Dumbing of Age Book Twelve

Dumbing of Age

A college webcomic by David Willis
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no i'm not editing all the 'incelerator' tags to 'paul'
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May 22, 2026

A grip

by David M Willis on December 26, 2024 at 12:01 am
  • 02 – The One Where Jocelyne Returns
└ Tags: amazi-girl, paul, sarah, tony

Discussion (296) ¬

[ Comments RSS ]
  1. Ana Chronistic
    Ana Chronistic
    December 26, 2024 at 12:02 am | #

    Sarah: …great, ANOTHER dude who’s shorter than I am

    • Da Boy
      Da Boy
      December 26, 2024 at 5:42 am | #

      Give the short kings of the world a chance!

      • ESB_Stringfellow
        ESB_Stringfellow
        December 26, 2024 at 8:28 am | #

        Tony: I ain’t that short…

        Ginyu: Oh, don’t be getting all Vegeta on me!

      • MK15
        MK15
        December 26, 2024 at 9:27 am | #

        He’s her density…
        I mean, her destiny

      • Nymph
        Nymph
        December 26, 2024 at 6:32 pm | #

        Why though?

    • Alan in DC
      Alan in DC
      December 26, 2024 at 6:46 am | #

      He’s got the neck she likes

    • Savail
      Savail
      December 26, 2024 at 10:24 am | #

      That was my first thought with Sarah’s face in the last panel: “Dammit, he IS shorter than me!”

    • Julez
      Julez
      December 26, 2024 at 1:05 pm | #

      Sarah: I’m not taller than him from down here…

    • Newlland(Henryvolt)
      Newlland(Henryvolt)
      December 26, 2024 at 6:51 pm | #

      She only has a couple inches on him.

    • anon
      anon
      December 27, 2024 at 2:22 am | #

      I mean surely he’s got muscles making up for it lol

  2. NGPZ
    NGPZ
    December 26, 2024 at 12:02 am | #

    a new ship sets sail, and Sarah gets a WIN!!! <3

    such a wonderful gift, YIPPEE!!! ^^

    *plays “Loving You, Losing You Beat/Remix” on hacked muzak*

    • Deanatay
      Deanatay
      December 26, 2024 at 7:28 am | #

      Sarah: Wait, is this one of those situations where not being sullen and antisocial actually pays off?

  3. Joe Moose
    Joe Moose
    December 26, 2024 at 12:03 am | #

    [Careless Whisper blares out of hidden Bluetooth Speakers]

  4. shadowcell
    shadowcell
    December 26, 2024 at 12:03 am | #

    babe wake up new ship just launched

    • jeffepp
      jeffepp
      December 26, 2024 at 12:06 am | #

      Oh, we announced it yesterday. Today it’s heading for the rocks, because Tony’s only average height. We’ll see how it goes tomorrow.

      • Thag Simmons
        Thag Simmons
        December 26, 2024 at 12:10 am | #

        I suspect this will be a Daisy situation, where he gets a bit of a focus arc but doesn’t get promoted out of the ancilliary cast

        • Michael Steamweed
          Michael Steamweed
          December 26, 2024 at 8:01 am | #

          I’d be happy to keep him around if only to keep punching incels, nazis, health insurance ceos, etc.

          • BorkBorkBork
            BorkBorkBork
            December 26, 2024 at 10:10 am | #

            This is going to be a classic sitcom situation.
            Because, you see, she only projects this pleasant, bubbly, optimistic person, and the longer this goes on, the more she realizes she can’t keep it up.
            But she HAS to keep it up because damn it she really likes this guy, and not just because he’s way better than what’s in her drawer.
            But the longer it goes on, the more it feels like a lie.
            And eventually, there’ll come a day where she just snaps and just lets someone have it who REALLY deserves it.
            And she’s terrified because, oh crap, he’s seen it, he knows I’m a monster.
            But – and here’s the thing – he confesses, he knew who she was *before* they started dating. And he liked her back then.
            And he never understood why she was acting so different, but it seemed awkward to bring up.
            But damn. Now that the mask is down, he can tell her straight-up that he likes her like that.
            And they can have an angry fight about how each of them was misleading the other.
            And then they can have angry make-up sex.
            And then everyone is happy, especially us in the comments section.

            • Michael Steamweed
              Michael Steamweed
              December 26, 2024 at 12:54 pm | #

              Really looking forward to the angry make-up sexing on Slipshine. 😀

      • Nono
        Nono
        December 26, 2024 at 12:30 am | #

        Do we have a yardstick measure of how tall Tony would be? Most the guys are either tall (Jacob/Ethan/Joe), or relatively short like Walky.

        My first thought was maybe he’s like the same height as Asher or Mike. Maybe slightly shorter?

        • Needfuldoer
          Needfuldoer
          December 26, 2024 at 3:29 am | #

          I think the only character whose height has been stated in canon is Amber/Amazi-Girl, who said she’s 5’2″ in her boots. For everyone else, we can guess and make comparisons.

          Walky’s eye level is about at Sarah’s chin. Tony’s is at her nose, so he’s probably a couple inches taller.
          https://www.dumbingofage.com/glowin/

          Joyce’s eye level is about at Sarah’s collarbones. (She gets screen time with just about everybody, so comparison shots are easy to find.) If Joyce is average height for an American woman she’s 5’4″, so if we split the difference then Tony would probably be 5’7″ or 5’8″.
          https://www.dumbingofage.com/donttouch/

          For what it’s worth, I’ve always assumed Sarah is about 5’10” or 5’11”; tall but not exceptionally so. (Ruth is almost exactly the same height as her, and she’s only slightly taller than some of the tertiary characters like Agatha and Sierra.) Ethan’s probably 6′ or 6’1″ since he’s a little taller than Sarah, which would put Joe and Jacob around 6’2″ or 6’3″.

          Source: I threw some character names into the tag URL and looked for recent strips where they were standing on the same plane, then guessed.

          • ValdVin
            ValdVin
            December 26, 2024 at 5:34 am | #

            Walky’s 5’7″, as mentioned in the strip where he describes his hoops ambition (like every Indiana kid has) as thwarted by his stature.

            • BorkBorkBork
              BorkBorkBork
              December 26, 2024 at 10:20 am | #

              There’s a strip where Tony and Walky are face to face. Walky’s eyes are at Tony’s uppper lip, so if Walky is 5’7, Tony is 5’9. Exactly average male height.

          • Diane
            Diane
            December 26, 2024 at 9:30 am | #

            A woman who’s 5’11 is taller than 99.88% of all women in the United States. That’s pretty exceptional!

          • BBCC
            BBCC
            December 26, 2024 at 9:40 am | #

            Sarah being 5’10-11 is about the same as Willis has stated for her height, yes. We probably shouldn’t judge too much by visuals because Willis has stated he plays with that for visual contrast so all we can confirm for Tony is ‘a little shorter than Sarah’. I’d put him around 5’9ish – visibly taller than Walky and Jennifer but visibly shorter than Sarah.

            • Sirksome
              Sirksome
              December 26, 2024 at 12:02 pm | #

              I’m 6’7. I wonder if I would be a giant in the DoA verse. Even the likes of Joe and Jacob would cower before me. DoA is full of short stacks.

              • John Campbell
                John Campbell
                December 26, 2024 at 1:24 pm | #

                Galasso might still have you beat. I think he’s less ginormous in the Dumbiverse than in Shortpacked!, but he’s still noticeably taller than Joe and Ethan.

                • David M Willis
                  David M Willis
                  December 26, 2024 at 1:27 pm | #

                  Galasso is about seven feet in both universes.

    • not someone else
      not someone else
      December 26, 2024 at 12:17 am | #

      Oooooooh yes

  5. Nono
    Nono
    December 26, 2024 at 12:03 am | #

    Oh wait he’s shorter than her

    Is this the deal breaker, or will she find room in her heart to accept short kings?

