger and more planned, but Joyce’s party wasn’t all that different. Alcohol wasn’t the focus, but they did start with Apples to Apples.

    • Taffy
      Taffy
      July 15, 2024 at 12:32 am | #

      It’s been like five minutes. It’s like showing up at a restaurant right after it opens and saying “This is a terrible restaurant. Most of the tables are empty and all those guys ordered was coffee.”

      • Bittersweet
        Bittersweet
        July 15, 2024 at 1:09 am | #

        It’s been five minutes and there’s already been relationship drama in front of everyone, Dorothy is still kinda actively breaking down and needing validation, Amber was standing in a corner and is now going to have an (albeit not Serious) altercation with Sal probs over the speedrunning thing, Joe is voicing concerns about Joyce’s drinking enthusiasm, and the two hosts have already bailed to bang—and Dina may be entirely out of commission for the entire night after. I’ll admit, I’ve never been to a party for adults, but this one doesn’t really seem that appealing lol.

        Like if Sal and Amber get into a gaming competition or something then the vibes will improve I guess. Or a pizza could get delivered I guess.

        • Bash
          Bash
          July 15, 2024 at 2:22 am | #

          I thought you were about to say “best party ever”

        • pope suburban
          pope suburban
          July 15, 2024 at 6:32 am | #

          Well now I’m just picturing Troy from Community coming back with the pizza and finding the apartment on fire.

          • Ana Chronistic
            Ana Chronistic
            July 16, 2024 at 12:53 am | #

            Part of me is annoyed at fire being overused for “things got out of hand”

            but

            …what else so quickly says exactly that 🤔

    • yak
      yak
      July 15, 2024 at 12:49 am | #

      Someone’s already having sex. Signs of a great party tbh.

      • Sirksome
        Sirksome
        July 15, 2024 at 12:54 am | #

        Potential lesbian corner sex does get some points but Becky’s mom’s birthday party had cake.

        • AMagicalDuck
          AMagicalDuck
          July 15, 2024 at 7:07 am | #

          Lesbian sex is better than cake. Though the best option is lesbian sex while eating cake

          • NGPZ
            NGPZ
            July 15, 2024 at 11:55 am | #

            Willis will surely be taking notes ^^

  8. Slartibeast Button, BIA
    Slartibeast Button, BIA
    July 15, 2024 at 12:12 am | #

    Plays “Party Out Of Bounds” on hacked Muzak:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyoPW4inPYM

  9. Pocky
    Pocky
    July 15, 2024 at 12:14 am | #

    this is gotta be HUGE

  10. Vangeln
    Vangeln
    July 15, 2024 at 12:15 am | #

    No Danny?

    • Bobcat
      Bobcat
      July 15, 2024 at 12:28 am | #

      *”Where’s Danny?” she says, and smiles in her special way*

      • cbwroses
        cbwroses
        July 15, 2024 at 1:15 am | #

        +1

      • StClair
        StClair
        July 15, 2024 at 2:40 am | #

        A very special boy

      • jeffepp
        jeffepp
        July 15, 2024 at 3:29 am | #

        You’re showing our age with that one.

    • Francoinblanco
      Francoinblanco
      July 15, 2024 at 12:52 am | #

      He warm up to crank up this party with nothing else matter on ukulele

  11. Dday
    Dday
    July 15, 2024 at 12:16 am | #

    I just need a relatively quiet place which I can periodically retreat to and refill my canister of Not-Currently-Around-Anybody juice whenever it empties out. Then I can get back on the scene and crack jokes n’ whatnot.

  12. Shakes
    Shakes
    July 15, 2024 at 12:21 am | #

    That’s a lot of milling about in the foreground for like, six people in a small dorm room.

    • Taffy
      Taffy
      July 15, 2024 at 12:29 am | #

      They’re all just shuffling back and forth because they’re all too awkward to ask someone to hand them something, so they all keep getting it themselves.

      • NGPZ
        NGPZ
        July 15, 2024 at 2:13 am | #

        What I really wanna know is why there only two character tags when we can clearly make out Joe, Dororthy and Joyce in the foreground.

        • Needfuldoer
          Needfuldoer
          July 15, 2024 at 5:58 am | #

          Also Sarah and (I think) Danny.

