04/06/2014
This isn’t the first time a SCAPULA character has been killed off (lest we forget the Dugong, the original Halloween Gang, Zodi Jr, Darkevilhelldeath-Man, Ramrod Rodney, Inverto, Bombastar, and…holy cow, I sure do kill a lot), but it’s probably the first time a character’s death has had any real impact. I can imagine a lot of readers wont be happy with this, and trust me, it wasn’t an easy decision.
Why kill a long-running character? There’s a number of reasons, but in the end the main deciding factor was that it best suited the story. I considered other options, like an ambiguous off-screen death (you know, the kind that no one ever believes because it’s just the writer being wishy-washy about using a character again), but this is just where the relationship between Scap and Sam has been leading. So many of the stories rely on what each character would honestly do in a tough situation, and Scap/Sam’s hostile rivalry meant there was no easy way out for this one.
…and finally, I feel like I’ve done everything I wanted to do with Knuckle Sam. She’s been a great character to write and draw, and I’m always astounded by how much some readers love her, but there are other characters both old and new that I want to focus on. Sam has made for a lot of great stories, and you newer readers can jump back to her beginning to enjoy them.
I could see the writing was on the wall for ol’ Sam. She had fallen pretty far out of use.
She was a lot of fun to write and draw, but seldom lead storylines the way some of the other characters do. Maybe that’s my own fault for not being more creative about it, or just never catering any stories to this specific character.
If I ever do think of a good Knuckle Sam story I’m sure there’d be one way or another to do it. No, that wouldn’t involve resurrecting the dead (this isn’t a DC/Marvel comic).
Damn, again, Mr Hyena! I mean, the last strip really got me, but I am kinda shocked how cold and professional Scap handles this.
As to the meta aspect of killing Sam, it think you handled it well. She had a great run and a meaningfull way out, which is good in my opinion. Did you consider offing someone else or was it always sure it would be her?
And a technical question from a non-comic artist: Is Hypnausea untouched by all of this or is this just his make-up?
Thank you for the feedback, Cyrian. Truth be told this wasn’t written from the beginning as Sam’s final story; as I went along writing it the outcome that Sam and Scap would have their last battle just seemed the most appealing one. Also, like I said above, a lot of these stories are guided by how the characters would logically react, and it didn’t make much sense to me to have Scapula spare a hated enemy’s life.
Hypnuasea seems slightly disturbed; murder is one thing, but perhaps he just never thought Scapula was capable of it.
Sam had a great run, and I’ll miss her. But I have to say, I really respect that you decided to kill her off for real, many writers don’t dare to do that kind of thing, even if it is the best for the story. I am however curious, IS this the first time Scap has killed someone?
Scap’s comment is a story for another day. Haw haw!
…but seriously, I’m glad you enjoyed. In my original thumbnails Sam’s death was much more ambiguous and would have left the door open for her return…so much so that no reader would have believed she could possibly be gone for good (think of how many comics, TV shows, and other series where they pull that trick; really, who are they fooling?).
<blockquote cite=""Do you think this is my first time killing someone?"
… is it?“>
Oh my freaking gourd, my stars and garters. Scapula was already ramping up my favorites list, now he’s busted through the ceiling into his own level! Good lord, those lines are just perfect to sum up the change that’s happened in Scap.
I’m actually kind of nervous to find out what happens next.
Coldesta, you’re in for some surprises!
Incidentally, nice avatar. Aaron Alexovich is a very cool guy (and he bought one of my books at a con, so I owe him a favor!).
I bet I am! I remember when I started reading a year ago or so how Scap was more cartoonish evil and a general failure. Then he started to get harder and meaner, then… well look at him now! I like watching the evolution from how he was to what he’s turning into now.
And thanks! Vicious is one of my favorite characters asides from Sera. He is very cool, he’s responded to a few of my posts on his comic and to others as well, and he’s always struck me as a stand up kind of person and also a bit of a sweetheart. His posts when he had trouble first starting up the work of the Serenity Rose ten year collection shows off just how serious he takes his fans and his work for them. He’s amazing.
Aside: Oh man, the formatting was all wrong! Oh well, I got too used to Disqus and editing my posts.
His is truly a remarkable story. Contrast his earlier struggles with the astounding success of his most recent Kickstarter campaign for the complete Serenity Rose collection and you’ll get what I mean.
