oh no! the poor foxes i love your comic so much. there’s not one thing that i don’t like. i even accept the wait between comics, as it makes it all the more worthwhile. thank you for sharing your talent with us!
I just discovered this comic and have already gone through the archives. I think that its clever, witty, but also incredibly beautiful and moving. Please never stop.
This strip kinda makes my heart sad which just goes to show that you are fantastic at manipulating your readers emotions – first there was sweet and contented and “Aww” but even in the ‘aww’ it’s weird because of the leaves framing the scene, then when the frame starts pulling back there is a definite feeling of unease, then BAM a trap, BAM dead foxes, and BAM a knife! And Charles in the background.
WOW, that was a punch in the gut! It’s been so light-hearted lately that this really took me by surprise and pulled me back into the story as a whole. Great job!
Looks like ermine. However, the trap is too big for those. It would snap an ermine in half. The trap looks ominously Charles-sized. Toothed traps are used for big game.
I have no problem with fur taking, so long as it is well-managed to protect the population. When wildlife has value, it tends to be protected. Deer are a popular game animal, and as a result we have more deer now than we can sustain. And ermine and foxes aren’t cute, talky, anthropomorphic animals. They are vicious predators.
E=MC_horse…That’s a khukhri, the Canucks picked it up from the Brits who picked it up from Gurkha warriors in India. So it’s been all over, and Gurkhas use a variety of sizes–from the standard machete-sized to a two-handed ceremonial sword.
Also, I’m hoping the strip doesn’t stray into the realm of the preachy. I’ve loved it thus far, and I don’t mind the commentary, but blatant soap-boxing bothers me.
Those are definitely ermine or weasel. We used to snare them when I was a kid on the reserve. I think the trap is for Charles. Of course, this doesn’t make me feel any better …
Oh Karl, you continue to weave a wondrous tale! My daughter is now into the story, but now I’m afraid to show her this particular strip … so worried where this is going! :S
I don’t really see it as preachy, or even overly anti-human. We’re seeing the story from the POV of the animals/Charles, so of course trappers and hunters will be shown in a less-than-positive light.
To echo what others have said, you really are gifted at manipulating your readers’ emotions (I mean that in a good way) and I’m happy to go along for the ride!
My first time leaving a comment…
I am happy to see a storyline emerging again. I do not mind the diversions, of course (I still say “gank a big hooler!” to my fiancee every now and then just to watch her shake her head at me)…but there are so many questions still to be answered, and so many places to go! This is exciting.
I also echo the sentiment that these are not preachy comics. Like many forms of art, this is a story told from a particular perspective. I actually think Karl does an excellent job of allowing us to make our own judgments and considerations. There isn’t a word in this strip. It seems ironic to call it preachy. Karl has depicted something that can and does happen. He has not said all humans are like the hunter/trapper; he has not even said the hunter/trapper is bad, or that all woodland creatures speak English or go to therapy or promote their restaurants.
Well said E=MC_horse (first comment of his). I am relieved that it is not the Fox family as well *sigh of relief*. I am very impressed that with no words you show the light and dark of life in a few panels. Charles looks like he’s having a lot of fun!
Wow Cuz,
That’s a real tear jerker.
My boys are anxious to see the next one ( as I am too)
Beautiful work, beautiful storyline.
Keep it up,
Best Wishes,
S
Khukuris are a very practical tool knife, and a formidable weapon too, so this could go either way. The hunter in the bushes from the previous hunting encounter (remember http://www.abominable.cc/2008/10/01/its-not-going-to-stop/ ??) didn’t seem to have it in for Charles then, didn’t even try to recover Townsen’s body for the fur, just left Charles alone… could have shot Charles right there!
Those doesn’t seem like the actions of a bad guy, to me…Hopefully this is the same guy (and his motivation is good!).
Well, it was clear that those weren’t the fox family, BUT you are forgetting that there’s other big animals in the forest too. It might be intended for the good ol’ bear. Oh dear, in any case.
