Post "Directember: Pass The Salt" by "jephjacques"

Morganna

Brun is definitely one of my characters.

enchantedsleeper

(Is Brun necessarily confirmed to be aro? I don't know if that was shown)

enchantedsleeper

I feel the same way. I think that there's still a lot of fun to be had with this type of storyline, but of course if Jeph isn't feeling it, he shouldn't force it.

enchantedsleeper

Awww ❤️

Lyman Green

No arguments here!

legobil

I went for the old acronym: CoD, but yours is also on point!

Veronica Jane

App

Spell Craft

Brun's relationship with Millefeuille was a really fun thread to watch, but sometimes the juice isn't there.

Pete

Are you on the app or in a browser? On my PC in Chrome on Windows, the links are not clickable.

Mark

I can't honestly see there being that much interesting conflict from either side to make their story worth telling. Dale and Marigold had lots before they settled down.

Green

Totally fair, esp bc in another comment I expressed appreciation for Brun just bein Brun. I esp liked her budding friendship with Mille. Not only is Brun aro (And ace AND autistic!) but here she was going on dates with a gal who was implied to have a budding crush on her, yet it wasn't awkward for Brun to know someone saw her like that, nor was it for Mille, knowing(?) that Brun could not reciprocate. Being aro-ace (and autistic lol) I know firsthand just how intensely awkward it can get once the allo parts clash with the aro ones. And not only is aro rep virtually non-existent, but it's always portrayed as a bad thing, implying Aro = 100% Unfeeling In All Ways, sometimes even going so far as to say we're inhuman. PLUS, a lot of writers think that without the drama of romance and sex, characters/stories won't be as relatable or compelling, but obviously that's just flat out not true. (It's called bad writing.) Brun is funny, charming, all around delightful, she's passionate about her interests, and she absolutely cares about the people around her. Seems pretty relatable and interesting to me. 🤔 Thaaaaat all said, I still don't think Jeph should be pushing Brun back into the comic if he doesn't have any quality, organic ideas for what to do with her, no matter how strong the reasons. If we literally never see her ever again, well, that's be a major bummer for sure, but given how many characters it's happened to over the years, I can't exactly say I'd be surprised... But ofc I very much hope that's not the case!! I'd love to hear from her again, even if it's just a quick "Where Are They Now" pop-in sorta thing, and hopefully sometime relatively soon!

Stephen Wells

Every year they return to Union Robotics to get Millie a new, somehow even larger ass.

enchantedsleeper

(It's also even funnier if it does take place years into the implied future)

enchantedsleeper

I love the Didn't Know They Were Dating trope :D Would be so here for this

enchantedsleeper

Oh good! More Yay! Yaaaaaaaaaaay!

Stephen Wells

That's a relief, I don't think Roko would cope well if Yay never shows up in the story again.

Jonathan Bastow

Honestly that's fine? People come, people go. Sometimes you stop hanging out. It makes it feel more real that there are people you interact with for a while and then go your own ways instead of constantly having the same set roster of folks.

BookBeard

Confirmed, Yay is secretly Hannelore's nemesis "Juicy".

Jeph Jacques

yay is DRIPPING with juice

Miyaa

Brun changing Mille’s car during pit stops will be like that pit stop scene in one of the Cars movies.

Opus the Poet

That would be Martinsville VA, either the 400 lap race or the 500 lap race.

Carrie

Teh Coffe

Carrie

Yes!

Hugh Eckert

You could try clicker-training your metaphors. Metaphorically speaking, that is...

Halloween Jack

The thing about android guts checks out; I can't eat fettucine alfredo too close after watching one of the Alien movies.

Stephen Wells

"...followup question: boobs?"

Pejo

Between revisiting solid old strips & Jeph's commentary cracking me up, I'm liking Directember just fine. (also hoping Yay still has the juuuuuuiiice)

Stephen Wells

My fanfic script for when we see them again is a little slice of life/day in the life episode. We see them wake up together, go about their day, walk/cafe/handholding, cuddle on the sofa for a movie in the evening, go to bed together, and as they snuggle, Millefeuille asks "Brun... are we dating?"

Jay

I've always enjoyed Willis' approach with his bonus comics for Dumbing of Age, which generally allows check-in with characters we aren't seeing much, but also with cut off for ones he's locked out of the narrative at the moment. But Willis is also a comic making machine and the whole point here was for Jeph to not get burned out.