As for whether or not there would ever be a Serenity Rose/Scapula crossover, the answer depends on whether or not Aaron is ever really desperate for ideas. Like, REEEEEEEEALLLY!
Don’t mean to sound too harsh, but the world of Scapula is a cut-throat world. After their FIRST meeting, Sam beat Scapula within an inch of death then dropped him off a bridge into the river, so it’s not like there aren’t murderous intentions between the two.
My depiction of the criminal underworld is probably about as accurate as West Side Story depicted street gangs (because whenever I walk home at night I’m always afraid of running into thirty-something white guys doing ballet). That said, I’m well aware it’s a kill-or-be-killed kind of place, and no matter how much things change over time the Law of the Jungle will always be there.
That, and I’ve probably read too many Dick Tracy comics.
Alas, poor Sam. All she wanted was someone to love. Or pummel. Or both at the same time.
Hypnausea seems to be toning down the sarcasm a touch. Probably wise.
It was a very cruel trick to play on her, and (being the unspeakable bastard that I am) having her get killed right when she opens up her most vulnerable side was really messed up.
…but did I make you feel something? Sadness? Anger? Empathy?
Good! That’s the power of fiction!
And another one gone, and another one gone, and another one bites the dust.
Now we’re getting somewhere. Keep this pace up and Scap might actually start coming off as competent!
I really should make a character based on Freddie Mercury. It would make Hypnausea happy, that’s for sure.
Now that would certainly be some fun side story! Oh, please do!!
I think this is the first time that Scapula does the deed personally. Looking back at all of the incidents the author cites, Scapula is involved, but this time is direct. Not sure what to say about Dark Evil Death Man. I still think he was a disassociated aspect of Scap’s personality.
The only character on that list who Scapula is directly responsible for bumping off is Darkevilhelldeath-Man. Of course, if you are like Mgnostic, you may not believe he’s really dead…or is he?
In any case, here’s hoping Knuckle Sam makes friends with the other dead characters in heaven/hell/purgatory/wherever. I think she could hit it off with Bombastar.
Aw.
Aw? Oh, aw.
Ya gotta know when to hold em and know when to… blow their brains out! Not sure thats as catchy a tune, but in a comic strip such as this, one would have to expect a revolving cast of characters from time to time. Revolving, revolver… shitty-pants… [smirk] … poor Sam! No amount of *Depends can help her now, but she died with spectacular looking teeth! We all can’t say that, now can we?!? [lookin at you United Kingdom!! j/k]
I would listen to more Kenny Rogers if the songs all ended with someone getting shot. It could be like the “killing Kenny” running gag (that’s Kenny McCormick, not Rogers).
You know, for such an experienced brawler, Sam really DID have great teeth! Maybe she’s had some dental work done, or maybe no one has simply ever gotten close enough to strike her in the face…well, until now.
Gutsy, gritty move, Dada! I guess Sam and I have something in common at last…
…we’re both blown away by this storyline.
You can’t go gritty all the time, lest you run the risk of self-parody (although I do enjoy that), but a little strong medicine every now and then does some good!
As I’ve said in the past, I may not like how a story goes or a character ends, but I will always respect a storyteller’s decision to direct or end a character as they feel they should. I appreciate the gravity Sam’s death is treated with: no ambiguity, no excuses, and certainly no pussy-footing around with cut-aways and vague corpse shots. Since Sam has been introduced I knew she would eventually wind up in this state, either in a mindless mess of violence catching one too many knives or bullets, or executed in a dire fashion. It’s how most people like her end up…… I’ve known many, and avoided that fate myself only by fluke and faith so far. Those who live by the sword die by the sword, as they say. The biggest problem I see for Scapula is if Rizz takes this news relatively calmly……. nothing is more dangerous than a friend you have hurt. What can I say, I like Sam and I’m satisfied she ended as a character in a manner that suits her, hun. Thanks for that and NOT copping out with the Marvel/DC ambiguous death-return from the grave malarkey!
James O’Barr said something relevant in his most famed work, The Crow, in perhaps my favorite section of the story (book three: Irony, part one: Immolation):
Eric Draven: Death, like Virtue, has its degrees…
Funboy: Martyrdom is now the price of Salvation.
I leave it to everyone else to interpret what I’m on about, and I apologize to the die-hard Crow fans if I misquoted…… I gave my copy of the book to someone who needed it far more than me some years ago.