This comic just knows how to tug your emotions all over the board. It’s very good. Most of the stuff I read/watch doesn’t get that kind of response from me. Keep up the fantastic work. You sir have talent I could only dream of.
@above posters: I’m not opposed to hunting myself and at the risk of putting words in Karl’s mouth, I don’t think that’s what he’s saying either. I think it’s wrong to hunt for fur only or just for pleasure kill. If you are not going to eat what you are killing then all you are doing is murdering – that’s NOT hunting.
Is CC going to discover what we just saw? Is that what the slow pull back is supposed to foreshadow? Or is it simply point out how close his relatively innocent world is to one so dangerous and different?
Is the trap set for Charles? Are the Ermines bait? Is it relevant that they look so much like a certain family Charles loves dearly? Perhaps the fact that we couldn’t at first tell is exactly what’s supposed to happen to Charles to draw him close enough to set the trap? Is someone hunting him?
Just brilliant Karl. Thank you for this ride. It’s magnificent, poignant, touching and utterly unique. I’ll never forget The Abominable Charles Christopher as long as I live.
Clearly CC has been seen, since frame 3 and frame 6 have the same perspective, so the knife has been placed there in the interim.
I’ve never even conceived of the preachy side myself, but given these animals Narnian-esque sentience, it would be quite reasonable to dislike hunting in CC’s world.
And +1 on all the ‘wow’ (emotional journey) comments!
Just to make it clear, the KNIFE is a khukuri, but it’s not from India, it’s from NEPAL, the happiest place in the world. I love this comic, please don’t ever stop.
Yeah… there are some times that I just want to personify all of these aspects of humanity, insult their mother, and then slug them in the face. Is that mean? (refer to panel 5 :/)
January 13th, 2010 at 8:37 am
The human presence…
January 13th, 2010 at 8:40 am
oh no! the poor foxes
i love your comic so much. there’s not one thing that i don’t like. i even accept the wait between comics, as it makes it all the more worthwhile. thank you for sharing your talent with us!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Oh it’s on…
January 13th, 2010 at 9:14 am
I just discovered this comic and have already gone through the archives. I think that its clever, witty, but also incredibly beautiful and moving. Please never stop.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:15 am
You don’t play fair do you?
January 13th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Oh dear heavens. If those are the brothers and mom I will be very upset with you!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:16 am
Ooh… the knife in the last panel… Was CC seen?!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:28 am
This strip kinda makes my heart sad
which just goes to show that you are fantastic at manipulating your readers emotions – first there was sweet and contented and “Aww” but even in the ‘aww’ it’s weird because of the leaves framing the scene, then when the frame starts pulling back there is a definite feeling of unease, then BAM a trap, BAM dead foxes, and BAM a knife! And Charles in the background.
Anyway, very well done.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:36 am
Are those foxes or ermine? They look a little small for foxes, and also the black tail-tips…
January 13th, 2010 at 9:52 am
WOW, that was a punch in the gut! It’s been so light-hearted lately that this really took me by surprise and pulled me back into the story as a whole. Great job!
January 13th, 2010 at 9:53 am
it seems Mr Karl is back in business. I couldn’t be more happy.
January 13th, 2010 at 9:59 am
Fantastically foreboding! Well done as usual. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens!
January 13th, 2010 at 10:07 am
So what are you saying with this comic? Are you against hunting? Poaching? I’ve never hunted, so I have no opinion on the matter.
You certainly are a master artist of the highest degree, capable of moving the soul from highs of humor to valleys of sorrow.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:11 am
Off with his head!!!
))
January 13th, 2010 at 10:32 am
are those mink? stoat? foxes? PLEASE tell me they arent the fox family!
January 13th, 2010 at 10:34 am
how do you make someone cry (and other times laugh) with some strokes of the pen on a page…?