Veronica Jane

This is correct. The links work, it's just that the page is a big ol' "Cloudflare failed to load yadda yadda" message

Alasdair Mackintosh

I love those two. It would be fun to see them again, just to find out what they're up to ;-)

enchantedsleeper

Also, I feel like QC moved away from relationships having constant drama towards more mature resolutions of conflict, so in that context Brun/Mille would fit perfectly with the comic's direction.

enchantedsleeper

This though makes a really strong argument for why Brun should get more time. It would be nice if her role wasn't just around getting two guys together, you know?

enchantedsleeper

We can! The website is having some issues; normally hyperlinks from Patreon work fine.

enchantedsleeper

I think she was (I'm just assuming) on track for having a nice relationship with a human, which doesn't necessarily have any bearing on whether she's a "human-esque" AI. To me those moments of revealing that she was anatomically correct were more to make a joke in the moment about Faye having to ask Sam's dad about it. And as a fun character detail.

enchantedsleeper

They go really well together, yes 🥰

enchantedsleeper

🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

enchantedsleeper

It's nice to assume this but I would have loved to see more of that on-panel. We got one (arguably) date, but we didn't get anything further. At least with Dale and Marigold we enjoyed seeing everything that led to their becoming a couple, including the confessions.

Mark

I just assumed that Brun and Millefeuille had settled into a blissful but not very interesting to outsiders relationship (a 'walk in the park', as opposed to Faye and Bubbles' 'torrent of passion' https://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=4250). Marigold went that way after her relationship with Dale settled, until the whole streaming idea revived interest in her, and a household containing those two, tall May and tall Momo seems ripe for wacky shenanigans.

Miyaa

Next month: Brun & Millefeulle wins that NASCAR race where the winner gets a full sized grandfather clock.

legobil

Whale security and barista at Martens Coffee of Dumb.

will davison

Meefoi

Derek Benson

BRUUUUN!!

AJ Saint

Burn was fun but I didn’t miss her because I didn’t realize I hadn’t seen her in so long. Hanners and Claire are my faves now so I’m very focused on them being present.

Jason Roberts

Brun! I do miss Brun.

16 Crows In A Trench Coat

every day i pray for brun and millefeuille to eventually have more adventures together and maybe also hold hands and kiss.

Pete

You have to copy a link and paste into the address bar, I don't think we can hyperlink in comments.

Craig L

You can’t get blood from a metaphor but you absolutely can juice a malaphor.

Michael Steamweed

I do miss some Brun. She and I do the 'tism in similar ways. She makes a great 'everywoman' to explain the wacky social stuff to the rest of us who don't get it quickly. :)

jonesnori

The website has been struggling while Jeph is away. In my experience, the cartoon will appear if you wait a minute. Not everyone here gets it, though, so I can't guarantee it will for you.

Jon Wilson

You could always do more dog puns. A whole week of dog puns. When my cousin was going through a rough patch, I sent her all of Brun and Claire's dog puns one at a time. She said they helped.

BookBeard

Actually, only her leg was eaten. https://www.patreon.com/posts/2542644 (and the version Patreon didn't ruin) https://i.imgur.com/VdIAXmC.png

BookBeard

Brun is one of my favorite characters and, being a similar flavor of autistic, the one with whom I most identify, so I'm sad to hear that her story has fallen by the wayside. That being said, I think that is the right decision. Shoehorning her into the story when you don't feel like she fits anymore would be doing the character a disservice. Nevertheless, I choose to remain optimistic that one day a Brun-shaped hole will open in the narrative and she will return in all her laconic yet forthright glory.

Veronica Jane

Huh. None of those links work. I've seen other people in the comments talking about that but I don't think I've actually visited the website since I joined the Patreon.

Pete

Deep Brun Lore - https://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=3934 through to 3952. Check https://questionablecontent.fandom.com/wiki/Brun_Khoury for much more. This arc https://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=4412 started her friendship with Millefeuille, and we haven't seen them since.

Adam with two As, a D, and an M

Is there a way to get notified of replies there? How do people keep up?

Amanda L

Just getting caught up after being busy for most of December. I am loving this blast-from-the-past Directember series, and I especially love that you're taking a break and doing what you need to do for yourself. This has made me realise how long QC has been running, how excited I was when I found it and realised I had ~5 years of comics to catch up on at the time, and how I have enjoyed following it ever since. And most importantly, what a joy it's been to watch your art style and skill, and the narrative of the story and characters, change and grow as you do. And the puns. Good lord, the puns. Resonates with my soul in the best way :D Not to get all parasocial-relationshippy here, but you really have been such a small spot of happiness in the everyday for me for so long, no matter what else is going on. Thanks for everything, Jeph, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Pete

There is. https://questionablecontent.fandom.com/wiki/Brun_Khoury

Doc Gumby

I do love Millefeuille, she's just a bit ditzy.