    • Thag Simmons
      Thag Simmons
      December 26, 2024 at 12:05 am | #

      I hope it’s not. Tony seems cool and I wouldn’t mind getting to see more of him

    • Doopyboop
      Doopyboop
      December 26, 2024 at 12:06 am | #

      I think the fact that he’s muscular is gonna even it out for her. Also he seems to have a good personality so honestly Sarah if you don’t want him I’LL TAKE HIM LET ME HAVE THE SHORT KING

    • True Survivor
      True Survivor
      December 26, 2024 at 12:14 am | #

      Oddly it appears that it is Tony who is disappointed (or annoyed), when Sarah stands up to her full towering height. Even if Sarah is smitten, Tony may not desire to date a girl taller than he is.

      • Laud
        Laud
        December 26, 2024 at 12:39 am | #

        I interpreted his expression as a reaction to what she said, not about her height. Guess we will see tomorrow.

      • Vanessa
        Vanessa
        December 26, 2024 at 1:46 am | #

        I noticed that too. Hmmm, I like this guy though, I hope we see more of him.

      • ktbear
        ktbear
        December 26, 2024 at 2:46 am | #

        That’s how you interpreted that look? Interesting.

        • Effie
          Effie
          December 26, 2024 at 5:31 am | #

          Maybe Paul just hates everybody, like Sarah does, and they will bond over that

          • Casi
            Casi
            December 26, 2024 at 2:37 pm | #

            i hope you meant tony, cuz paul is the incelerator

      • Michael Steamweed
        Michael Steamweed
        December 26, 2024 at 8:04 am | #

        I saw his look as a recognition look. Like, I’ve seen you somewhere before.

        • Jo_cubstar
          Jo_cubstar
          December 26, 2024 at 4:07 pm | #

          Huh. I was wondering what upset him?

  6. Throwatron
    Throwatron
    December 26, 2024 at 12:03 am | #

    wait is that the fuckin dude who is the deans son and also a quarterback or w/e

    • Ty34er
      Ty34er
      December 26, 2024 at 12:04 am | #

      I read the like 5 comics he is in. Yes, blondie is the dean’s son.

      • Shakes
        Shakes
        December 26, 2024 at 12:07 am | #

        Also a quarterback or w/e!

    • Thag Simmons
      Thag Simmons
      December 26, 2024 at 12:04 am | #

      He plays football, yeah

    • Amelie Wikström
      Amelie Wikström
      December 26, 2024 at 12:07 am | #

      It would be hilarious (if unlikely) if Sarah went on a date with him and instantly got more popular and well connected than Raidah.

      • Masumi
        Masumi
        December 26, 2024 at 6:55 am | #

        This. I like this.

      • Throwatron
        Throwatron
        December 26, 2024 at 9:15 am | #

        It would be nearly guaranteed to happen. If you’re operating under Raidah’s twisted world-view, he is certainly the most “high-status male” on campus. Sarah might even just start dating him when she realizes how much it would piss of Raidah, lmao.

      • Lingo
        Lingo
        December 26, 2024 at 3:08 pm | #

        Now that you mention it, it’s a wonder Raidah hasn’t gotten her claws in him already. Why bother with the Dean’s ex-wife’s son when you could get his actual son in your clique?

        • Amelie Wikström
          Amelie Wikström
          December 26, 2024 at 3:13 pm | #

          It looks like she might have had a problem with Tony having integrity and something of a sense for bullshit. . .

  7. Morrison
    Morrison
    December 26, 2024 at 12:03 am | #

    So no, Tony is NOT as tall as Sarah, as I wondered earlier. Guess this will never work out!

  8. Thag Simmons
    Thag Simmons
    December 26, 2024 at 12:03 am | #

    Goodbye Paul, please never come back

    • Needfuldoer
      Needfuldoer
      December 26, 2024 at 3:31 am | #

      He can play in a band with Mary and Peter.

      • staszu13
        staszu13
        December 26, 2024 at 4:24 am | #

        Or John, George and Ringo

      • Makkabee
        Makkabee
        December 26, 2024 at 1:32 pm | #

        Or Peter, Ace, and Gene. He’ll have to really ramp up his makeup game, though.

  9. Jon
    Jon
    December 26, 2024 at 12:04 am | #

    FANTASTIC physical comedy moment here, A+ for real 😀

  10. Sirksome
    Sirksome
    December 26, 2024 at 12:04 am | #

    His name’s Paul. I don’t want to know that. Ew.

    • Proxiehunter
      Proxiehunter
      December 26, 2024 at 12:10 am | #

      Wasn’t Mary’s last boyfriend named Peter?

      • Thag Simmons
        Thag Simmons
        December 26, 2024 at 12:12 am | #

        Peter Paul, as I recall

        • Proxiehunter
          Proxiehunter
          December 26, 2024 at 12:19 am | #

          Really hope this douche isn’t Paul Peter because he already feels like some web comic artist dreamed him up to date Mary.

          • Thag Simmons
            Thag Simmons
            December 26, 2024 at 12:22 am | #

            Peter’s definitely a different dude.

    • Bryy
      Bryy
      December 26, 2024 at 12:37 am | #

      His name is Robert Paulson.

      • Taffy
        Taffy
        December 26, 2024 at 2:48 am | #

        The guy who voiced Coconut Fred?

        • Leaflet Erin
          Leaflet Erin
          December 26, 2024 at 4:13 am | #

          You are the first person I’ve come across that’s not family that knows about coconut Fred! Nice to know it wasn’t a word hallucination my family experienced.

      • someone
        someone
        December 26, 2024 at 3:02 am | #

        Not possible; he’s not dead yet.

      • Morleuca
        Morleuca
        December 26, 2024 at 10:08 pm | #

        every time I hear this, I get “Your name is Arnold Horshack!” stuck on a loop in my head

  11. JessWitt
    JessWitt
    December 26, 2024 at 12:04 am | #

    Had a feeling this would be a meet-cute and I’m all for this.

  12. Davus
    Davus
    December 26, 2024 at 12:04 am | #

    Alt text: “I’m not editing all the incelerator tags to paul”
    *Edits all the incelerator tags to paul*

    • David M Willis
      David M Willis
      December 26, 2024 at 12:09 am | #

      I’ve had 7 months to think it over!

      • Thag Simmons
        Thag Simmons
        December 26, 2024 at 12:11 am | #

        Can’t you edit all the tags at once?

        If you can’t my condolences about switching out all the Billie tags

        • David M Willis
          David M Willis
          December 26, 2024 at 12:30 am | #

          yes editing the tags is very easy

          • Nono
            Nono
            December 26, 2024 at 12:36 am | #

            Ghost of Mike: as easy as me paying a nickel last night

          • Charles Phipps
            Charles Phipps
            December 26, 2024 at 1:14 am | #

            But what is his last name?

            • DaisyFM
              DaisyFM
              December 26, 2024 at 1:47 am | #

              Erator

            • staszu13
              staszu13
              December 26, 2024 at 4:25 am | #

              He’s like Leland and Ryan – he doesn’t get one

            • David M Willis
              David M Willis
              December 26, 2024 at 2:51 pm | #

              Robertson

              • NGPZ
                NGPZ
                December 26, 2024 at 10:15 pm | #

                …. Paul Robertson the pixel artist? :0

          • Amós Batista
            Amós Batista
            December 26, 2024 at 9:30 am | #

            That’s why I love to manage websites bty CMS.

            – “Is more expensive, adding one more layer to our project…”
            – Who cares? I can edit entire post tags once, dude!