January 13th, 2010 at 10:36 am
NOOOO!!!!1 T_____T
January 13th, 2010 at 10:42 am
Kar said:
Oh dear heavens. If those are the brothers and mom I will be very upset with you!”
^This, times ten.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:42 am
dont worry- the fox family’s tails are big, puffy and 100% white; it’s not them.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:56 am
Looks like ermine. However, the trap is too big for those. It would snap an ermine in half. The trap looks ominously Charles-sized. Toothed traps are used for big game.
I have no problem with fur taking, so long as it is well-managed to protect the population. When wildlife has value, it tends to be protected. Deer are a popular game animal, and as a result we have more deer now than we can sustain. And ermine and foxes aren’t cute, talky, anthropomorphic animals. They are vicious predators.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:00 am
looks like the fox family’s ok for now, went back a few pages and the legs and tail did not match
what a relief, I was so worried!
January 13th, 2010 at 11:00 am
OBTW, from the size and shape of the knife, I’d say Charles is in a Neverland version of Canada.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:17 am
Karl, stunning, moving, masterful use of camera, like watching a movie AND, Charles’ mission
January 13th, 2010 at 11:25 am
it’s always so heavy after a light and funny strip like last week to deal with something like this…still can’t wait for the plot to move on!
January 13th, 2010 at 11:33 am
E=MC_horse…That’s a khukhri, the Canucks picked it up from the Brits who picked it up from Gurkha warriors in India. So it’s been all over, and Gurkhas use a variety of sizes–from the standard machete-sized to a two-handed ceremonial sword.
Also, I’m hoping the strip doesn’t stray into the realm of the preachy. I’ve loved it thus far, and I don’t mind the commentary, but blatant soap-boxing bothers me.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:40 am
Nooooooooooooo!
January 13th, 2010 at 11:41 am
oh man, conflict. I guess it can’t be rainbows, rabbits, and ducklings all the time.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:42 am
Oh god I feel sick to my tummy.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:47 am
ouch!!!
January 13th, 2010 at 11:47 am
Well… so much for the funny storylines… back to the “aw, geez…” story.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:53 am
Those are definitely ermine or weasel. We used to snare them when I was a kid on the reserve. I think the trap is for Charles. Of course, this doesn’t make me feel any better …
Oh Karl, you continue to weave a wondrous tale! My daughter is now into the story, but now I’m afraid to show her this particular strip … so worried where this is going! :S
January 13th, 2010 at 12:09 pm
You know I love the art and this comic is fun but the whole “animals are wonderful neato creatures and humans are awful” storyline is pretty annoying.
January 13th, 2010 at 12:22 pm
such as sad strip for such as sad day for haitians and the world: http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/13/haiti.updates/index.html
January 13th, 2010 at 12:25 pm
I don’t really see it as preachy, or even overly anti-human. We’re seeing the story from the POV of the animals/Charles, so of course trappers and hunters will be shown in a less-than-positive light.
To echo what others have said, you really are gifted at manipulating your readers’ emotions (I mean that in a good way) and I’m happy to go along for the ride!
January 13th, 2010 at 12:37 pm
I’m not really getting the preachy side either. It’s just good storytelling if you ask me. Then again, who asked me?
January 13th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
No, no, no!
January 13th, 2010 at 1:33 pm
Careful Karl, that looks dangerously like plot development…
January 13th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
I’m sensing Charles will be in imminent danger… in six months!
January 13th, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Oh, really, good folks; they’re clearly stoats (or in this case, ermines, when stoats are in their winter coats). Quite evidently not foxes.
And I agree with Kyle: there’s nothing preachy here, nor elsewhere in this comic.
January 13th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
My first time leaving a comment…
I am happy to see a storyline emerging again. I do not mind the diversions, of course (I still say “gank a big hooler!” to my fiancee every now and then just to watch her shake her head at me)…but there are so many questions still to be answered, and so many places to go! This is exciting.
