Annotated 4-15
Phil cut a Frigg line from the end of this sequence, as well he should have: it’s better silent.
Absolutely no content I could add to today’s page would be better than 1d4caltrop’s comment on the original, in response to the alt text:
Political metaphor, eh? Try this on for size:
Frigg::Ronald Reagan. Syr’Nj::Jimmy Carter. The abducted children::the Iranian hostages. This comic is a metaphor for Reagan’s and Carter’s differing approaches to handling that crisis, which was representative of their overall approach to statesmanship, Reagan being more forceful and Carter being more cerebral.
As further evidence that this is the metaphor intended to be conveyed I cite the following:
1) Syr’Nj’s mouth is open and her teeth are on display in panel 2. Carter was known for his wide, toothy smile. It was common for political cartoonists to make his smile the largest part of their caricatures of him.
2) Episode number 80 of the hit animated television show, “The Simpsons,” Jimmy Carter is referred to as “history’s greatest monster.” That episode is entitled “Marge in Chains.” Here we see Syr’Nj, a Wood Elf, whom humans of her world commonly believe to be monstrous, contemplating a set of chains. Clearly this is a pop cultural reference intended to further the connection between our heroine and the former president.
3) Frigg fails to comprehend Syr’Nj’s explanation for why they are airborne. In similar manner, Reagan was not known to possess great mental faculties. Unbeknownst to the general public, this was due to the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease, and Reagan’s deteriorating condition was kept secret until well after he left office at the end of his second term.
4) Finally, when Frigg slams her weapon into the beam around which the chain is wrapped, an onomatopoeia, to wit, “CRACK,” results. The crack cocaine epidemic occurred under Reagan’s administration. In fact, historical and journalistic research into the socio-political origins of that epidemic indicate that the American CIA ran cocaine for the Nicaraguan Contras. The Contras are, of course, most well-known for supplying one-half of the moniker applied to the Reagan administration’s greatest scandal, Iran-Contra.
Therefore, in light of the foregoing, I submit that this installment of the Guilded Age webcomic is intended as a metaphor for the Iranian hostage crisis of November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981. Thank you.
That commentary metaphor was deep, so I’m almost positive it wasn’t the cut Frigg dialogue. Which leaves me guessing… was it a line about snapping wood?
Is this efficient enough for ya?
Nah, it was something about how boring all Syr’Nj’s talking was.
I nominate 1d4caltrop for public office. Granted, his/her concise understanding of politics may only hinder any chances at being elected, but it is nice on occasion to have the option of a candidate who actually knows what the hell they’re talking about.
A quote I heard once:
“Anyone qualified to run the government is smart enough to stay OUT of politics.”
I still figure it’s a different version of the Gordian knot. ‘Nuff said (and you don’t need numbered points).
Fortunately, Frigg would not care to have an empire. Too boring.
I love panel 4. The expressions are terrific, but Frigg’s raised pinkie is just the best.
In Which Two Warriors With Different Types of Smarts Prove the Other One Dumb, or, The Infinitely Old Battle Between INT and WIS.
Wow, just imagine what a 1d6caltrop could do.
A 1d6 is a significantly worse caltrop, since it isn’t a pointy corner facing directly upward.
Legos, on the other hand….
Gosh I hope that beam wasn’t holding up anything important…
Whatever it is, Syr’Nj is able to raise its weight in the last panel. Which is surprising, given the apparent need for great sturdiness in the support column, in a context where excess weight would be avoided.