  13. Vukodlak
    Vukodlak
    December 26, 2024 at 12:05 am | #

    “Why do birds suddenly appear….”

  14. Doopyboop
    Doopyboop
    December 26, 2024 at 12:05 am | #

    This is the cutest meet-cute I’ve seen in a while.

    • Opus the Poet
      Opus the Poet
      December 26, 2024 at 2:36 am | #

      I’ve seen a lot of meet cutes, this is not the cutest recent, but the I read lots of lgbtq literature, and in the comics versions there are tons of meet cutes. this is barely a top ten.

    • Thomas
      Thomas
      December 26, 2024 at 8:24 am | #

      It would be a lot cuter if Tony didn’t look positively annoyed in the last panel.

      Look, I’d ship this if we knew more about Tony beyond him being a basically decent guy. Does he have a personality?

      • Wilde
        Wilde
        December 26, 2024 at 8:38 am | #

        This was his expression in all his appearances this far – I suspect there may be a point made for Sarah in this encounter about not requiring a smile to be a decent person.

      • zee
        zee
        December 26, 2024 at 11:52 am | #

        Of course he’s annoyed, his ex teammate and maybe friend has become an incel to the most publicly embarrassing degree possible. He’s allowed to not be all smiles

      • Lingo
        Lingo
        December 26, 2024 at 3:11 pm | #

        Perhaps they’ll bond over their aversion to smiling! It’s perfect.

      • Nymph
        Nymph
        December 26, 2024 at 6:35 pm | #

        Thank youuuuu.

  15. Mr. Random
    Mr. Random
    December 26, 2024 at 12:05 am | #

    She fell for him the second he assaulted someone to stand up for his principles and frowned while doing it.

    • Masumi
      Masumi
      December 26, 2024 at 6:57 am | #

      Oh dang they’re going to be the next superhero pair, aren’t they. The type that calls themselves villains but keep saving people.

      • Daibhid C
        Daibhid C
        December 26, 2024 at 7:29 am | #

        The Sarahbolts!

    • Miri
      Miri
      December 26, 2024 at 7:05 am | #

      It helped that those principles included “don’t be a dick towards women, WTF rabbit hole have you fallen down online you dickwad, this is why nobody likes you” – this aligns with Sarah’s views on incels lol

    • Throwatron
      Throwatron
      December 26, 2024 at 9:16 am | #

      :O~ it would work on me

  16. butts
    butts
    December 26, 2024 at 12:05 am | #

    sorry sarah

  17. Sirksome
    Sirksome
    December 26, 2024 at 12:06 am | #

    He’s short and got a better haircut during the time skip. The exact opposite of Jacob in every way. I approve.

    • Thag Simmons
      Thag Simmons
      December 26, 2024 at 12:08 am | #

      Jacob’s haircut would probably be decent looking IRL, just not a great fit for the artstyle

    • Nono
      Nono
      December 26, 2024 at 12:25 am | #

      I just realised that I very rarely see guys with blonde curly hair.

    • Nymph
      Nymph
      December 26, 2024 at 6:36 pm | #

      Oh I love Jacob’s new hairstyle so much.

  18. Shakes
    Shakes
    December 26, 2024 at 12:09 am | #

    “Can love bloom on the superhero battlefield, Amazi-Girl?”

    • Deanatay
      Deanatay
      December 26, 2024 at 7:11 am | #

      AG faded quietly into the shadows when she heard the sappy meet-cute music rise in the background. She’s genre savvy like that.

      • Michael Steamweed
        Michael Steamweed
        December 26, 2024 at 8:09 am | #

        A-G, not so much, but Amber, def. I’m thinking Amber is telling her to stealthily fade out so the Sarthony ship can take hold.

  19. Coatl
    Coatl
    December 26, 2024 at 12:10 am | #

    Oh…that last panel.

    There is interesting potential.

    • RassilonTDavros
      RassilonTDavros
      December 26, 2024 at 12:11 am | #

      Looks like everyone who said that last night called it!

    • Michael Steamweed
      Michael Steamweed
      December 26, 2024 at 8:11 am | #

      “Why are you glaring at me?”

      “I glare at everyone. Also, sorry I had to hit him; I didn’t have my bat with me.”

      “…We have much in common. We should talk.”

  20. RassilonTDavros
    RassilonTDavros
    December 26, 2024 at 12:11 am | #

    Figures. Every time people have a good thing going, some guy named Paul shows up and tries to make it all about him.

    • Newlland(Henryvolt)
      Newlland(Henryvolt)
      December 26, 2024 at 12:13 am | #

      It’s becoming a trend, hopefully it atleast stays that way only within a certain medium.

    • True Survivor
      True Survivor
      December 26, 2024 at 12:18 am | #

      Pauls are a dying breed. They need to build their brand somehow or soon there shall be no more Pauls at all. Can you imagine such a world?

      I can. I don’t think I personally know a single person named Paul – like a said they are a dying breed.

      • Thag Simmons
        Thag Simmons
        December 26, 2024 at 12:28 am | #

        I know a Paul and he’s a pretty cool dude.

      • Opus the Poet
        Opus the Poet
        December 26, 2024 at 2:40 am | #

        I have an adequate number of in-laws named Paul. They’re not a dying breed but they are not a popular boy’s name.

      • Furie
        Furie
        December 26, 2024 at 2:45 am | #

        The surname Paul has been a measure for evil for some time now. It likely skews the metric and has first namers changing and hiding their names.

        All the Scouts, Busters, and other unlikely names you meet? All Pauls and Donalds and Elons.

      • Daibhid C
        Daibhid C
        December 26, 2024 at 7:31 am | #

        I’m entirely neutral on the subject of Pauls. The technical term is “apauling”.

        • Michael Steamweed
          Michael Steamweed
          December 26, 2024 at 8:12 am | #

          I am appalled at your humor.

          • True Survivor
            True Survivor
            December 26, 2024 at 12:39 pm | #

            That was rather rude, but I get it. You are just being Frank.

            • Michael Steamweed
              Michael Steamweed
              December 26, 2024 at 12:55 pm | #

              How dare! Apaulogize right now!

    • Florens
      Florens
      December 26, 2024 at 5:11 am | #

      I enjoyed that joke.

    • Caninse
      Caninse
      December 26, 2024 at 11:45 am | #

      As a Paul, I hate how many Pauls are the villains. Make them the actual bad version in the bible, Saul. Paul was supposed to be after he stopped being a villain!

      • Taffy
        Taffy
        December 26, 2024 at 1:15 pm | #

        Paul is such a neutral name, in my head. McCartney, Rudd, Ryan, Reubens, Giamatti, -a Deen, there’s such a variety it’s like a plate of unflavored mashed potatoes.

      • Aura
        Aura
        January 3, 2025 at 12:00 am | #

        Did he ever really stop though? *glares at the Pauline epistles*

    • anon
      anon
      December 27, 2024 at 2:23 am | #

      Is that a ref to willis’ other works or an existing popular movie? I don’t rly know any famous ‘paul’ charas (i know joyce mentioned paul from the bible but i don’t know sh*t about christianity)

  21. Newlland(Henryvolt)
    Newlland(Henryvolt)
    December 26, 2024 at 12:11 am | #

    Maybe he’s juuust tall enough…Also got to feel for the guy, trying to unredpill his dumbass friend.

  22. guavajagular
    guavajagular
    December 26, 2024 at 12:12 am | #

    I was shipping this as a joke yesterday but now the final panel has made it legit

  23. Justnobodyfqwl
    Justnobodyfqwl
    December 26, 2024 at 12:12 am | #

    Wow, this actually makes more sense than I would have guessed. Despite having like 5 lines in DOA, Tony seems to combine “gruff, no-nonsense” with “well adjusted voice of reason”. He’s been very blunt, but has been very cordial with both Walky and Danny being odd to him.

