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September 17th, 2008

Bang

It started pouring rain here just as I finished this.
Yikes.

121 Abominable Comments!

  1. Jared

    Yikes indeed.

  2. Fusspot

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

  3. Bean

    Oh no Townsen!

    This could be damaging for Mr. Christopher…

  4. Tom Bubb

    Dude what the HELL?! This is exactly what we all begged you not to do! All I can say is you better fix this or you’re going to have an e-riot on your hands.

  5. Anthnoy

    Ohh, this is going to worry some readers.
    Beautiful work as always Karl. Thank you!

  6. dusty

    It’s going to be a long, long wait until next Wednesday.

  7. The Beck

    tell me he’s sleeping…through a thunderstorm

  8. Dave McCaig

    :( x 1000

  9. Lindsay

    o
    oo
    ooo
    oooo
    ooooo
    ooooooo
    ooooooo
    oooooo………sploosh.

  10. Dabrinko

    He’s just lying there, right? He’s gonna come back up and say “Gotcha!”, right? RIGHT?

  11. ramón

    did rob’s rant actually penetrate?

    wow.

    silliness aside.

    you tap into emotions beautifully.

  12. BLDawley

    You did it good, storyteller. you made my wife cry. I’m angry with you and satisfied at the same time. I’m very conflicted. thank you.

  13. Jonmkl

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

  14. Vaah

    No.

    ;-;

  15. Michael M.

    Oh NO! He’s-he’s just sleeping, right? :(

  16. as363

    Karl – this is where your story took you – whether you liked it or not . The reaction from the fans is now – and will be harsh – but I’m willing to wait and see how this plays out . The story line and the artwork are superb .

  17. ericHews

    Nicely, sadly and unexpectedly done. Tension. Suspense. I shall reserve my final emotional reaction for next week, however, as nothing you do is ever quite what it seems at first blush. At least, I’m hoping…

  18. ade

    Karl,

    We are putting my dog down tomorrow morning. I just saw this comic, and I can’t tell you what it means to me… It doesn’t make things better, exactly, but somehow seeing somebody express through art the tragedy that I am feeling but unable to express is… cathartic.

    Thank you as always.

    -A

  19. Glen

    dammmmmnnnn. always tragedy in the life of CC. though it makes for a great story.

  20. Craig

    If people stop reading because of this I will cry for humanity. It’s told perfectly, and pulls on heart stings accordingly – but if he loses even one reader because a wonderful character died, it’d be very upsetting.

    Well down Karl, lets see where this goes!

  21. Mary Ellen

    Oh no, no, no!

  22. Lyon

    Nice work Karl, absolutely outstanding. No, I’m not being facetious!

  23. Glen

    all we need now is for it to come out in book form.

  24. Josh Sinsapaugh

    Even though I all but knew that this was going to be the outcome, I am still blown away by it.

    ~ Josh

  25. Kabuki

    Awwww….. F**k this. I’m going home to cry. And when my wife asks me why, she’s gonna be pissed.

  26. Mr.Moskau

    Well…

    I don’t see Charles in that last panel, I guess it’s a POV or he’s already run away. Charles sure runs alot.

  27. Xenon

    I repeat this for emphasis:
    “I find it fascinating that you have captured people enough (myself included) that the mere thought of a character (you have only had appear what….less than a dozen times? maybe 8?) being in trouble has caused this much emotion.

    I hate you Karl, draggin me into loving this and then making me wait a week to continue the story…course even if you did daily’s I would still be chock full of suspense. I hope you come down towards Pennsylvania so I can meet you sometime.”

    Now I don’t know how I’m going to wait till next wednesday….you realize this is worse because I had to wait till after I came home with my son till the update today was posted.

  28. emily

    aaaaand i’m crying. poor, poor townsen. poor baby. (but the art is just exquisite)

  29. dokeck

    D:>

  30. Emily

    You are killing me, dude.

  31. Androc

    God, this week delay thing is KILLING ME.

    And I bet next week’s strip is going to be about that alcoholic pigeon or whatever. You brilliant jackass.

  32. Androc

    But anyway, I mean, he’s not actually dead, is he? Just because he’s down doesn’t mean he’s dead.

    Also, while everything about this comic is wonderful, minor realism gripe- If that was a hunter, why would he have just left the body?

  33. The Ridger

    Well, that would depend on why he’s hunting, wouldn’t it? Plenty of people shoot foxes because they’re vermin, not because they want the fur. And nobody eats foxes. I myself am concerned about that back leg – looks broken.

    (Of course, if Townsen was injured by a person, that might motivate CC to do what the lion wants.)

  34. Inarik

    WHAT THE HELL IS THIS.

  35. Jeremy

    We don’t actually know yet that it’s Townsen, do we? He has two brothers, and last week his mother didn’t mention him by name, just that something had happened to her son.

