Requiem For a Gentleman Most Obscure
I heard the news today, oh boy. The Obscure Gentlemen announced that they were pulling out of the webcomic race. Such an ominous thing, so subtly delivered, as if someone reached up and took a star out of the firmament when no one was looking. Their parting leaves a monstrous size hole in the pantheon of web comics, a passing of an era never to be duplicated.
In the years they were banded together, these six brave souls broached subjects that few would or could possibly get away with. No theme was too monstrous or too appalling. Not for the squeamish, they fearlessly tackled each strip, and held it, and everything they did, to their own standard, regardless of whose sensibilities they might trample.
The Gents had already hacked pretty deep into webcomics territory by the time I got my gear packed and started on my own webcomic journey. From my earliest footsteps into Twitter territory, James Alvarez has been a guide, a fierce warrior, a champion, a loyal and limitless supporter of me and my work. An honorable hombre like no other. And not just him, the entire Obscure Gentlemen gang has been nothing but entirely admirable, although they may bristle a bit at me saying that.
This webcomic business is unrelenting. It’s a gaping abyss that swallows everything you do as if it never happened. You are only judged by what you do tomorrow. It is unforgiving and tortuous, a hungry black hole that swallows all of your hard work in an instant, as if it never happened. “What have you done for me lately?” it asks incessantly. In all this chaos, it was always strengthening to know that the Gents had my back.
Here’s your tophat, Gents, what’s your hurry? Can’t you just linger for a while longer, maybe another decade or two? Farewell, Gentlemen, do not go gently into that good night!
Click image above to see my farewell tribute comic to those great Obscure Gentlemen.
Gosh Mark you’ve made webcomic world sound like a scary place. The gents will be missed
Just wanted to add a little drama in there for effect, Tony! Still, though, I stick by my “black hole” comment. Yes, the Gents will be missed. Hopefully, they will continue their podcasts, so we can still have them around.
Wow, that was put perfectly, Mark.
Thanks, Tim, it took me a while to write it. Still, it seems I can never find the exact words I’m looking for. Guess that’s why I prefer working with pictures.
Wonderful words, Mark. It still feels odd to have them go. They were one of my first supports in the webcomic world too, and thanks to James, gave me the encouragement to keep on going.
I feel the same. No one has been more supportive than James. He was one of the first people I encountered on Twitter and has remained a steadfast friend since. The Gents are a force to be reckoned with, always will be!
We really don’t deserve words this kind. It was fun doing this comic and people like you made me glad I was able to share the same space on the internet as people like you. I will continue to follow your work as a fan and a friend.
The Obscure Gentlemen may have strode into the Eternal, but it’s good to know you’ll still be around, James.
The world of webcomics won’t be the same without you guys! Thank you for all of the support. This was a lovely farewell to a brilliant bunch of boys. So long, and thanks for all the laughs!
Always a shame to see a webcomic perish, but this game is ruthless like Mark says. The reward for the most part is to know that there are readers out there that appreciate what we do. Good luck in your future endeavors!
I try to deny and ignore their departure, but it seems, like death and taxes, the end is here. I can’t imagine life without those weirdo perverts. They will be sorely missed indeed. 🙁
I live like 10 minutes from you! Hahaha