    That all seems like a good narrative development for Sarah- here’s someone who doesn’t have any patience for mean people, but also doesn’t go out of his way to be nice. It’s a good model going forward.

    • Nono
      Nono
      December 26, 2024 at 12:37 am | #

      I mean he literally went out of his way to shoulder tackle Paul and then offered Sarah a hand up.

      That’s kinda nice.

      • Deanatay
        Deanatay
        December 26, 2024 at 7:14 am | #

        That’s not nice, thats GOOD. Nice and Good are not the same.

    • Michael Steamweed
      Michael Steamweed
      December 26, 2024 at 8:14 am | #

      Tony seems to have a lot in common with his father (the Dean). Both are no-nonsense, quite direct, polite, and (possibly?) slightly-left-of-center.

  24. DailyBrad
    DailyBrad
    December 26, 2024 at 12:15 am | #

    I am down to get to know Tony more.

  25. Versen
    Versen
    December 26, 2024 at 12:19 am | #

    This could be the start of something really cool.

    • Versen
      Versen
      December 26, 2024 at 12:20 am | #

      Hell, maybe even the beginning of something really excellent.

      • Mark
        Mark
        December 26, 2024 at 6:53 am | #

        🎵 This could be the start of something big 🎵

  26. Pocky
    Pocky
    December 26, 2024 at 12:20 am | #

    I believe they call this a “short king”

  27. AbacusWizard
    AbacusWizard
    December 26, 2024 at 12:22 am | #

    Definitely saving panel 3 for future reference.

  28. HueSatLight
    HueSatLight
    December 26, 2024 at 12:23 am | #

    It doesn’t look like Tony is feeling it (at least not yet), but at least he won’t send mixed signals as part of a plant to teach her to be sociable.

    • Jeremiah
      Jeremiah
      December 26, 2024 at 12:29 am | #

      Please tell me you don’t actually think that is what Jacob was doing.

      • HueSatLight
        HueSatLight
        December 26, 2024 at 12:39 am | #

        piss off

        • Jeremiah
          Jeremiah
          December 26, 2024 at 10:34 am | #

          You stop saying nonsense and I think about it.

      • Taffy
        Taffy
        December 26, 2024 at 2:45 am | #

        Who’s Jacob, again?

      • Schpoonman
        Schpoonman
        December 26, 2024 at 8:23 am | #

        A lot of people have bent themselves into knots defending Sarah since the time skip. She’s picked up Mike’s mantle of “Awful person who gets passes by the commentariat because reasons.”

        • Taffy
          Taffy
          December 26, 2024 at 10:56 am | #

          My reason is that she’s hot.

        • Nymph
          Nymph
          December 26, 2024 at 6:38 pm | #

          I share Taffy’s reason.

    • BBCC
      BBCC
      December 26, 2024 at 12:32 am | #

      That could just be Tony’s face. He’s generally a stern person.

    • Vanessa
      Vanessa
      December 26, 2024 at 1:54 am | #

      It did seem to me like Jacob was messing with Sarah. Her hopes were raised and she was dropped down into the pits of despair. He wasn’t ever that into her but he enjoyed her attention. I’m sure he sort of found Sarah somewhat interesting but then found out he liked a certain nice, uncomplicated, confident woman.

      • Regret
        Regret
        December 26, 2024 at 4:48 am | #

        Seeing that someone is interested in you and saying that you’re not currently interested but willing to try it is not messing with someone. Not everything that hurt is villainy, sometimes people get hurt without intent, that’s just a part of life.

      • thejeff
        thejeff
        December 26, 2024 at 10:07 am | #

        I don’t think he was messing with her. I think he was interested, if she’d ever been able to open up far enough to make something serious happen. Then he just got swept away by Lucy.

        From what we saw in the Joyce story line, I think he’s naturally flirty, kind of oblivious and just goes with the flow a lot.

        • Sirksome
          Sirksome
          December 26, 2024 at 12:12 pm | #

          I think that’s a character flaw of Jacob’s. That was the second time he hurt a woman by getting swept up in the vibes of another. It wasn’t malicious but he should be called out a bit for it.

          • Taffy
            Taffy
            December 26, 2024 at 1:10 pm | #

            He’s definitely got a habit of being easily distracted by the nearest interested woman. I wonder if maybe a committed relationship is a bad idea for him, at least right now, to avoid hurting people. Like, I’m not saying he should become a giant slut about it (any more than I usually am about any of these characters), but a brief up-front disclaimer that he’s not great at commitment and This™ isn’t likely to be permanent seems courteous at least.

            • thejeff
              thejeff
              December 26, 2024 at 1:32 pm | #

              He said to Raidah early that he had a history of jealous girlfriends. There may have been a reason. 🙂
              The thing with Jacob though, unlike early Joe, is that he wants the committed relationship. And I don’t think he’s that bad at it. Raidah was a special case, with Joyce helping him figure out that she wasn’t what he really wanted and him still not getting with Joyce after he broke up with her. And he didn’t actually have any commitment to Sarah, so while it sucked for her, it’s not like a disclaimer would have helped.

              He just needs to become more self-aware about it and catch himself when he starts getting flirty.

              • Jeremiah
                Jeremiah
                December 26, 2024 at 5:54 pm | #

                I think the implicit thing that his girlfriends tended to think every other girl was trying to steal him from them. (And considering the frequency of girls being attracted to him without him having to do anything in particular, I believe it.)

                • thejeff
                  thejeff
                  December 27, 2024 at 10:36 am | #

                  That was a reasonable interpretation until we saw him getting all flirty with Joyce without even realizing it

                • Jeremiah
                  Jeremiah
                  December 27, 2024 at 9:35 pm | #

                  I mean, is he doesn’t realize it, I don’t think it counts as flirting, like I say, without having to do anything in particular, he is an attractive person with a nice personality, so falling for him is easy.

            • Nymph
              Nymph
              December 26, 2024 at 6:39 pm | #

              I think he should become a giant slut about it, but that’s my general hope for most people.

          • thejeff
            thejeff
            December 26, 2024 at 1:25 pm | #

            Absolutely.
            I don’t think he really did anything wrong this time, but it’s a character flaw he doesn’t recognize. It’ll be interesting to see that play out in his relationship with Lucy.

  29. Acebender
    Acebender
    December 26, 2024 at 12:24 am | #

    Come on, Sarah, you can overlook Tony being a bit shorter, right?

    • Vanessa
      Vanessa
      December 26, 2024 at 1:54 am | #

      Let’s hope so! But can he overlook being shorter?

      • Throwatron
        Throwatron
        December 26, 2024 at 9:18 am | #

        I doubt he’s the kind of football player who struggles to be secure in his masculinity. That role is usually reserved for the kickers.

    • Nymph
      Nymph
      December 26, 2024 at 6:40 pm | #

      Maybe, maybe not. No harm done if she can’t.

    • anon
      anon
      December 27, 2024 at 2:27 am | #

      depends on if she wants a ‘fling’ versus long term relationships, although while nothing wrong with being casual i’d expect stuff like hookups to where ppl would see a bit past it/not as big of a dealbreaker

  30. BBCC
    BBCC
    December 26, 2024 at 12:24 am | #

    I only shipped him with Sal in the Walkyverse but I’m happy to fuck around and find out.

  31. JD
    JD
    December 26, 2024 at 12:25 am | #

    finally tony’s boobs are as plot relevant as i always thought they should be

  32. IntangibleMatter
    IntangibleMatter
    December 26, 2024 at 12:28 am | #

    Sarah with the possible romance! Maybe! This time! She needs a win!

  33. darkoneko
    darkoneko
    December 26, 2024 at 12:29 am | #

    Hey, it’s not her fault she’s so tall !