Steve McSheffrey

I remember nothing at all about Brun. Is there a wiki?

Ursus Ridens

Be she neurotypical or not, I've long thought of Brun as one of the saner, albeit less socially gracious characters. She'll always tell it straight -- and thus, perhaps, rescue others from some of their giddier flights.

Matthew Borus

When I saw that this was the comic for today, I wondered if Jeph's commentary was going to discuss Sam's transformation into Grim Samantha (and whether she's still a Master of Skulls). But I suppose that qualifies as part of the story line, to be developed in the new year!

Ursus Ridens

And ever since, certain parties have been plotting to acquire said Femur from Skullmaster. I name no names.

Matthew Borus

Sarah was eaten by an allosaurus. Isn't that canon?

Cass

I just assume that Brun is doing Brun things in the background - maybe she's learning fluid dynamics from Shitty Dan, maybe she's obsessively devouring robotics textbooks and planning a pilgrimage to Cubetown, or maybe she's just eating some raisin-free cereal. I'm sure she'll pop up at some point.

Mitsuki Ayane

see, this is what is missing over on the DoA chat pages, the ability to upvote. ~<3

Mitsuki Ayane

I really loved the will they wont they with Brun and Millefeuille, really miss shipping them sometimes. ~<3

Arto Rantala

I think Jeph should just start doodling some clocks. Brun ought to then appear quite quickly.

Shawn

I also thought giving non-neurotypical Brun a no-human-preconceptions friend had some interesting potential, though maybe not *dramatic* potential

Zak Reichle

This was right before Skullmaster Master of Skulls obtained the Obsidian Femur of Grobulax wasn't it?!

Daryl Sawyer

Include Sarah or we riot. :p

Daryl Sawyer

Why thanks old man, that was really really nice. I can always count on you for some friendly advice. But I've never met a phor quite that shape or size...

Creeperkry

I always thought Brun was more interesting away from Mille (I'm not looking up her full name), but Mille became more interesting to me on a reread. Mille was confirmed "human standard anatomically correct" and she got but implants and the story was heading towards a relationship with Brun... was Mille on track for a Pinocchio-esque, trans-humanism/trans-AI-ism story?

Kevin B

I don't normally hop on Patreon vs just getting the email updates. But please, don't write Brun out without some sort of conclusion. Too many characters fade away. I totally understand it's your story, and I've been here for about 14 years and will keep reading regardless, but I humbly request you give Brun some love.

Fart Captor

Oh yeah, those two still need to go on some more dates :3

Boots McGoot

normally i'd joke about them being off eating cereal with steve, but he's actually been around lately!

Danny Beans

Not gonna lie, I miss Brun. But I totally get what you're saying.

Michael Chermside

It's too bad because I have really been missing Brun. Her non-neurotypical approach to the world was interesting, and you managed to capture that without being condescending. I understand her not inspiring story lines for you, but please keep her in mind and come back to her if you find a good role.

Veronica Jane

I have absolutely no idea who that character is.

Green

Such a bummer bc with Marigold becoming such a famous (but secret) streamer and Dale quiting his job to help, Emily probably doesn't get to hang with them as much and I always really enjoyed their dynamic!

Green

I Did really enjoy Brun and Mille as a duo! I liked that an aro character was going on a date with a gal who maybe had a crush on her and it wasn't weird for Brun or anything. As an aro person who loves dates, it really vibed with me, esp since I'm autistic too lol

Dallas Hicks

I'd make a "I thought Homestuck had the market cornered on bucket jokes" comment but not sure if that's get me applause or pelted with tomatoes in this year 2024. QC and MSPaintAdventures were the very first webcomics I ever read back at the end of 2007 - (how is that seventeen years ago... And you're just getting your first vacation now? Damn, Jeph.. enjoy!) and I love the evolving cast. Characters really are like real people: some are meant to pop in for a bit and some stay for the long haul. Love em one and all. 🤘

Rachel Shadoan

I am really enjoying the tour of past strips! I think you should consider making this a regular December feature. There are so many things I have forgotten! It's fun to be reminded.