I also echo the sentiment that these are not preachy comics. Like many forms of art, this is a story told from a particular perspective. I actually think Karl does an excellent job of allowing us to make our own judgments and considerations. There isn’t a word in this strip. It seems ironic to call it preachy. Karl has depicted something that can and does happen. He has not said all humans are like the hunter/trapper; he has not even said the hunter/trapper is bad, or that all woodland creatures speak English or go to therapy or promote their restaurants.
January 13th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Well said E=MC_horse (first comment of his). I am relieved that it is not the Fox family as well *sigh of relief*. I am very impressed that with no words you show the light and dark of life in a few panels. Charles looks like he’s having a lot of fun!
January 13th, 2010 at 3:42 pm
Oh gosh, tear my heart out much?
January 13th, 2010 at 4:41 pm
*gulp* D=
January 13th, 2010 at 5:01 pm
Oh man…a little tear just slipped out.
January 13th, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Wow Cuz,
That’s a real tear jerker.
My boys are anxious to see the next one ( as I am too)
Beautiful work, beautiful storyline.
Keep it up,
Best Wishes,
S
January 13th, 2010 at 6:35 pm
Wow, beautiful work.
January 13th, 2010 at 6:38 pm
Ruh-roh!
January 13th, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Khukuris are a very practical tool knife, and a formidable weapon too, so this could go either way. The hunter in the bushes from the previous hunting encounter (remember http://www.abominable.cc/2008/10/01/its-not-going-to-stop/ ??) didn’t seem to have it in for Charles then, didn’t even try to recover Townsen’s body for the fur, just left Charles alone… could have shot Charles right there!
Those doesn’t seem like the actions of a bad guy, to me…Hopefully this is the same guy (and his motivation is good!).
January 13th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Well, it was clear that those weren’t the fox family, BUT you are forgetting that there’s other big animals in the forest too. It might be intended for the good ol’ bear. Oh dear, in any case.
January 13th, 2010 at 10:49 pm
This comic just knows how to tug your emotions all over the board. It’s very good. Most of the stuff I read/watch doesn’t get that kind of response from me. Keep up the fantastic work. You sir have talent I could only dream of.
January 13th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Beautiful… from happy to the sad.
@above posters: I’m not opposed to hunting myself and at the risk of putting words in Karl’s mouth, I don’t think that’s what he’s saying either. I think it’s wrong to hunt for fur only or just for pleasure kill. If you are not going to eat what you are killing then all you are doing is murdering – that’s NOT hunting.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:08 am
Dude, amazing segue! Heartless and risky and cruel and . . . and . . . and . . . amazing.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:26 am
In the first panel Charles is throwing off the yoke of duckling oppression.
January 14th, 2010 at 5:37 am
January 14th, 2010 at 7:20 am
My heart just dropped out of my chest.
January 14th, 2010 at 7:27 am
The dead animals look like our egg eating friend from this strip:
http://www.abominable.cc/2009/12/02/gag-reflex/
January 14th, 2010 at 7:58 am
wow, you always know how to exercise the dramatic. Beautiful pacing and pull-back from that wonderfully innocent duck scene…
wow (again)
January 14th, 2010 at 9:30 am
Will you stop killing little white foxes, pleaaase?!
January 14th, 2010 at 10:29 am
Ouch …
Is CC going to discover what we just saw? Is that what the slow pull back is supposed to foreshadow? Or is it simply point out how close his relatively innocent world is to one so dangerous and different?
Is the trap set for Charles? Are the Ermines bait? Is it relevant that they look so much like a certain family Charles loves dearly? Perhaps the fact that we couldn’t at first tell is exactly what’s supposed to happen to Charles to draw him close enough to set the trap? Is someone hunting him?
Just brilliant Karl. Thank you for this ride. It’s magnificent, poignant, touching and utterly unique. I’ll never forget The Abominable Charles Christopher as long as I live.
January 14th, 2010 at 11:26 am
That was so so very sad, I hope charles gets his head together and starts scaring those humans.
January 14th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
AUGH!
Not the weasels too!