It wasn’t an easy decision, and yes, I did consider the ambiguous death angle, but as you said it is a tad disrespectful to both the story and the character to have only gone halfway and given Sam a completely unbelievable ending.
Killing off a major character in most comics has completely lost its impact (no matter how much some creators think otherwise) because it’s so easily undone in the world of comic fiction. Sam’s death probably would have meant nothing if it weren’t handled correctly, or if it just seemed like she would pop up again immediately in the next storyline.
Finally, Sam was not killed just for the sake of having a character pointlessly die for “dramatic” purposes (someone is inevitably going to bring up the ‘Women in Refrigerators’ theory). As the writer, I just felt like this was it for her, and as much as it stinks for Sam’s awesome fans out there, that’s just how storytelling goes sometimes.
As for Rizz, well…we’ll just have to wait and see what she thinks of all this. We all know by now that every action has consequences, both in the real world and in SCAPULA.
Well, I’m a major Sam fan, but I’m glad she got a clean kill and no BS. Thanks for that and restoring my faith in storytelling! Is it sad that a webcomic is doing a way better job of telling stories than professional comic artists these days, or is it just an indication that major corporations don’t have souls or care? Either way, you’re not getting paid enough for what you do hun.
*sobs* I’m going to miss her so much! All she wanted was to be lov–lov–LOOOOVED! *bawls*
I do understand though. I often write my own stories listening to my characters and letting them do what would be a natural reaction. You’re right, it was the logical progression of their relationship. One was inevitably going to kill the other, and obviously you can’t kill Scap until you’re well and truly done with doing this comic (which I hope is not for a long time yet).
Hypnausea doesn’t seem like the type to me to want to kill anybody. I doubt he cares about people overdosing on his magical array of neurotoxins, but outright premeditated murder? Can’t really see that being his M.O. So, masterful job showing how disturbed he is. He knows know that Scap is no longer the goofy and inept, therefore reasonably safe, ally.
Also, I see Scap’s been working out!
I hope Scap doesn’t end up getting too efficient though. Seeing him make mistakes and pay for them is hilarity I would sorely miss. I love watching villains get humiliated.
Hypnausea actually has participated in at least one murder directly….. he and Throgor beat Dog Doo Doug to death. He’s also been involved in a couple slaughters (at least one under D.E.H.D.-man at a masquerade ball and another when Scapula reunited the SMDL…… he was helping Toxsick run the poison gas I believe!), though his direct involvement in the murders is debatable on the finest of points. I just think he finds the bodies a little distressing, myself.
I think you both have an accurate grasp on Hypnausea (whoa…let me rephrase that). His attitude toward murder is somewhat akin to the eldest family member in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre: he’s not bothered by death, but unlike his psychotic cohorts he doesn’t exactly revel in it.
As for Scapula, he’s made some real headway recently, but I doubt anyone thinks he’s on a ‘Batman’-level of flawless badassery just yet!
…and by “eldest member” I mean the Cook (father/brother), not the mummified grandpa.
Ah, thanks for the clarification. I was gonna ask if you meant the mummy or the cook…..
This looks like a forensics buffet to me. A bunch of dead goons in Halloween masks with a known gang leader/thug with a gaping hole in her head. If I’m not mistaken the SFPD knew that Scapulas original gang wore scary masks. It wouldn’t take a genius to put 2 and 2 together, but then again their track record isn’t so great.
Jim
Here’s hoping at least one person on the police force listened to Dr. Jeraukov’s presentation before she quit working for them. Scap may have been ignored by the feds when he was a penny-ante schmuck, but now? Well…let’s wait and see.
I know this isn’t too much of an issue from a story perspective given the expendability of faceless goons, but are they dead? Sam knocked them down like bowling pins when she charged through them, seeming to mainly be getting them out of the way to get to Scap, so I don’t know if the blunt force she used would be lethal. I wonder because Scap and Hypnausea are just walking away like everyone’s dead, although I understand Scap just expects them to wander back if they are still alive.
They’re dead. Like you said, the fate of those three goons doesn’t have much effect on the story (or Scapula), but they’re dead, kaput, gone.
Never underestimate a human bulldozer!
Happiness is watching that she-moose bleed out through a hole in her forehead you could stick your fist into (Yuck!).She was one crazy-ass bitch and I for one am glad she’s assumed room temperature. When Scap scores, he really scores. Go Scap!