    • anon
      anon
      December 27, 2024 at 2:33 am | #

      are there anyone taller than her on campus? surely she’d probably have a mental list or notice ppl passing by tho i’d assume she’d avoid crowds and such

  34. peng
    peng
    December 26, 2024 at 12:32 am | #

    i kind of enjoy pauls malevolent ventriloquist dummy energy in the first panel

    • Jesse
      Jesse
      December 26, 2024 at 12:37 am | #

      “Nyeah! Let’s go commit crimes, Arnold!”

  35. Charles Phipps
    Charles Phipps
    December 26, 2024 at 12:35 am | #

    Paul on the Road to Cheesmascus.

    He will have a vision of the Cheese and rename himself, “Raoul.”

  36. Jesse
    Jesse
    December 26, 2024 at 12:36 am | #

    Can Tony also deck the Paul from the new Spider-Man comics?

    • Lingo
      Lingo
      December 26, 2024 at 3:19 pm | #

      Deck the Pauls with fists of glory, fa la la la la, la la la la!

      • Jesse
        Jesse
        December 27, 2024 at 2:03 am | #

        It wasn’t intentional when I wrote it, but I appreciate you taking the opportunity.

  37. Bryy
    Bryy
    December 26, 2024 at 12:38 am | #

    ….. he called a real person a Mary Sue.

    Because of course he did.

    • Taffy
      Taffy
      December 26, 2024 at 12:44 am | #

      Funny enough, so did she.

      • Jeremiah
        Jeremiah
        December 26, 2024 at 10:31 am | #

        Technically Amber was the one who said that. AG is on the clear on this.

        • Taffy
          Taffy
          December 26, 2024 at 10:57 am | #

          Close enough. Same ass.

    • BorkBorkBork
      BorkBorkBork
      December 26, 2024 at 11:47 am | #

      Yeah, well, I’m sure Willis has gotten that “criticism” before.

      Thing is – that’s kind of the *point*? That Amber gave her every single good, honorable, heroic attribute she had, along with the courage to act on it and the discipline to make a difference, so that the rest of her could just be *her*?

      • BorkBorkBork
        BorkBorkBork
        December 26, 2024 at 11:56 am | #

        Wait.

        … fuck.

        No, “Amber” isn’t ‘her’ either; none is the “real Amber.” The “Amber” persona is just the attributes that she’d normally feel embarrassed or ashamed for. Which means…

        OK, ten bucks says that there’s one more in there, one that just never presents, because even when she WAS presenting as a child she never had the courage to speak, and needed someone else to speak for her.

      • thejeff
        thejeff
        December 26, 2024 at 1:36 pm | #

        But also she didn’t actually give AG all those attributes, she just says that’s what she is. Those are the roles they play. Amber as the monster and AG as the Golden Alter, but neither of them actually are that. Amber does good things. AG does bad ones.

        It was AG that did the stalking of Sal, for example.

    • anon
      anon
      December 27, 2024 at 2:26 am | #

      ‘amazigirl is immune to criticism’

  38. Wraithy2773
    Wraithy2773
    December 26, 2024 at 12:42 am | #

    …yeah, Tony, that’s right, go all catch-and-release on the violent asshole who apparently has a history of this bullshit and is showing no sign of stopping. Lets not bring consequences into the matter, I’m sure wagging your finger at the violent douchebag will solve this problem.

    Sigh. I know this is “Dumbing” of Age, but this boy’s club bullshit really got a whole lot less easy to tolerate recently…

    • Moon
      Moon
      December 26, 2024 at 12:50 am | #

      As opposed to what, exactly? Assaulting this dude in broad daylight (more than he already did)?
      Like this whole plotline is just ridiculous, but social stigma is really the only lever Tony has here.

      • Thag Simmons
        Thag Simmons
        December 26, 2024 at 1:02 am | #

        There’s stuff he could do to follow up, especially with his connection to the Dean, but that’s the sort of thing that you do later on

        • Sirksome
          Sirksome
          December 26, 2024 at 1:40 am | #

          I think you make a good point. We will need follow up on this. The resolution to the Incelerator incident hasn’t truly happened yet. If he pops up after this with seemingly no change or repercussions for his mischief and assault we’ll know to be pissed. Although with masks involved, realistically I’m not sure the cathartic, long term, justice Wraithy might be looking for can happen.

          • Wraithy2773
            Wraithy2773
            December 26, 2024 at 2:08 am | #

            What Douche-Paul needs is someone to mentor him and get him to realize that this sort of bullshit does nothing but hurt everyone, including himself. He needs correction on a deeper level.

            But other people also need to not be forced to deal with Douche-Paul’s bullshit. I am not going to accept “we can’t fight back or we’re no better” as a rationalization for doing nothing. Attacking two other students is absolutely grounds for some sort of punishment by the school, it won’t be satisfying, but I find an unsatisfying punishment to be far, far more appealing than seeing this asshole come back and attack more people.

            • Mark
              Mark
              December 26, 2024 at 7:06 am | #

              Will you accept “we can’t fight back, in these circumstances, without winding up in jail unable to do anything useful”?

              “…in encircled ground, devise stratagems….”

            • thejeff
              thejeff
              December 26, 2024 at 10:24 am | #

              Neither Tony nor Sarah know he’s attacked two other students. While he was harassing Sarah, he didn’t physically attack her, which makes Tony attacking him a bit questionable – though they know each other, so I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

              Amazi-Girl does know he’s attacked others, but she’s not going to the cops. That’s not her thing. She also might well not be letting him go.

      • Regret
        Regret
        December 26, 2024 at 4:46 am | #

        Take off the mask so everyone can see his face. Use his full name repeatedly to break his supervillain persona. Keep him with you while you talk to him trying to reprogram him into avoiding those corners of the internet / Escort him to the police / Call the police and hold him / Hold him while you call the school to get him kicked out / Escort him home / Call his parents and hold him until they get there.
        Lots of options if you take a few minutes to think of them.

        • Sirksome
          Sirksome
          December 26, 2024 at 7:42 am | #

          A lot of these options don’t lead to resolutions or outcomes that address Paul’s actions immediately and likely won’t result in punishment. Any form of just escorting him home essentially ends with what just happened but with more steps. He needs to be followed up on.

          Calling the police or getting the authorities involved likely won’t result in arrest. They’re not gonna cuff a guy for annoying people on skates and the actual assault against Nightguy he committed would rely on Walky pressing charges. I’m not sure he’d even want to do that and if he did it could lead to more negative attention on the campus’ costume antics in general which he and his friend participate in.

          Tony could maybe get Paul academically punished or even expelled but it seems like that’s already happened to an extent. Tony also based just on the tidbits we know of him doesn’t seem like a guy who would use his clout to get someone expelled without really good reasons. To me at least, an incel’s pathetic cry for attention doesn’t warrant such extreme action. Yet.

          So yeah. We need more follow up. Actions you do later on like Thag Simmons astutely said.

          • BBCC
            BBCC
            December 26, 2024 at 9:44 am | #

            Frankly, I’m shocked he wasn’t kicked out of school for his involvement in the kidnapping. Although I suppose if trials haven’t come down yet, the school may be reluctant to do that.

            • thejeff
              thejeff
              December 26, 2024 at 10:10 am | #

              He got away. Simplest explanation.

              The authorities don’t know who he was. And none of our cast seem to have recognized him.

            • Sirksome
              Sirksome
              December 26, 2024 at 10:11 am | #

              Paul apparently escaped, on heelies. At this point it’s unclear how many of those thugs were caught or if any were connected to the kidnapping at all.

              • thejeff
                thejeff
                December 26, 2024 at 1:38 pm | #

                Willis commented on the escape being foreshadowed in those scenes, though I think we all read it as Malaya having caught him when he “tried” to escape on heelies.