As for the guy who said “oh, foxes and weasels aren’t cute talking animals…” THESE foxes and weasels ARE cute talking animals.
January 14th, 2010 at 4:19 pm
You sure do know how to kick a girl when she’s down.
January 14th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
Clearly CC has been seen, since frame 3 and frame 6 have the same perspective, so the knife has been placed there in the interim.
I’ve never even conceived of the preachy side myself, but given these animals Narnian-esque sentience, it would be quite reasonable to dislike hunting in CC’s world.
And +1 on all the ‘wow’ (emotional journey) comments!
January 14th, 2010 at 6:58 pm
That puts humanity into perspective, like the monstrous, dangerous presence known to the planet.
January 14th, 2010 at 8:27 pm
That’s a kukri!
I feel cool for knowing that.
January 14th, 2010 at 10:05 pm
There’s my heart in my throat, again…
January 14th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Looks like things are beginning to get intense…
January 15th, 2010 at 1:27 am
@Nathan Frames 2 and 6, actually. It’s the same foreground image.
January 15th, 2010 at 5:51 am
It’s just a matter of time before Charles is made into a rug!
January 15th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Hey, Karl!
Just found ACC from Alison Acton’s “Bear Nuts.” I have only one thing to say:
SQQQUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.
There. Now that that’s out of the way…
This. Is. Brilliant. I read through the archives today. IN ONE SITTING. Because I couldn’t stop reading. Keep it up, man. You are an inspiration!
January 15th, 2010 at 11:15 pm
OH, NO. D:
January 15th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Oh….Granted, that trap’ll hurt Charles…dunno if it’ll stop him when he gets angry. I mean, he tried to take on the freakin spirit lion, hehe
January 16th, 2010 at 2:22 pm
*Gasps* The puppies! No!
January 16th, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Duh Duh Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
January 16th, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Beautiful, beautiful artwork…and now I feel sad about all the poor little critters.
January 16th, 2010 at 10:25 pm
Just to make it clear, the KNIFE is a khukuri, but it’s not from India, it’s from NEPAL, the happiest place in the world. I love this comic, please don’t ever stop.
January 17th, 2010 at 1:39 am
woah woah woah.
the last panels really took my eyes a moment to make sense of…
couldn’t that dumb hunter just stayed away !?
January 17th, 2010 at 6:03 am
Gasp! Hunting, Kukiri, rifles…
Is this the sniper from TF2 we’re seeing here? x3 Maybe he thinks Charles is the Heavy…
January 17th, 2010 at 9:38 am
The lion’s quest re-emerges! I love the atmosphere in this week’s strip!
January 18th, 2010 at 1:49 am
This strip shows why you are a MASTER storyteller.. hat’s off witha tear in my eye.
January 18th, 2010 at 6:14 am
this struck my heart
January 18th, 2010 at 6:08 pm
you didn’t…aw man that’s no good news nope
January 18th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
@Bloo Roo: I was gonna say that too but you saved me the trouble of looking like a total TF2 geek.
January 20th, 2010 at 9:04 pm
why do you hate foxes?
January 21st, 2010 at 7:46 pm
Stirring the emotions of your audience is the best an artist can hope for.
Would this strip be anywhere near as awesome if it was all all flowers and sunshine?
January 23rd, 2010 at 4:59 am
@ Bunni: Some of us are proud of our geeky TF2 love :B
January 24th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Quit killing the foxes
February 7th, 2010 at 2:20 am
Oh no! T_T
March 19th, 2010 at 10:16 pm
Yeah… there are some times that I just want to personify all of these aspects of humanity, insult their mother, and then slug them in the face. Is that mean? (refer to panel 5 :/)
May 10th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Well, at least Chuck is having fun now
February 4th, 2011 at 5:44 pm
I hope Charles take’s that evil human DOWN!
February 14th, 2011 at 3:11 pm
I just got here, but apparently being a fox here is like wearing a red shirt on an away party.