White Viper #6

Russ Rogers (3:11 PM on Wed Jul 9, 2008)

Better and better. The White Viper is developing nicely...the story too!

I suspect that the wolves didn't attack the White Viper for two reasons. First, she appears to have an affinity with nature. She talks to snakes. Second, I think the wolves might have recognized a kinship between the White Viper and a member or their pack. I still have a hunch about that second basket.

I don't buy that the villagers would fear her or think that she was possessed just because she played with some wolves. It would make more sense for the villagers to fear her because of her race (blatant racism), or fear her because every time Gur Khan attacks, Ta Moa and the girl are conveniently absent. It would make sense for rumors to spread that the "outsiders are collaborators with the bandits."

And no rumors about a girl being possessed by demons is going to keep boys away from her, especially if there are NO other girls in the village. I just don't buy it. I would like to see a scene where an older boy tries to make an awkward pass at (or tries to sexually assault) the young girl and she not only physically beats him, but she also makes him look ineffectual in the process. She SHAMES him, makes him lose face or even KILLS him. No boy is going to mess with a girl who has the potential of making him look like a wimp or a sissy or a corpse.

The bandits are still seen riding in on horses and waving swords. Why doesn't the village get a gun and SHOOT them! Ta Moa knows about guns and cars. What keeps this village cut off from the rest of the world? Poverty? Location?

James (5:38 PM on Fri Jul 11, 2008)

You were right in issue #5 about the lack of comments, Russ. I have many friends who are reading White Viper. I asked why they have not contributed and they said they don't feel as well versed as many of the contributers.

Issue #6 is pulling things together nicely. I disagree with you asessment about the villagers shunning her because of her ability to communicate with the animals. I think many under developed communities have superstitions that would alienate people who were different. I also think that the village is in such a remote, impoverished area where they have suffered continuous abuse with little hope. The evil that you know...

Mike Castle (7:48 PM on Thu Jul 17, 2008)

On page 28, she says ``Save me?'' That seems to be a bit of a non sequitur. Is there a missing word balloon?

Also, were the scans on pages 31+32 hurried? They certainly seem to be at a much lower quality than the rest of the pages.

Waiting for the next installment,
mrc

James (1:33 PM on Fri Jul 18, 2008)

I though White Viper came out on Tuesday. Did I miss something?

James (7:37 PM on Sun Jul 20, 2008)

What happened to White Viper? Is it over? I hope they didn't quit! Love the strip and have waited all week!