                The obvious read is that the rest were caught, but it’s probably open enough he could bring back others if he wanted to.

          • Mark
            Mark
            December 26, 2024 at 6:44 pm | #

            Sorry to say it, but reporting him to the police at this point will likely result in news stories a few years hence noting that the authorities had received a number of complaints that weren’t actionable, so Today’s Big Story couldn’t be prevented.

    • Taffy
      Taffy
      December 26, 2024 at 2:42 am | #

      Murder is a felony.

      • clif
        clif
        December 26, 2024 at 8:26 am | #

        What? You’ve never heard of the (mostly historic and completely unofficial) Texas “He Needed Murdering” defense?

        • Nymph
          Nymph
          December 26, 2024 at 6:42 pm | #

          Unfortunately they’re in Indiana :<

  39. Viga
    Viga
    December 26, 2024 at 12:46 am | #

    Predictions for the future:

    Tony is the deans son. Despite the height difference and insecurities they date.
    Radiah tries to get back in good graces with Sarah due to her close relationship with Tony, because he’s the dean’s son and she is all about connections as shown with her interest in Walky briefly.
    Radiah finally gets a fist to the face metaphorically or physically. Sarah fucks Tony in the aftermath.

    • Taffy
      Taffy
      December 26, 2024 at 2:38 am | #

      Is “aftermath” slang for a body part?

      • Mark
        Mark
        December 26, 2024 at 7:10 am | #

        It’s an equipment storage room under the seats at the stadium.

      • Deanatay
        Deanatay
        December 26, 2024 at 7:19 am | #

        I thought it was slang for the AV room in the Mathematics department.

        You know, ‘aft-er-Math’.

    • thejeff
      thejeff
      December 26, 2024 at 10:12 am | #

      Raidah’s not going to try to get in good with Sarah for connections. She’s interested in connections, but hassling Sarah comes first.

      She might try to disrupt any potential Tony/Sarah thing.

  40. Dante
    Dante
    December 26, 2024 at 12:47 am | #

    Oh hell, I called this (though I wasn’t around yesterday sdlkgjs.) This is going to be glorious, and I really hope it works for Sarah.

    A LATE MERRY CHRISTMAS TO Y’ALL BTW

    • NGPZ
      NGPZ
      December 26, 2024 at 12:52 am | #

      Yee, happy Saturnalia and Sol Rebirth you you as well! ^^

    • Queezle
      Queezle
      December 26, 2024 at 3:12 am | #

      Can you imagine how much it would annoy Raidah?

      • Holly
        Holly
        December 26, 2024 at 5:17 am | #

        Hell yeah. I’m on board.

  41. Qube
    Qube
    December 26, 2024 at 12:57 am | #

    they’re already holding hands…

  42. Charles Phipps
    Charles Phipps
    December 26, 2024 at 1:02 am | #

    Is Paul the Incelerator or is he a separate consciousness? One that is the result of being exposed to Blaine’s Green Goblin formula?

    • Throwatron
      Throwatron
      December 26, 2024 at 9:19 am | #

      I think that stuff is just called “Absinthe.” Blaine is naturally a goblin.

  43. staszu13
    staszu13
    December 26, 2024 at 1:16 am | #

    Sarah: Jacob who?

  44. Ray
    Ray
    December 26, 2024 at 1:17 am | #

    Mr. Boss from Smiling Friends:
    “It’s a Christmas Miracle!!”

  45. Moon
    Moon
    December 26, 2024 at 1:18 am | #

    Y’all are saying Sarah x Tony.
    But have you considered, Tony x Amazi-girl.
    There’s sort of nothing for her character to do anymore and she seemed to be *trying* to retire from the super-heroine gig.
    If nothing else, they both seem to have a strong sense of justice and a penchant for running into problems head first.

    • Lingo
      Lingo
      December 26, 2024 at 3:26 pm | #

      Wouldn’t hate it. Would be an interesting variation on the Tony/Sal relationship in the Walkyverse.

  46. Bash
    Bash
    December 26, 2024 at 1:48 am | #

    Why does he look annoyed at the end?

    • Taffy
      Taffy
      December 26, 2024 at 2:44 am | #

      Did you read the rest of the strip? He was just interacting with Incelerator/Paul moments ago. The very annoying character who only exists to annoy everyone.

    • Random832
      Random832
      December 26, 2024 at 2:51 am | #

      right but the fact that he has an annoyed expression there that he didn’t in panel 4 looks like it’s disconnected from that somehow. other commenters are speculating it’s a reaction to Sarah being taller than him.

      • Taffy
        Taffy
        December 26, 2024 at 2:54 am | #

        You can’t prove any of this

        • Regret
          Regret
          December 26, 2024 at 4:41 am | #

          That’s what the word speculation means. Are you trolling accidentally or on purpose?

          • clif
            clif
            December 26, 2024 at 8:44 am | #

            Speculation means having an annoyed expression? What?

            He has an expression, but is it really one of annoyance, as opposed to disappointment or being slightly and unexpectedly overwhelmed? It could simply be his customary expression. People are reading a lot of meaning into the straight line of his mouth. It doesn’t mean they’re wrong, but …

            • Regret
              Regret
              December 26, 2024 at 4:18 pm | #

              “any of this” includes “commenters are speculating”.

              • Nymph
                Nymph
                December 26, 2024 at 6:44 pm | #

                So you admit that you can’t prove commenters are speculating?

          • Taffy
            Taffy
            December 26, 2024 at 10:10 am | #

            Trick question. There’s no such thing as accidental trolling

          • zee
            zee
            December 26, 2024 at 12:00 pm | #

            It’s taffy dawg if you fell for the trolling that’s entirely on you

            • Taffy
              Taffy
              December 26, 2024 at 12:58 pm | #

              I’ll go even further and say that if you read something incongruous I’ve said, think I’m trolling in the first place and then fall for that, you’re being very silly.

      • Wilde
        Wilde
        December 26, 2024 at 8:47 am | #

        Per his prior appearances, he has resting angry face. Check out his tags.

    • Da Boy
      Da Boy
      December 26, 2024 at 5:28 am | #

      Rather than annoyed I think he is just a stoic kind of guy. That last panel feels less like annoyance and more like a serious character going “Ma’am.”

    • Mark
      Mark
      December 26, 2024 at 7:14 am | #

      Annoyed, or concerned?

    • Michael Steamweed
      Michael Steamweed
      December 26, 2024 at 8:21 am | #

      He’s had the same expression since he showed up. He’s an athlete; his expression is combined annoyance and concentration. And since he’s his father’s son, both have a similar always-annoyed expression. (then again, the dean’s constant annoyed expression might just be because of robin.)

    • BBCC
      BBCC
      December 26, 2024 at 9:45 am | #

      Honestly, I think that’s just Tony’s face. Even back in the Walkyverse, he was generally a pretty stern person.

  47. Nono
    Nono
    December 26, 2024 at 1:59 am | #

    I’d rather see all paul tags to incelerator. It sounds better.

  48. EtchJetty
    EtchJetty
    December 26, 2024 at 2:24 am | #

    sarah x tony is amazing crackship material in the original IW context. those two have like nothing to do with each other despite both appearing in the same comic. and yet, and yet.

    i see it. i seeeeeeeeeee eeett………

    • StClair
      StClair
      December 26, 2024 at 2:25 am | #

      Same.

    • I Know Why The Mowed Lawn Screams
      I Know Why The Mowed Lawn Screams
      December 26, 2024 at 3:54 am | #

      truly what is doa if not a facilitator of incredible crack ships for those familiar with the old continuity. i remember feeling just as insane when walky x amber happened and that led to such a fun and dynamic relationship, even if it didn’t last long in the grand scheme of things.

