I am a devoted reader of
ursulav 's webcomic
Digger, an excellent piece of work whose mammoth story arc is finally drawing to a close after many, many years. Unfortunately, in the latest strip, a very popular character died. There was massive outpourings of grief for the fallen character, and much reassurences that Ursula had doen a marvellous job.
Well, it was time for my Unpopular Fannish Opinion, because I thought that death was nothing but a cheap shot meant to get rid of a character who would have spoiled the story's happy ending had he lived. He was tragic character who could not have been 'fixed' through the story and his death felt like a cop-out, as predictable as people of colour dying in a disaster movie.
So I posted words to that effect, and braced myself for the seemingly inevitable flame-war as rabid fanpeeps slavishly defended a much beloved author.
Here are some of the responses I got:
( Cut for spoilers )... and more to that effect. I realised at the point when my jaw hit the table that I've been hanging around crazy fucking arseholes way too much when finding sensible, informed debate comes off as such a shock, and making a perfectly legitimate criticism carries with it the expectation that you're going to start a flame war.
Incidentally, the story as a whole is bloody marvellous, which is why I feel this death lets it down by touching the realm of predictable cliche. Consider this praising by faint damnation and remember that everything I haven't mentioned (ie, everything else) is brilliant. The art is excellent, the story is meandering but coherent, the characters are entrancing and issues are handled with a light touch which is a delight to read.
Oh, and it's very funny. Between soothsayer slugs, a wisecracking wombat and a shadow demon which is constantly asking if it is a bird, water sapphire, rock, tree deer and various kinds of fish, it's anything but a predictable ride.
Addendum: It's my birthday on Sunday, I'll be 25, those of you who know me IRL (which is quite a lot of you, now I think about it) are all cordially invited. It'll probably be a food-and-drink jobby at one of my favourite restaurants (probably Souk in Covent Garden, but I'm willing to hear other suggestions), please comment or PM me (or phone if you have my number) if you'd like to come.