Green

I've been wondering a lot about Brun lately! She really was the star of the show for a while there. I liked her a lot but it did leave a lot of other storylines kinda hanging around. It did jumpstart the whole Elliot/Clinton thing tho, and so for that I shall always be grateful. :3

Stephen Wells

To be honest, they don't even have to do much to push The Story along, but a lot of us would be happy to know that Brun and Millie are doing okay.

Brent J. Nordquist

Brun lives rent-free in my head... I think of her from time to time. Of the 3 in the triangle, I didn't expect her to be the odd person out! 😂 But yeah, I get that you have a huge list of characters at this point. I'd rather wait until you wake up one morning and have a great Brun idea, than force a "What ever happened to...?"

enchantedsleeper

I wouldn't say "never", but if we do it strikes me as unlikely that we'll get a direct continuation of this storyline with Millefeuille, as it would be difficult to pick back up where it left off. So we'll either find out what happened after the fact or get Brun in a very different context. And that makes me sad for the lack of on-page resolution.

Nick

dang now I both miss Brun and want juice

enchantedsleeper

Or you could make fanfic on the internet about it :D

enchantedsleeper

This makes me feel pretty sad for Brun, really. Especially as her story arc with Millefeuille was obviously building to something and then it just disappeared. There's plenty of potential there so while I understand wanting to focus on other characters, it doesn't strike me as an issue with Brun specifically. She has the juice.

Jaune Jaymes

It’s dangerous to phor alone, meta this

Alcaria Swain

I really miss Brun. She was such a great and different character. She felt real.

Josh Smift

Enh, if they're not going to try to get away from you, what is a meta even phor.

Captain Button

"Cute Lesbian Disaster Arc" would be a good name for an anime.

Captain Button

"The Brun File" is the name of my next spy novel.

Lorelei

(like, i can't stress enough that it's been at the back of my head for ages, "this stuff is great, can't wait to get back to those two". maybe I'll just have to make fanfic in my head about it.)

Kira Barnes

I really like Brun and I hope we will see her again.

The Shadow's Lair

As an autistic person I haven't forgotten Brun and really hope she returns someday.

Lorelei

oh gosh, I was SO excited for brun and millefeuille, I'm so sad that's not gonna happen. Genuinely, I've been looking forward to that cute lesbian disaster arc for actual years. Totally get if the inspo is gone, but if it ever strikes again! there's an audience!!!

Packy Anderson

The background is a great place for characters who have been squeezed dry of their juice. Seeing them incidentally would give those of us who like them a pick-me-up, and Jeph doesn't need to draw a new face.

Captain Button

Something Positive used to do these.

Captain Button

I must agree. Don't try and force the story in directions it doesn't want to go. (This is why long awaited sequels are rarely worth the wait.)

Nn

Someday, it would be nice to have a tiny "Where are they now" series. Like a few characters, single panel each. Such as my two favorites who have vanished into the aether (Raven and Emily). (and in googling to check the spelling of 'raven' vs 'ravyn' I came across this, which sounds rad, but obviously you should not steal from [deleted] on Reddit on a thread about Raven's final on panel appearance: "Raven should meet up with Emily... they could solve crimes together. Hell, throw in May as the tough, spunky one and we have a hit TV show."Pintsize's Angels""

Ilana Sprongl

I totally forgot about Brun.

legobil

Millefun. Thats what I call their ship. 🛳️

Captain Button

Whales attack Cubetown, so The Librarian calls in Brun as a harpoon consultant.

Captain Button

It is all those metaphors that promote similerity in your comics.

Sammitch

and then they all smelled the salts and barfed in the bucket.

legobil

You are probably right about your metaphors, but I also believe you can reignite some fun Brun-shenanigans by, as you previously mentioned about Marten/Claire, putting her in a new situation 😊 But you should probably stick to your human guts, I’m not sure salt is enough if you were to lose them.

Vilinda

I am loving these commentaries.

Logan Nix

same, i choose to believe in brunfille 💖

Cathal Mc Ginley

I thought it was gearing up for an ace relationship between Brun and Millefeuille, but I guess that wasn't a very high-stakes high-drama development. Would have been cute though.

Cancertopia

In my headcanon Brun and Millefeuille are happily living together forever after.

Logan Nix

🥺💔 noooo

Taigan

Brun was fun, but I’m more disappointed to lose the blossoming romance(?) between her and Millefuille. (I know I’m spelling that wrong but I’m too lazy to look it up.)