      • Wack'd
        Wack'd
        December 26, 2024 at 10:48 pm | #

        hi sorry is your avatar amber in the style of what happens next because if so holy shit that rules

        • I Know Why The Mowed Lawn Screams
          I Know Why The Mowed Lawn Screams
          December 27, 2024 at 8:23 am | #

          it is !!! thank you. i also have a doa style xandra for when i post comments on there 🙂

  49. APW
    APW
    December 26, 2024 at 2:30 am | #

    Huh, looks like Paul goes way back…. Waaait, has the AG background scene always been ?

    • APW
      APW
      December 26, 2024 at 2:31 am | #

      *…there?

    • Random832
      Random832
      December 26, 2024 at 2:45 am | #

      I think all the strips he’s tagged in now were tagged as Incelerator last week, even the ones where he’s not in any kind of costume (I definitely remember the sequence of him bullying Danny) – though I don’t know if he was tagged at all before that or not.

      • Axel
        Axel
        December 26, 2024 at 3:32 am | #

        you’re correct, I discovered that by mistake while looking up Beef, and indeed he’s plain Paul everywhere now

    • Axel
      Axel
      December 26, 2024 at 3:35 am | #

      and re: the background I think it’s new? The comments show there was always ‘amazi-girl commotion’ but I do not remember those being there, so maybe it’s been edited retroactively to be more plot relevant? But also maybe I just didn’t pay good enough attention

      • clif
        clif
        December 26, 2024 at 8:56 am | #

        Pretty sure the Amazi-background on that particular strip isn’t new.

      • thejeff
        thejeff
        December 26, 2024 at 10:18 am | #

        It was always there. The comments talk about flip kicking and beating up “glasses”.

        And amusingly, they also talk about “Didn’t see Amazi-Girl until I read comments”.

      • Taffy
        Taffy
        December 26, 2024 at 10:37 am | #

        I have the physical books, and Amazi-Girl is there. It’s not new.

  50. Chris
    Chris
    December 26, 2024 at 2:39 am | #

    Is Paul supposed to be Ryan (only 50-50 if we ever found out his real name)?
    Or did “Mark” and “Of course” from 2011 get mistagged?

    • Chris
      Chris
      December 26, 2024 at 5:47 am | #

      Ignore this, just saw paul was in the background of those comics -.-
      (And also realized people were probably discussing this when the incelerator tag first appeared)

  51. Formerly Glenn
    Formerly Glenn
    December 26, 2024 at 3:06 am | #

    I’ve always liked Tony, good to see him here.

  52. AGV/Ruby
    AGV/Ruby
    December 26, 2024 at 3:07 am | #

    Hmmm I dunno gang. It might just be my chronic pessimism, but this makes me super sus of Tony for some reason.

    • Michael Steamweed
      Michael Steamweed
      December 26, 2024 at 8:27 am | #

      You think it’s a setup? That Tony got Paul-Incel to do this? I dunno…consider that Tony is the Dean’s son and the Hoosier FB team’s QB. He has no need for this.

    • cachew
      cachew
      December 26, 2024 at 1:10 pm | #

      yeah it’s probably your pessimism. Tony’s shown up before & his few appearances include: refusing to buy alcohol for Jennifer (a freshman), refusing to beat up Danny (who was asking him to), and being bewildered at Walky (it happens to most people). he’s seems to been like, literally just a regular football dude presumably enjoying college life not being kidnapped etc.

  53. Chubseus
    Chubseus
    December 26, 2024 at 3:43 am | #

    Thank you for this little gift.

  54. Bleuryder
    Bleuryder
    December 26, 2024 at 3:50 am | #

    *crosses fingers* please, don’t be a dick, Tony

  55. Acher4
    Acher4
    December 26, 2024 at 4:18 am | #

    wow! How tall is Sarah?

    Always felt Tony was big.

    • Council
      Council
      December 26, 2024 at 4:26 am | #

      On the other hand, the low center of gravity would make him a solid lineman!

      • Rotunda
        Rotunda
        December 26, 2024 at 5:05 am | #

        During the football game on Parents Weekend, someone asks Dean McHenry if the “fast one” is his. I take this to mean that Tony is a running back.

        • ValdVin
          ValdVin
          December 26, 2024 at 5:47 am | #

          And Tony wears 4, which was usually an RB/QB number.

          (Now all the rules are off except OL basically. Time marches on.)

    • BBCC
      BBCC
      December 26, 2024 at 9:46 am | #

      Willis usually lists Sarah around 5’10-5’11.

  56. Kyulen
    Kyulen
    December 26, 2024 at 5:02 am | #

    Tony is nicer to Paul than I would’ve been. Though I guess Paul did get his ass beat by Amazi-Girl already.

  57. Da Boy
    Da Boy
    December 26, 2024 at 5:23 am | #

    Good for you Sarah, you found yourself a short king

  58. ValdVin
    ValdVin
    December 26, 2024 at 5:45 am | #

    In a world where Captain Amazing can’t be Lance Hunt, because if he took off his glasses Lance wouldn’t be able to see, Tony Sussex out everything.

    • BorkBorkBork
      BorkBorkBork
      December 26, 2024 at 11:20 am | #

      He takes the glasses off when he transforms…

  59. Amós Batista
    Amós Batista
    December 26, 2024 at 6:18 am | #

    … do you really took Tony’s height for Christ, huh?

  60. Colineo
    Colineo
    December 26, 2024 at 6:41 am | #

    Merry Christmas Sarah

    • MK15
      MK15
      December 26, 2024 at 9:24 am | #

      Please let this be a good thing! She deserves to have manifested herself some happiness!

      • NGPZ
        NGPZ
        December 26, 2024 at 7:21 pm | #

        VERY MUCH SO AAAAAAA T_T

  61. Alan in DC
    Alan in DC
    December 26, 2024 at 6:56 am | #

    “I’ve survived worse”

    Yeah, if you could walk away from a kidnapping that resulted in three deaths, some doink in a costume tearing up a dining hall is a stroll in the sun.

    • betsumei
      betsumei
      December 27, 2024 at 12:02 am | #

      Some doink in a costume who was involved in the kidnapping.

  62. Adam Black
    Adam Black
    December 26, 2024 at 9:12 am | #

    I called it.
    Tony even vaguely looks like a whiter Jacob. square jaw, button nose.
    Even their hair now is both blonde and curly.

    He intervened in the same way Sarah had for Joyce. Plus a man intervened to rescue her, before she realized she needed it.

    But Why is Tony still cross eyebrowed in the last panel?
    Is someone else behind Sarah?
    ( does he recognize her from the Kidnapping survivors ?)

    it cant just be he dislikes tall women.

    • Amós Batista
      Amós Batista
      December 26, 2024 at 9:24 am | #

      He’s just taking it serious. I do this all the time. Man things…

    • Jeremiah
      Jeremiah
      December 26, 2024 at 10:23 am | #

      I think that is just Tony neutral expression. He seems like a very “Annoyed at the world stupidity” type of person.

      • Adam Black
        Adam Black
        December 27, 2024 at 1:57 pm | #

        so Tonys got resting Bongoface?

        eagle muppet eyebrows?

  63. Amós Batista
    Amós Batista
    December 26, 2024 at 9:27 am | #

    By Tony’s speech, I don’t know if Paul was kicked from the Team because he was very bad, or dishonest at playing. Or if his incel behavior were since them….

  64. Vulcanodon
    Vulcanodon
    December 26, 2024 at 11:30 am | #

    Hope this isn’t a bit cooked up between Paul and Tony. (Pretty sure Sarah could have taken Paul.)