    Seven days. Weekly strips drive me nuts!

  36. Zach

    It’s just a flesh wound, right? RIGHT?

  37. Rawls

    uh oh.

  38. Stephanie

    I love you, Townsen. And I always have.
    Go peacefully into the abyss.

    (in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti)

  39. Jackson

    When Dickens killed off Little Nell in The Old Curiousity Shop, people met the boat carrying the last installment of the serial at the dock, then hurled themselves into the Thames in grief as they read it. Even Dickens never completely forgave himself.

    Just saying. It’s not too late, man. Definitely dangling on one foot over the edge here, though.

  40. Lynn

    Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

  41. MattT

    No. No no no no no no no no no no NO!

  42. Stephanie

    meep.

  43. paisleyhunt

    By the way, you are an absolutely amazing artist. Each strip astounds me all over again.
    Even if you are currently using your powers for evil. ::glare::

  44. arkady62

    My heart breaks and the tears fall…poor Townsen

  45. Esn

    Good strip overall, although the first panel is a little odd. I can’t figure out what Charles is doing there exactly. The panels following are much better.

  46. Sinderella

    Oh dear. Oh dear. This is why as a child I quit just flat out refused watching movies about animals, because one was always hurt and it made me so sad.

  47. Kat

    TTOTT
    *dies*

  48. katada

    NOOOOOOO!

  49. fishboy

    Oh no… *sob*

  50. Kristen

    :(

  51. Pedro

    He’s fine.

    The strip can’t really continue without him. He’s the Voice. Charles doesn’t have his own. It’s like in the Dogma movie. You need both the Voice and the Body.

    So heads up, everyone. Cause I’m pretty sure Townsen will get back up.

  52. Grant

    Looks like someone got owned.

    And his name is Townsen.

  53. Vvicked

    No! Not Townsen! D:> How *could* you..??
    Be okay! ):>

  54. Nuke

    Congratulations, I didn’t realize how emotionally invested I was. Now it’s nearly 3 AM and all I want to do is cry.

  55. GothikX

    I’m preparing my torch and pitchfork for the eventuality of an e-riot, but I can’t understand how someone could stop reading this. Seriously.

  56. theJBRU

    I gasped audibly when I saw that last panel. Excellent work!

  57. Nemu

    Mind you – nothing shows he’s dead. And if he is – it’s for story purposes! You all should know that writers do exactly what you don’t want them to do. ;)

    Still though. TOWNSEEEEEN~!

  58. TidyJ

    …holy s**t.

  59. Luke

    Well, a hunter wouldn’t shoot him dead and leave him there, so maybe he just fainted… :o/

  60. John

    I love the art, and the story, But i have to say, that. . . it disgusts me that some readers threaten and growl at Karl, I was pretty shocked when the first bang occured and people were saying “oh you better not have” or “i’ll do this” and I’m seeing it again. Brilliant work making people feel Karl, you definitly have a gift, always listen to your muse. Not us.

  61. Chip

    Oh, crap…!

  62. Molly

    I really hope Lukes right. Karl, please don’t take little T away! He’s got to crime fight with C.C.!

  63. Usivius

    nice work Karl. If there IS an e-riot, I will be there with you at the castle pouring hot oil upon the masses. You are just too good a story-teller…
    :)

  64. Jason

    I’ve really enjoyed this strip. You’ve got an amazing gift for writing with words and with pictures.

    As for all the people that are frustrated with Karl…being a good storyteller, he’s just going to continue on with his story as it flows for him, not for other people. It’s not about trying to please the masses, it’s about expressing one’s self and outlook on life.

  65. Marrock

    Like I said before, CC will be getting abominable on someone and it’s going to be several different kinds of ugly.

    Brilliant storytelling and art, as usual… you bastard. ;)

  66. otterbyte

    There are three people in the world that, if I ever meet, I will first thank profusely for all the enjoyment their work has given me….and then dope slap.

    Gary Trudeau…for killing Lacey.
    R.K. Milholland…for killing Faye.
    Joss Whedon…for killing Wash.

    Karl, don’t make me add you to the list!

    (and of course, thank you for being such a brilliant artist and storyteller)

  67. Logan

    Man, Karl, I agree with Ramón when he said you tap into emotions brilliantly.

    Don’t worry about the proposed “e-riots” if Townsen really is, erm, expired. Some of us actually want to see where your charming story is going and won’t let that happen. It is -your- story, after all. ;)

  68. Quiver

    ;-;

  69. carriem

    crying. at work. in my cubicle.

    i gotta start reading these at home. :(

  70. A.M. Din

    I don’t see blood so he’s not dead.

    Yes. I’m sticking with that theory.

    Great work Karl!