          • Yumi
            Yumi
            July 15, 2024 at 6:20 am | #

            Where are you seeing Danny? Panel by panel, I’m seeing Walky and Joe, Walky and Joyce, Joe and Walky, Sarah, and Dorothy.

            • Needfuldoer
              Needfuldoer
              July 15, 2024 at 8:44 am | #

              For some reason I thought he was wearing a blue hoodie too.

              Coffee then posting. Coffee then posting…

        • NGPZ
          NGPZ
          July 15, 2024 at 4:43 pm | #

          Ah, speak of the devil, they’re tagged now! 😀

  13. Kitschensyngk
    Kitschensyngk
    July 15, 2024 at 12:25 am | #

    Is it telling of a party when Amber and Sal occupying the same space ISN’T the biggest powder keg in the room?

    • Thag Simmons
      Thag Simmons
      July 15, 2024 at 12:28 am | #

      I mean they’ve been mostly cool for the past few months and the current drama is stupid and low stakes.

    • Tan
      Tan
      July 15, 2024 at 12:37 am | #

      I’m taking the longshot odds on Dorothy blowing up at Joe.

  14. JessWitt
    JessWitt
    July 15, 2024 at 12:31 am | #

    I feel like the folks in the foreground should get tagged.

  15. tim gueguen
    tim gueguen
    July 15, 2024 at 12:32 am | #

    “This will not end well” seems like a spectacular understatement for this party.

    So, is Mary gonna show up to make it an ultra understatement?

  16. RassilonTDavros
    RassilonTDavros
    July 15, 2024 at 12:32 am | #

    Personally, my approach to this situation would probably be to just lay down with headphones on and close my eyes.

    • Bogeywoman
      Bogeywoman
      July 15, 2024 at 9:52 am | #

      I’m an under-the-table-with-stolen-snacks kinda person myself.

  17. Kyrik Michalowski
    Kyrik Michalowski
    July 15, 2024 at 12:43 am | #

    I see some untagged limbs in this strip; how will I know the identity of a arm, shoulders or head unless it is tagged?

    • OBBWG
      OBBWG
      July 15, 2024 at 12:59 am | #

      Agreed. Walky, Joe, Joyce, Sarah and Dorothy should be tagged.

  18. cbwroses
    cbwroses
    July 15, 2024 at 1:16 am | #

    Who invited you, Trevor?!

    • Needfuldoer
      Needfuldoer
      July 15, 2024 at 5:59 am | #

      But the tricks that he does are ever-so-clever…

  19. Lars
    Lars
    July 15, 2024 at 2:44 am | #

    Yes. Now Sal can sing the chapter-title song with audience … and boose.

    • Lars
      Lars
      July 15, 2024 at 2:47 am | #

      booze. First check the English pronunciation, then hit “Post Comment”, not the other way around. I’ll never learn.

  20. Amós Batista
    Amós Batista
    July 15, 2024 at 3:16 am | #

    Shoo, Sal. Leave the spot to the introspective people. You’re the social one.

    • Throwatron
      Throwatron
      July 15, 2024 at 1:34 pm | #

      I-is she?!

  21. Arianod
    Arianod
    July 15, 2024 at 3:58 am | #

    Aye. That is, indeed, the word.

  22. ValdVin
    ValdVin
    July 15, 2024 at 5:49 am | #

    Amber should be in the student center hosting this party from the fort she made out of those funky chairs.

    Everyone would understand. Nobody would question her.

  23. Alan in DC
    Alan in DC
    July 15, 2024 at 6:44 am | #

    Engineering student Carla should take an interest in Frame #6: glasses frames that warp to reflect the wearer’s emotional eyebrow position. In the course of a few moments, Amber’s glasses have gone from “Fearless Fly” in the first panel to “2nd Grade Substitute Teacher” in the sixth.

    • thejeff
      thejeff
      July 15, 2024 at 9:07 am | #

      Those actually are eyebrows. You can still see the round frames.

    • Needfuldoer
      Needfuldoer
      July 15, 2024 at 2:58 pm | #

      Willis has diligently avoided that trope*. Those are her eyebrows, the top of her glasses frames are hidden behind her bangs.

      (*Superhero domino masks don’t count.)