    • TulipKitten
      TulipKitten
      December 26, 2024 at 12:55 pm | #

      I mean, I don’t think it is. Tony was the guy in past comics who Danny tried to get beaten up by so he could get saved by Amazi-Girl, and Tony was rightfully like “what the fuck dude?”

  65. hatman
    hatman
    December 26, 2024 at 11:41 am | #

    Tony’s expression tells me he doesn’t believe her.

    And yet, he really, REALLY should.

    • Jeremiah
      Jeremiah
      December 26, 2024 at 5:49 pm | #

      I think that is just Tony neutral expression.

  66. zee
    zee
    December 26, 2024 at 12:11 pm | #

    Oh yeah, it’s all coming together

  67. Tim C.
    Tim C.
    December 26, 2024 at 1:29 pm | #

    I am now boarding this ship!!!

  68. ESM
    ESM
    December 26, 2024 at 1:48 pm | #

    Tony letting Incelerator go has caused him to rapidly drop the character rankings. Fucking centrist.

    • Jeremiah
      Jeremiah
      December 26, 2024 at 5:48 pm | #

      To be fair, he doesn’t really know what he actually been doing, he just think he is being a weirdo and an asshole while wearing a costume and treta that with apropiate seriousness.

    • Taffy
      Taffy
      December 26, 2024 at 7:02 pm | #

      Lmao he’s a centrist because he chop the guy up in a meat grinder.

      • Taffy
        Taffy
        December 26, 2024 at 7:02 pm | #

        *didn’t chop
        This thing is getting aggressive

      • Yak
        Yak
        December 26, 2024 at 8:15 pm | #

        You don’t have murder in your heart? Fucking centrist.

        • ESM
          ESM
          December 26, 2024 at 9:45 pm | #

          I dunno, I feel like if a guy is advertising himself as a pedophile rapist and dressing up as a supervillain to attack women – again – maybe a stronger reaction that “Cut that out” is required. Like, Tony actively helped Incelerator here, by saving him from getting his ass kicked by Amazi-Girl.

          Incelerator should be getting the same kind of treatment as his fellow rapist, Ryan, and instead everyone’s acting like he’s just a funny little guy who’s kind of a tool. It’s not even that he’s saying Incel things, he actively participated in kidnapping women off campus! He is a legitimate danger to people around him and his demonstrated that with his actions just as much as with his choice of ideologies.

          • cachew sequel
            cachew sequel
            December 26, 2024 at 11:05 pm | #

            ? if anyone knew he helped with the kidnapping he would’ve been arrested back then (& now probably be out on bail). that’s like, clearly not the case.
            also imo everyone’s reaction tracks. the public perception of incels isn’t /dangerous/ (though the are), it’s /pathetic/. it’s literally a gag character. not to say willis hasn’t contrasted “costumed dipshit” with genuine real danger before but that’s… not really the case this scene, at least. can’t say I’m much a fan of the writing choice, same with Mary, but it clearly works for a lot of readers.

            anyways, noone’s stopping AG from beating Paul up.

          • yak
            yak
            December 27, 2024 at 2:13 am | #

            Pedophile rapist? What?
            Is this assertion based on some comics I havenxt read in ten years?

            • clif
              clif
              December 27, 2024 at 8:56 am | #

              No.

  69. Rectilinear Propagation
    Rectilinear Propagation
    December 26, 2024 at 1:54 pm | #

    I get people being excited about this meet cute but I’m a little worried about this happening while Sarah is trying to be different.

    I am all for her trying to change but I worry she’ll decide she doesn’t like it or it’s too much at once (or something) but feel like she can’t change again because she’s met new people who only know and like her as this version of herself. Especially if Radiah does her usual thing of trying to anyone who’s just met Sarah that she’s secretly awful.

  70. KayleeDragonfly
    KayleeDragonfly
    December 26, 2024 at 2:45 pm | #

    Man. More villains need to be defeated by somebody saying “Get a grip. Go home and stay off the internet.”

  71. Riley
    Riley
    December 26, 2024 at 2:47 pm | #

    is this the same paul that helped kidnap everyone?

  72. Hof1991
    Hof1991
    December 26, 2024 at 2:48 pm | #

    AG isn’t in frame because Amber is already on her third Tony /sarah fanfic. One that she won’t let Joyce see.

    So is Tony about to become the other other-Jacob.

  73. chuckroast
    chuckroast
    December 26, 2024 at 3:16 pm | #

    Why does Tony look so pissed at Sarah?

    • Da Boy
      Da Boy
      December 26, 2024 at 4:41 pm | #

      He doesn’t really look pissed, more excessively serious

    • morhek
      morhek
      December 26, 2024 at 10:42 pm | #

      “I was aiming for the other girl.”

      “I just have long arms.”

  74. IncidentalNameTags
    IncidentalNameTags
    December 26, 2024 at 3:27 pm | #

    Now that Tony’s got more of a storyline, when are we gonna see more of Arnold?

  75. Rabisch
    Rabisch
    December 26, 2024 at 4:56 pm | #

    Love how the last panel looks like Sarah and Tony are about to start dancing a Tango. Also, Paul needs to see a psychologist, just take Internet away from him is not enough.

  76. Felian
    Felian
    December 26, 2024 at 7:46 pm | #

    Somehow, i’m wondering how much of an incel personality is actually the IN part. Is it really *involuntarily* celibate if they build an entire identity and “community” (hate group, more like) around hating women and hating being single?
    Even IF a woman would like a man like that, i somehow doubt that he’d just easily transition into a decent person by the power of love….. i’d think that he’d just continue to be an asshat who just also happens to have a girlfriend to project his insecurities onto…
    Also, what is incel “community” like if you find a girlfriend? Does this mean you lose all access to your “friends” because you are now basically free of the curse? Or does that not matter because you are probably going to be dumped anyway once she finds out how misogynist you really are underneath all this “i really want to be with a woman” stuff…?

    • Taffy
      Taffy
      December 26, 2024 at 8:02 pm | #

      It’s not just voluntary, it’s compulsory. If you get a girlfriend, you’re betraying the community and they shut you out. The entire thing is an excuse for worthless men to wallow in self-imposed misery, because they refuse to have anything good in their lives. They can all get in the sea.

    • Yeet
      Yeet
      December 26, 2024 at 8:09 pm | #

      they’re largely committed to not understanding that stuff, not least because they will indeed lose their alleged buddies (mostly anonymous folks they don’t know that feel because feelings are for girls)
      you catch occasional stories of these dudes (and those adjacent to them who feel similarly hopeless but are less insane about it) realising things will be normal if they act normal
      we may actually have lost something with ritualised courting, just not in the way these guys think we have

      • Shade
        Shade
        December 26, 2024 at 9:50 pm | #

        Sounds like it might like part of the problem with flat earthers too, one of the reasons they’re so stubborn about accepting reality is because then they lose their community of other flat earthers.

        • Yeet
          Yeet
          December 27, 2024 at 10:21 am | #

          yeah, it’s true of basically all fringe groups

    • ESM
      ESM
      December 26, 2024 at 9:55 pm | #

      Incels are a cult that believes they’re entitled to have sex with 12-year-old girls, and any man who gets out is treated the same way all cults treat apostates: with maximum aggression and death threats.

    • Slartibeast Button, BIA
      Slartibeast Button, BIA
      December 27, 2024 at 12:44 am | #

      Incels are losers with women (lww) who choose to become misogynistic assholes about it. Plenty of lww choose not to do so, blaming themselves or fate or something not involving hatred of group.

  77. Professional asexual
    Professional asexual
    December 27, 2024 at 2:42 am | #

    Oh thank goodness! It was all to introduce Tony! Thank the stars!

  78. Zamperla
    Zamperla
    December 27, 2024 at 6:24 am | #

    Sarah is going to experience genuine character growth: getting with a short king.

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