  71. efogoto

    I love the tiny panels for Charles frantic movements contrasted with the long still panel of Townsen’s body. Great contrast, great pacing. And a great shock to see Townsen lying still there. Damn Karl, you hit me right in the gut with that.

  72. Thornae

    If things keep going the way they seem to be heading, I’ll be shelving this right next to “Bridge to Terebithia”.
    (When it gets printed.)

  73. bethany

    I love watching the change in Charles – in the opening he hid from the rain until it stopped. Now nothing will keep him from moving forward and finding his friend. Seeing this makes me miss you so much more…and that’s a lot.

  74. Watanabex

    this is gorgeous artwork and a great story, i hope Townsen makes it out safelly in the end but if he doesn’t I’ll understand, great great work

  75. nyss

    Oh no! please be okay… T_T

  76. Jarreth

    I have a theory! In the third panel there is lighting! maybe it struck Townsen while he was running! That would probably me he’s dead… but you wouldn’t do that Karl would you? Or are you using evil powers to manipulate my mind?

  77. Xenon

    I would agree with the story teller is the controller in the story…by no means should you listen/be influenced by any of us that are in shock/outrage…you tell the story you are telling…but man, do you have to overdub R.E.M.’s “Everybody hurts” here? And all of this with the use of very few words…you are an amazing artist.

  78. Doc Morbid

    People, if you don’t like it go somewhere else. It’s not your story and you have no say as to what happens, that’s the inherent beauty of the medium. Should the next few updates not be to your liking then go write some fan fiction, but don’t vent your rage on the creative mind behind *this* story.

  79. laurajs

    TOWNSEN!!!! Nooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!

  80. Jena

    He’s not dead! Period.


    really… Y_Y

  81. Shood

    …More Updates.

  82. GBeans

    Ohh. Whoever that really is, I feel bad for them, and I’ve only seen one picture.
    You’re amazing at this.

  83. Watcher

    He can’t be dead… If he was hunted the hunter wouldn’t have left the body unless he was attacked and I don’t think Townsen attacked anyone. He may be passed out from fright or something.

    … right? :’(

  84. nanrea

    T_T NOOOO! Townsend was so cute! Now he’s a ghost puppy :(

    Srsly, beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. This is talent. Can’t wait to read more, no matter where the story goes.

  85. Lun-Sei Sleidee

    YES!!!! This is really a daring and bold way to go on with the plot! Screw you pre-made Hollywood conceptions! In the real world, things don’t always end up well! It’s great because no one, including me, was expecting such a sad thing to really happen! (This makes me sound unintentionally cruel though….)
    But to tell the truth, I still don’t believe he’s really dead. Or is he? Is that a plan of that lion-thing so that Charles will hate humans?

  86. j.bone

    He’s just sleeping, right? Townsend is just sleeping…out in the rain…in a cold puddle…
    Wake up Townsend. Please wake up…

    *sniff*

  87. Noogiewedgieboogerfries

    Seriously, this amazing artwork, storyline and emotional roller-coaster ride is amazing…
    Umm, has anyone else yet considered that perhaps, just perhaps… (dramatic pause)… the butler did it?
    99.76 % of the time, it turns out the butler DID do it, but no one looks into it. Ten bucks says the next strip cleverly weaves a butler into the plotline. HEY, HOW DO WE KNOW CHARLES ISN’T A BUTLER, HUH?! WHO’S CRAZY NOW, HUH?!!!

  88. Blade

    Saddest ever ;_;

    My dog just died about a week ago, which doesn’t help.

  89. Dwaggin

    [Insert Adagio for Strings here]

  90. Jarreth

    About my earlier comment. If he was shot and hit by lightning…then…NOOOOOOO!!!

  91. shockraid1

    …Townsen?

    Townsen?!

    TOOOOOOOOOOOOOWWWNSEEEEEEENN!!!!!!!!!

  92. Kitty

    OH GOD TOWNSEN NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

    NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

  93. Miriam

    My husband just showed me this comics and I really really loved it. I was wondering how hard it should be to wait for a week to know what happens next and… wait… where’s the ‘next’ button? Now I know…

    Congratulations, it’s a really well written and drawn story. Just a question: is Townsen a reference to the Petit Prince’s renard?

  94. chronische

    Heh. Nice hat, but why is it still on the ground, and not being carried to someone’s house for skinning, hmmm?

  95. Taninger

    I know we don’t know for certain he’s dead, he might be injured, or anything, but…

    I’ve been out of touch the last few weeks, so I caught up from the first Frog comic to today in one sitting, and I can feel tears pricking my eyes. You do some fine work.

