I read a lot of webcomics review sites. I read Websnark, obvs, with pleasure. When the Webcomics Examiner posts articles, I enjoy those too. I have a love/hate relationship with Fleen, though I do at least skim it on a daily basis. I read Drunk Comic Reviews before they hung up their hats flasks, and I check out Comixpedia when I feel the whim.
I enjoy reading about webcomics almost as much as I enjoy reading webcomics, but that's not the point of this post. The point is, none of these sites, in my mind, mention Tweep often enough, and Tweep charms the hell outta me.
And today's comic pays homage to My Fair Lady.
However, aside from individual strips, there is a lot that Tweep does on a consistent basis that impresses me, and that I don't see a lot elsewhere. For one thing, the art style is unique. Granted, if you look at the early strips, it looks like Ben drew the comic out in Paint. But he's been at it for over three years now, and his style has come a long way and really smoothed out. Wanna check the progress, quick-like?
Here's an example from March 19th, 2003.
And one from March 17th, 2004.
From March 2nd, 2005 (contains street pirates!).
And finally from March 8th, 2006 (with a Beckett reference!).
Ben has come a long way, and obviously put a lot of effort into making Tweep look polished, and I think he's done a good job. The characters are distinct, sassy, and colorful. He also likes to employ pictures in place of dialogue (example), which as a technique I think could fall way short if not done properly, but here it is pulled off very well. The story wanders a lot, and honestly, if you go through the archives, I don't particularly recommend reading the entire To Catch a Rabbit storyline, and to be fair you're offered the chance to skip it under each strip. But then, I guess if you really like rabbits and old movies, then maybe you'll really enjoy it. You know … if you're into that kind of thing.
Aside from his occassional and lengthy asides, the story in Tweep mainly deals with a handful of twenty-something kids out there in the world, watching movies, falling in love, working in cafes and music stores, being poor, buying food, and making art. And sometimes, just sometimes, it has space monkeys.
I'm not sure why Tweep doesn't get mentioned more often, but there ya go. I've done my part, at least. Now, go get your Tweep on.
These Tweepish peeps say this comic is for keeps.