Annotated 15-17
If we really wanted to hammer home the point of the last scene, we’d have Bandit get arrested here for recreational drug use. But hey, the First Step Act, step in the right direction, just 99 steps to go.
So E-Merl is having a conversation with Rachel that’s finding common ground between their interests, and even if he is a bit awkward about doing it, “awkward” is so much a part of his established brand that Rachel would probably be less comfortable around him if he were suddenly smooth. So, progress!
When I read this, I didn’t really think too much about Bandit’s motives as part of a larger tapestry of storytelling. She wants the illicit thrill of getting stoned on something she’s not supposed to smoke, and she wants to share it with friends. #relatable, right?
But it gets more interesting when you consider this is the first page we’ve seen her in since Chapter 14, after Kepfer was all “Do you really have a place for a CRIMINAL in your ranks?” and nobody made a notable response. Not sure if this is an attempt to ease her insecurities with some forbidden fun or a calculated charm offensive or a bit of both. But Scipio will never question her place on the team after this, and while no one would call Gravedust one of the “cool kids,” she’ll also be getting real friendly with him in the next chapter, after which he’ll never question her place again, either.
That cute bandit on planel three that was on the ads got me clicking to this comic.
What a dumb reason, but it’s true.
On a side note, I’m not sure why I was supposed to assume getting high was illicit in this planet to begin with.
In a legal sense, probably not: these drugs are too exotic to require any regulation, and that’s more of a modern-world thing… but it’s “illicit” in the sense that Syr’Nj had ordered those chemicals for other purposes and wouldn’t necessarily sign off on their recreational use.
I’m not sure why we were to assume the stuff was for getting high. I just got a vibe that it was something Bandit could fence easily.
What a beautiful use of lightning and color. It pains me that sometimes when I read comics I devour the story so quickly that things like this pass me by, but this time I noticed it. Kudos, John!
Thank you! I was experimenting a little. Turned out well.
TWO contenders for Best Bandit Face Ever on the same page? (Panels 3 and 6, obvy.)
“Neen” sounds silly. “Sillibus” sounds serious. Funny how it works.
Neen: It’s good for men.