  96. zombiejohn

    In the immortal words of Darth Vader:

    “do not want”

  97. Jarreth

    Hmmm, I agree with Jeremy. That might not actually be Townsen. It might actually be one of Townsen’s brothers, but that’ll just mean both Charles and townsen will be depressed. I hope this don’t turn into a sad, dark, gloomy story. Anyway, great nature, story, art,(I wish I could make something like this, but everyone starts at the beginning. Not meaning I’m bad, I’m just in the “middle”.)and also you’re seem stuffed with twists and surprises!

  98. Linus

    -Star Wars; Luke’s scream- NUUUUUUUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH!!!!

  99. karl

    Hey everyone. Record number of comments! Thanks for sharing the broad range of emotions here – that’s what the comments are for, and I don’t think the strip would be the same without your feedback.

    Miriam – I didn’t know the Little Prince had a renard, but I just googled him and he’s super-cute!
    Ade and Blade – I’m so sorry about your dogs…

    -karl

  100. FERNANDO GRANEA

    un-f**kin-believable!!! i don’t know if i dare to keep reading after this=( drastic as it gets, admirable talent for drama, yet, don’t you do that again, please, ever
    art: plain beautifull, just heartbreaking

  101. Lor

    Do.Not.WANT.

    He’s totally taking a nap, right? A nap. In the rain. In the middle of a scary forest.

  102. Shallot

    NO

  103. Shallot

    Also, my respect for you just increased exponentially. Not many cartoonists have the guts to do something like that.

  104. Oberon

    Frightened for Townsen. There have only been two other times where I’ve actually been Shaking Frightened for a fictional character: when Merry stabbed the Witch-King in The Return of the King (the book), and episode 8 of “Full Metal Alchemist.”

    It’s gonna be okay. It’s gonna be okay. It’s gonna be okay…

  105. Cayetano

    Gosh I love this comic so much.

  106. Dervish

    I first got introduced to the ACC around the comic where you see Townsend’s brothers and the hunter, and was thoroughly impressed. I read through the entire archive in one sitting. This is beyond a doubt not only the most beautiful and witty web comic I’ve ever read, it’s the most beautiful and witty comic period I’ve ever read. Kudos Mr Kerschl. If you print a book someday, I can assure you I would buy several copies so I could share this with my loved ones.

    It’s amazing how much suspense can be build with a weekly comic.

    Some things that have me wondering if what’s going on is exactly what we think though. If may have been a hunter, but that doesn’t explain why he saw apparitions of his brothers not one, but twice. If they were ghosts, Townsend’s mother would be worried about them too, right? She only seemed concerned about him though… And if they were premonitions, what were they premonitions of? Premonitions generally lead you away from danger, not towards it…

    I’m hoping todays clip clears some things up. Even if he was taken by a hunter, I can still hold out hope for some kind of intervention. Like Moon bear, or the lion…

  107. zombiejohn

    Oh yeah, in spite of saying ‘do not want’ I actually am not going to garrote you in the night or anything. To be honest I would not change this page for the world; it is a huge prospective turning point the story rests on and it’s also a very powerful tool, so don’t feel you have to ressurect him if you haven’t decided he wasn’t dead prior to all the shocked comments.

    Great job, really, just great.

  108. Knives

    Karl, I have been a little behind, but you continue to captivate and amazing all your readers!!! I am hanging on your pen….waiting(and hoping its good for townsen) to see what happens…be gentile to us :)

  109. Stefan

    Damn you, genius, don’t you do this, you have to do this, wonderfully and terribly done. Stop right away and keep this up.

  110. james

    pleastellmeitwasatranq! pleasetellmeitwasatranq!

  111. Andrius

    WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!?!?!?!

  112. ali

    oh no! townsen, i think im gunna cry :[[[

  113. Brian

    I literally cried.

    That’s exceptionally rare for me.

    I love you and hate you so much for that.

  114. Kat

    Oh noes!! Please, please, please, please bring him back!!!

  115. Lars

    Hm. Maybe moon bear / the lion sent fox phantoms to lure Townsen that way and get him shot, in order to win Charles over to their hatred of man and their agenda? Heartless! “Nature red in tooth and claw”.

  116. Alisa

    Aw man I just got all teary, tears literally sprung to my eyes when I saw that panel perfectly describes the teariness I am at right now. I am at work too, weird to explain if anyone saw me.
    Also this is an amazing story going on here, I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner when I followed links here.

    Townseeennn ;__;

  117. auden

    i’ve read this three times and I still cry. :’(

  118. Sockis

    This is a very nice plot twist in everything, this comic is really awesome ^^

  119. Shooz

    The emotion! It absolutely kills me! This is one of the rare comix that i have come across that pulls so poignantly at my heart strings… well done!

  120. Electricb7

    what the hell. Why Townsen?

  121. Loki

    NOOO TOWNSEN!! why the hell?! no…

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