I thought someone out there was going to point out that an actual gunshot to the head would look much, much messier than what I drew. The reference I did pull up had human heads that resembled the gory ‘hamburger meat’ effects in Twisted Toyfare Theater, and I didn’t want to run the risk of having Sam’s corpse be SO over-the-top destroyed as to be sickly hilarious.
There’s a time and a place for Grand Guignol humor, but this page ain’t one of ’em!
Actually entry wounds tend to be pretty tidy…… I’d just hate to be the poor forensics guy who has to look at the BACK of her head.
Wait, how can he afford to feed and clothe a small army but not a second coat…?
Scap is a total miser; his operation may be pulling in major amounts of cash, but he still lives in his modest wax museum and doesn’t seem to be spending money on anything non-crime related.
I’m sure he could write off the purchase of another authentic WWII coat as a ‘business expense’.
Oh man. At least I have her image on my wall. Shine on, you beautiful hulking she-monster. And yes, I agree that the finality of this scene was important and done well considering what regular print comics try doing.
“Image on the wall”…sheesh, that makes me think that Scapula could have taken her head for a trophy!
I fucking LOVE the more serious tone the comic has been running with lately.
Serious stories run when I want to do serious stories, and silly stories run when I feel like drawing Dadaman. As long as I can balance things out and create a good mix of good comic stories then I’m happy.
Dayum.
What? That’s all i got … what more needs to be said?
Da Yum? Hey, that could be the name of a frozen yogurt franchise!
Oddly, I’m not too sad to see Sam bite the big one (although I did sorta like her as a character). I’m intrigued by Scap’s new method of success. It’s like…it’s like….he’s a whole different person. He also appears to have bulked up a bit, too (nice guns).
I think his new approach is working, especially with his crew. He’s suddenly doing the unexpected, even to them. This may help with employee retention. There’s not gonna be too many resignations or revolts if Scap has everyone quaking in their masks, afraid of what their psycho boss may do. That technique has helped out a lotta other bad guys in the past.
I’m also intrigued by the way Scap is handling thing without the need of showing off. Most criminals’ undoing has been because of a massive ego or desire for the world to recognize their evil genius. Scap seems to be sticking to a plan that doesn’t involve infamy or notoriety.
Dammit, Aidan Jamal Casserly! You’re making me actually think. Thank you. 🙂
“Jamal”? Dagnabbit, how did you discover my baptismal name?!
Fear can be a great motivator, but it only works for so long. Eventually some people decide they’ve just had enough, so hopefully Scap has a contingency plan in the event of a pissed-off Halloween Gang rebellion!
You are also right on the mark about not needing to show off. True, Scap is still using overly elaborate methods to execute his crimes, but he also is no longer announcing his presence and demanding attention. Perhaps he’s just learned a thing or two about self-confidence (or maybe the lazy bum just likes everyone else to do the job and get it over with!).
Dada… you are so cold.
No, I’m not! Los Angeles is roasting!
You don’t have me convinced that Sam wasn’t a decoy as well…..I know your tricks haha
You got me; she’s really ten midgets stacked inside of a fake skin.
….. said skin being purchased from Babirus’ family, yes?
The only way I am surprised is in that I am surprised that the Scapula decoy wasn’t a drugged-up, delirious, and disoriented Rizz done up in Scaps duds.
That reveal woulda broke Sam real good before Scap went for the kill.
*sigh* Here we go again, that old media mantra… “When in need of some quick cheap drama, kill the female/queer character”. First Victoria Hand in Agents of SHIELD, and not Knuckle Sam.
Disappointing.
To be fair, 5 of those 7 characters were killed off in the same story they appeared in, the Halloween Gang you explained how it never made sense (at the time) for Scap to have a gang, and Ramrod Rodney wasn’t particularly a major character, though I suppose he did appear in two stories. (I’m not sure if his name has ever been mentioned in-comic though.)
Sam, though, has been a mainstay.
Of course, she could always show up in one of the non-canon stories! Clearly another Shakespula story is called for.
Also you forgot to mention all the Mira Mira you killed off. Plus one Jemini.
Now here’s a man who knows his stuff! I didn’t mention duplicates because…hmm, what answer should I give? They’re not …human”?
Great, now I’m going to have a lot of pro-duplicate activists down my neck!