comic #4: "She didn't spit in my face or ANYTHING!"

So, yeah, getting this comic done today was time-consuming. Tricky stuff.

Two bits of news: First, I was shown this video the other day, and, well, I knew I had to pass it on. These sitcoms are slightly before my time, but, I mean, who can resist? The Fonz is just TOO COOL- he can jump the generation gap just like he can jump sharks, believe me.

Also, I learned that you can't please all the people all the time. My personal favorite is the one about super smash bros. Melee. Ouch.
Now...Why would I post something like this? Well, I suppose it's partly because I'm being a masochist, but also because I want to put it out there so people can stop taking it so damn seriously.
(For any non-wes readers out there: this is an excerpt from a website set up by Wesleyan University students called WesConfess, where they can write anonymous comments about themselves or others that the world has access to. Think of it as the "Burn Book" from "Mean Girls" and every crush list you've had throughout high school, amplified (because of the internet) to a global scale.)
When I first made discoveries like this fine one (and I've always been shocked to find that I even had the social visibility to appear on one of these things, let alone a devoted thread), I was totally confused and frustrated.* There were some positive comments, some nonsensical words, and a few gender-less entities that declared I was both "hott" and "disgusting," not to mention a few choice words that would shock my grandmother. I told a few friends that it upset me, and they went to bat for me, defending me in the public sphere (and that's why I love you guys!). But then, I just stopped looking. Until this morning.
Today, I realized that this stuff is hilarious. It is. The stuff they put on there about me and the people I know is quite entertaining. And I decided that this stuff was funny enough that I wanted to show it to all of you.

So, in short: if you, or anyone you know, has been burned by this school-wide gossip column, take a second with that person/yourself and explain to them/yourself that WesConfess and the ACB are, quite simply, jokes. Still not convinced? Watch and laugh as the Wes online community is thrown into a tizzy when someone uploads a picture of tubgirl. (It's since been removed, don't worry.)

*By the way, I'm posting that song again. It's that awesome.

comic #3: Meet Ian

Well, here's a new wrinkle.


Thanks to Wesleying for pimping the site. I had to do something special now, so I uploaded this week's comic a few days early! Hot Damn!

I may even do that from now on... You know, give you an incentive to come here during the week. Who knows when I'll update? It'll forever be a mystery! I mean...considering it's me, here, it'll probably be a couple seconds before the newspaper deadline, but hey- I can dream, right?

In other news, somebody has already told me that the name "roomies" is already the name of a) at least three online comics, b) a script, and c) a movie directed by Oliver Robbins in the category of "adult" films.

The internet is a confusing and frustrating place. (Thanks, Gabe!)

UPDATE: I'm trying to think of some exclusive, web-based content for this site- anyone have any suggestions? Drop me a line, or make a comment. Bio page? YouTube porn? Pictures of Ed Moran? What will it be? Let me know!

comic #2: Dramatic Irony

Still working out the computer details here. The "To Be Continued" got a little cut off, there, didn't it? Well, you all know it's going to be continued. Anyway, sorry about the pop-up banner. I sold my soul for this website, you know.

Check out the earlier posts for... other comics!

comic #1: Meet Alex

Welcome to the first page of "Roomies!"

So, I'm still working on the logistics of getting the comics to look good in this online format, as well as the ins and outs of this website. I'd love to have some sort of discussion board- if someone knows how to do that, email me at jrnewman@wesleyan.edu and I'll be your best friend. I'm also thinking about whether or not to update the website with new comics before they're printed in the Argus. My first guess is probably "no", because I don't want to give my online readers preference over my print readers/don't want to have to update more than once a week.
(I have a life, you know.)

Anyway, a bunch of friends of mine have already asked me if this comic is autobiographical, and my answer to them is:
"Hmmm, is it?"
No, it's not really autobiographical, but it is inspired by true events and people I know. So... yes and no?

So there's my rant. (Hahah! I can have a rantspace now!) Enjoy the comic, and the other, newer one, and see you next week.
~Joe

Roomies intro

Roomies.tk- This is a website my brother created as an archives for the ultra-popular comic "Roomies!" in the Wesleyan University Argus. Peruse at your leisure. When I learn how to use a computer, this will be useful.