Mon Apr 20, 2009 — by Marc Alan Fishman

Webcomics You Should Be Reading: "Least I Could Do"

Truth time, FOMAFers*, I found this webcomic a couple years late. Now, don't get me wrong, it's still going... but I know out there in cyberspace, someone will snicker when they see this week's choice. I can see them now, sipping a Brandy Alexander, puffing away on a grape cigarello. I can see them, and frankly, I hate them. Anyways, back to the topic at hand. On a recent tour of the internet (which seems to get bigger every day, I tell h'yew h'whut, I came across a comic that made me chuckle. I skimmed back across a few more strips, and more laughs fell from my mouth. Two hours later, I'd realized I forgot about addressing my save-the-dates with my fiance, and was promptly put in the dog house. Because I was in the dog house anyways, I cracked open a browser, and continued laughing until the wee hours of the morning. What made me laugh you ask? Why don't I tell you... it's the “Least I Could Do”. Get it? See what I did there? Yeah, I'm that awesome, and that's why you're a FOMAFer**.

“Least I Could Do” is a wonderfully humorous tale of a would be casanova, Rayne Summers. In another world, Rayne might be just like most of us... a bit of nerd, a pinch of geek, a jot of immaturity, and a dash of twenty-something sex maniac. The misadventures of Rayne have been dutifully written by Ryan Sohmer, and drawn first by Trevor Adams, then Chad WM. Porter, and now Lar deSouza. The strip has been going on since February 10th, 2003. Presently, it's boasting daily updates. Kudos to them. But enough with the wikipedia crap, right? Let's get into why this strip is heavy on the yuck-yucks.

More-so than my previous finds, 'Least I Could Do' is written in multi-strip stories in lieu of one-off jokes. That being said, in recent months, Ryan has brought us 'Least I Could Do: Beginnings' which gives us a “before he was a twenty-something, and all cute-like” single joke strip. It was this strip that I found that turned me on to this comic in the first place. The stories delivered (which are easily located via the 'Stories' drop down menu on the site) range from the romantic to the geek-laden... And while the strips generally ramp up to a final joke, each strip is funny in it's own right. The tone is similar to a Penny-Arcade, PvP, or Rogue Robot... with more leanings on the romantic side of things. Whilst this author is drawn more to the strips on comic books, movies, and pop culture... “Least I Could Do” is a nice light-hearted romp that all of you would do well to give a chance.

You all love lists, right? Here's one right now to click away at! (Note: I KNOW I just said that this strip is best if read in “stories”, but because I love you all, I went to the trouble of hand selecting some of the funniest strips to wet you whistle with. You're welcome.)

• Morbid little bastard makes a point, doesn't he?
• If my Edge did this, I would have paid sticker price too.
• Sorry ladies, this is indeed the truth.
• Gentlemen, advice like this does not exist elsewhere.
• As a would be creator, I take offense.
• The cold war is over, and this comic is NSFW
• The realities of being a Superhero. And the aftermath.
• Finally... a webcomic crossover event like no other. You must click here, lest you be the only one to not know abou this momentous occasion. (please click "next" once you get there to read the whole story here, it's totally worth it.)

The Breakdown:

Drama: Rayne dumps a lot of girls, so it seems. So for our female FOMAFers***, there may be a skosche of drama there. Yeah? I don't buy it either. That's it, guys, I officially remove DRAMA from the Breakdown here-forth. R.I.P. Drama... we won't miss you.

Humor: Boobs are funny. Love in funny places is funny. Sex in space... funny. Seeing a pattern? Me neither.

Continuity: Stories tend to last about a week. Sundays are now reserved for the aforementioned “Least I Could Do: The Beginnings”. Apparantly, Rayne loves Aragorn too. Just thought you should know.

Art: Lar Desouza brings a real energy to the strip. Colors are bright and welcoming, and he doesn't shy away from backgrounds either (though I'm fairly certain they're using the same backgrounds in numerous strips, not that I mind). He has a great command of Rayne and his castmates. Whilst he doesn't travel into the “over-the-top” expressions of similar artists (like Scott Kurtz or Mike Krahulik) he delivers a consistent product every day, and that's damn impressive.

Archive: The comic has been going since 2003. Based on my calculations, thats a bajillion comics to check out. Have I made this joke before? I'm sorry.

Updates: Every. Day.

Risk/Reward: “Least I Could Do” is a light-hearted romp that will brighten your day. Will it change your life? Probably not. But, as we continue to drive all newspapers into bankruptcy, I would gladly put this strip into my funnies page without question. To answer Russ Rogers' eventual question, I would put this strip beneath Garfield Minus Garfield, and above the Parking Lot Is Full reprints. You're welcome Russ. Long story short? The site has some animations to check out, free avatars and wallpapers, and is updated daily. You can't ask more from these guys. So, FOMAFers**** unite and check out this webcomic...

It's the least you could do. Yeah, I went for it. By the way? Ninja Babies. 'Nuff said.

* Friends Of Marc Alan Fishman
** To become a friend of Marc Alan Fishman, just comment below. He'd comment on YOUR article, so it's only fair you comment on his, right?
*** There are many female FOMAFers out there, so don't be shy ladies. But do note, I'm getting married soon.
**** Rule number one of FOMAFers is to unite when I deem it necessary. No worries though, when you all assemble, I bring the beer and pizza. Place your orders below. (Note: you'll have to comment about the strip first, then place your order.)

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