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6 pages this update.

I would apologise a bit for this scene, but as far as stories go, that’s the nature of this beast.

Posted on 01/10/2012 at 12:05 am

13 Responses

  1. ApproximatelyPie says:

    Hmm, no apologies needed I think. Dark scene is dark but fits in well with everything else. Hate to ask but is this comic still updating? Been really impressed so far and hope you continue. As someone commented earlier it’s really surprising Soulless isn’t better known. If you’re still updating have you ever considered maybe exchanging links with some other webcomics? Might be a way to expand your readership somewhat.

    • derangedhyena says:

      Yes, this comic is definitely still updating. My apologies for the lack of recent updates — between life and some rewrites I had to stop and do (I have this story planned ahead by 200+ pages), I haven’t had much time to get the actual next pages completed quite yet. They should be soon.

      As for the comic, I’m looking into ways to promote it more, believe me– I hadn’t looked into mutual banner linkage yet, but I will. I know this comic’s not for everyone, but I would love to reach a wider audience.

      Thanks for reading. I’m glad you’re enjoying, and hope you continue to enjoy. :)

      • ApproximatelyPie says:

        Very glad to hear it. Wouldn’t worry too much about Soulless not being for everyone, whatever is and what feedback I’ve seen in comments seems to have been all but if not all positive. As for mutual banners I’d say I’ve found most webcomics I read through them as far as that goes for anecdotal evidence. Well, I’ll quit my rambling there but keep up the good work.

  2. Chaos says:

    So, I wonder what Jim’s doing, exactly. Possibly whatever happened to the murder/suicides? If so, Jim’s kind of a scumbag.

    Wait, this is Jim. Of course he’s kind of a scumbag. Not sure why yet though.

  3. The White Gale Dragonwolf says:

    Ellos, I happen to run into the comic in a TWC banner ad. The story is incredibly complex and dark… one of those stories you don’t want to read all the way through at night, cause now I won’t be able to sleep! =D

    • The White Gale Dragonwolf says:

      Not only do I like the comic, but I’m getting a weird sense of Deju vu. Like I’ve seen this before in a dream (My dreams always tell me what the future holds for me and others, no matter the event in question.), and I’ve probably have, only, the people were speaking, moving.

      Being strapped down like that is incredibly uncomfortable, and the knowledge that your brains are getting picked at and there is nothing you can do about it along with the knowledge that no one is coming to save you is extremely terrifying, and the sense of despair, pain, anger, hopelessness wounding into one throws you in a dark pit. He won’t remember it for sure, but it will leave a mark.

      In fact, now I’m really sure I had a dream about this comic. From all of the character’s point of view, except Jim’s. I do know why he is doing it, not going to say end result as I woke up from that extremely unpleasent dream from getting my mind picked at by a psychopath. In other words, I have a really good idea how this is going to end, but not going to give it away. Thinking how Jim thinks is painful. Not to mention depressing. Maddening. Rageful. And time consuming. But, I can say he is very much like other beings who hold onto ficticious beliefs. He has toyed with conclusions of beliefs but has never considered why and reasons. His foundation is also very weak in turn as it appears he believes in nothing and that of what human’s treasure most, the soul, and believes everything everything that we are is just pulses of energy through the mind, he be right in his way, as it is his own view. But, thoughts are not linar. Not at all. He has other views, just one wins out more then others. He also has masks he puts on. It is the same with every other being.

      The concept of ‘being’ is in itself complex, but is treated simply as a norm. Very few animals consider the future, past events, only the now they see. Memories of where things are in order to survive is common among many of not all animals. But who is to say animals are not a bit human themselves, as they see the world differently as well, each it seems with their own personality and concerns. Each and every being on the planet has in their mind worries that even go beyond the worries of the greatest leaders of the world.

      For someone like Jim, it is frustrating to understand what life is, how it functions, why we believe, if he just looks at brains and data all day. There are some creatures out there that function without them. I guess I can complain to him he is immature in the soul as well as mind. His theory is sound and correct, and it can be done, but as to why and reason behind it is flawed.

      Not only that, but the concept that he is trying to throw out is not that new in fiction or ideology, much less in real life research. Face of Mankind and Ghost in the Shell are two prime examples, one with organic transfers, the other a little more permanent.

      Bleeeh ramble ramble.

      • derangedhyena says:

        I’m excited you’re enjoying the comic thusfar and that it’s prompted such insightful commenting. One of my main goals as an author is to get people thinking. :)

        I too have dreams of that nature, so I know exactly what you’re talking about (getting people to take one seriously is another matter entirely, so you will receive no doubt from me in this matter.) I am curious if your predictions of the outcome are accurate… feel free to make projections if you’d like, but I won’t be able to say much to them for spoilers’ sake ;D

        I do hope to continue surprising readers, this story may have a few predictable points but one of my favorite things to do is mess with the more ‘standard’ storytelling expectations. I can’t comment on my characters’ psychology without going into a ramble of my own (and giving things away), but much more of their background and basis will be gone into in the future.

        As for the concept, Ghost in the Shell was a major inspiration source for me. I’m also keenly interested in Transhumanism and keep up on the current technology leaning anywhere near things like this. Soulless is largely an exploration of the implications of the ‘self’ as it relates to all of these very real advances. Which is why I’d classify it more as speculative fiction than straight-up sci-fi.

        Thank you for reading and commenting. I hope you continue to enjoy. :)

  4. JC_in_TX says:

    I just stumbed across this comic yesterday, and like others, I’m amazed it’s not more widely known. You’ve done a wonderful job with both the art and the story. It’s been a long, long time since a graphic novel has left me on the edge of my seat. I’ll certainly be checking back occasionally to see how it continues to unfold.

    Thanks so much for sharing your talents!

    • derangedhyena says:

      Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying the comic thusfar. I hope it will continue to keep you entertained… story’s just getting started :) (If it’s relevant to your interests, my updates will be announced on twitter from here on out.) Thank you for reading!

  5. Chris says:

    Just started reading the comic after clicking a banner, amazing stuff.
    Jim has to be one of the most frightening characters out there as far as web comics go.

  6. Peyje says:

    I just found this a couple hours ago, and it is a hell of a story. And really, isn’t that what anyone who reads web comics looking for? Also, dark is good so long as the one writing it knows what they’re doing, and from what I’ve seen, you do. Keep up the good work. Hope to see more updates soon.

    • derangedhyena says:

      Thanks! Updates should be online in the next week or two (4/1 or 4/8). They’ll be announced on Twitter, if that is relevant to you. Glad you’re enjoying, and thanks for reading :)

  7. kraks says:

    I just found this comic today and wow its a marvelous piece of history and art.
    I must say i just got hooked instantly.
    Amazing work indeed and I hope to see more pages, congratulations you earned another fan!!
    =D

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