  24. Michael Steamweed
    Michael Steamweed
    July 15, 2024 at 6:55 am | #

    Amber, I know how you feel. I remember the first time in college I came home to my apartment and found a party in it. And I had strangers in my own bedroom.

  25. Rabisch
    Rabisch
    July 15, 2024 at 9:36 am | #

    Sal be there is the proof this will be a great party!

  26. Bogeywoman
    Bogeywoman
    July 15, 2024 at 9:57 am | #

    I want to know whether Amber’s hoodie is
    A. One of Dina’s (stolen or given since someone gave her a size too big)
    B. A gift from Dina
    C. Bought as a way to bond with Dina
    Or least likely, D. Totally accidental

    • John Campbell
      John Campbell
      July 15, 2024 at 11:40 am | #

      It’s Dina’s. She borrowed it during the party planning.

      • Needfuldoer
        Needfuldoer
        July 15, 2024 at 3:00 pm | #

        It doesn’t fit Sarah’s suggested theme, but it’s Dina’s party so she gets final say.

  27. C.T. Phipps
    C.T. Phipps
    July 15, 2024 at 11:36 am | #

    Sal: Oh, I got invited to go to something called E3. I turned em down.

    Amber: What?

    Sal: Oh and they asked me to be a guest character in Mario Kart’s next installment. Sounds stupid.

    Amber: GAH.

    Sal: They also said I got to design my own video game. I said Lucy could.

    • NGPZ
      NGPZ
      July 15, 2024 at 11:48 am | #

      I mean be it Sal, Amber or Lucy I’d be more than eager to make a game they design 😀

      I really need something to get my engine runnin’

  28. J
    J
    July 15, 2024 at 12:27 pm | #

    Sometimes parties spontaneously form around her.

  29. Yumi
    Yumi
    July 15, 2024 at 12:54 pm | #

    I see we’ve successfully bullied Willis into tagging those elbows. Well done.

    • Needfuldoer
      Needfuldoer
      July 15, 2024 at 3:01 pm | #

      If text messages and blood spatters get tagged, elbows should too. Consistency is important!

    • Steamweed
      Steamweed
      July 15, 2024 at 8:29 pm | #

      I saw that! Yay! for us!

  30. Yeet
    Yeet
    July 15, 2024 at 2:53 pm | #

    it do be like that from time to time

  31. Koko NoKo
    Koko NoKo
    July 15, 2024 at 3:02 pm | #

    Transfomers Animated poster spotted

  32. Proto
    Proto
    July 15, 2024 at 4:55 pm | #

    Amazi-Girl told you this was a bad idea, Amber…

  33. ElderlyMarxist
    ElderlyMarxist
    July 15, 2024 at 5:04 pm | #

    is amber borrowing dina’s clothes or do they just have a shared dinosaur enthusiasm? (forgive me if this is something that’s obvious from past strips, my memory is but a trash can)

    • Rotunda
      Rotunda
      July 15, 2024 at 5:05 pm | #

      The party got a dinosaur theme a few strips back, and Amber borrowed the t-shirt from Dina.

  34. anon
    anon
    July 15, 2024 at 9:00 pm | #

    other than spending more time with dina (who’s busy rn) i’d assume she’d just escape to the roof lol

    or just downing more alcohol so she doesn’t have to think/socialized

    • NGPZ
      NGPZ
      July 15, 2024 at 9:09 pm | #

      yeah… “busy” OWO

      • anon
        anon
        July 16, 2024 at 10:00 pm | #

        lol i imagine becky would feel awkward about it but idk how likely it is for Dina to have a convo with another guest midway through (not that anyone would get near them/purposefully peek hopefully), versus someone asking a question and you can hear dina’s voice between /under the oversized dino plushie/wherever theyr’e hiding

  35. thumb
    thumb
    July 15, 2024 at 9:50 pm | #

    Sal is a character invented by Boulet for a 24hr comic years ago. (The Darkness. Look it up, it’s great).

Who should be the default doodle for Book 14?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...
  • Polls Archive
CONVENTION APPEARANCES


May 3, 2025 - FCBD @ Laughing Ogre Comics in Columbus, Ohio

©2010-2025 Dumbing of Age | Powered by WordPress with ComicPress | Subscribe: RSS | Privacy Policy | Back to Top ↑