Once you’re aware of a mystery you’re no longer ignorant of the mystery. That little bit of knowledge leads you to wanting the answers, even more knowledge.
That phrase makes me think of severly retarded people (like downs syndrome). They tend to be very happy, and even when they get sad it doesn’t take much to cheer them back up.
From personal experience, it’s going to bleed for quite a while unless she can get stitches or put a butterfly bandage on the cut to hold it closed. That’s one of those locations where a wound tends not to close on its own.
Is Tina vulnerable to infections? If so, she could be in serious danger since a sphinx’s claws will be LOADED with harmful bacteria including tetanus.
I suspect that parts of the collective incited Jin’s demons to act the way they did. Jin’s demons were destroyed because they acted out the suggestions.
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. I remembered Monica postulating that Tina 2.0 had what the other demons wanted…a shot at a “normal” life (since the collective is stuck to this timeline with no memories of its past).
Nice to see the registered monster trying to go after one of the few truly nice supernatural beings around. Perhaps Phrix hasn’t learned nearly as much these past several hundred years as the woman’d like to think.
I don’t know…I think Phix is within her rights to be concerned about a collective of demons interacting in an advisory capacity on a regular basis with some important and powerful figures.
We may love Tina 2.0 because she’s gone out of her way to be nice to people, but even she pointed out that everything she says should be taken with a grain of salt. She’s well aware of the influence she can have over people, and we’ve only assumed her motives are peachy keen and in alignment with Monica’s and the GG’s.
Oh, the sort of librarian whose knowledge could be used to alter reality, allow demons unfettered access to Earth, make slaves of the unwilling, that sort of thing.
If Phix was actually executing demons, maybe her blood-lust is up a bit more than usual? Naw, this was a calculated message to Tina not to ask too many of the wrong sort of questions(for her own good).
I think that Phix was also saying: Don’t forget your place. Just because I had your back this time, don’t start thinking you can get away with other things.
I think the “they were reminded” meant “by Phix”. Phix wouldn’t want Tina to read too much into that.
I agree StJason I was being “polite.” I didn’t think a Sphinx would use a headsman’s axe to execute someone or something. Since throwing someone to the lions was a regular form of execution in the ‘old’ days, I was just letting the idea ‘hang’ so to speak. I didn’t really want to think about demon crunchies. 😉
It’s hard to tell how much of Phix being so hard on Tina, now and before, is her playing a role (like her threatening aura when she asks her riddle of those coming to the Library for the first time), how much is her being an actual bully, and how much is because Tina is dangerous – even if she doesn’t remember how dangerous – and has to be handled firmly…
The ‘some felt’ bit suggests Phix was not alone in dealing with the errant demons. Maybe there was a Congress of Sphinxes that handled the matter. Whatever, if there was some desire to punish Tina for her ideas, that would indicate those ideas were PRETTY potent and a danger to the status quo. I wonder what they were, and if we’ll ever find out.
I thought that this discussion involved pretty potent ideas that did threaten the status quo. Paul may have more in mind, but that would be enough, IMO.
I hadn’t thought about the “some” like that…interesting point/possibility. I read the “some felt” as “some of the law-abiding demons felt” on my first read through.
It’s vague, but I think yesterday’s strip sounded strip sounded more like Phix was acting alone as boss: “were brought before me,” not “us.” There could be a lot that we don’t know, of course.
I also point out that this scenario works if Phix is merely the executioner, with the judgment against our door-using demons being rendered by the “law-abiding” demons.
It’s also worthy to note the power scale of demons. In this world, they tend to be pretty mild (Having the world end because you ‘oopsied’ is kinda harsh), but when Bud went there, she and May (two golems) had to keep running until rescued.
I’m thinking that Phix had to work with whatever the social structure in the demon realms (Demon Lords?) is. I’m not sure even she can take on a whole load of demons at once.
Phix certainly seems to have a law-enforcement role. In that context, Tina counts as a convicted criminal, with a pretty serious (if perhaps short) rap sheet. I think Phix threatening Tina in this context with a reminder of consequences for lawbreaking is pretty much in line.
Phix normally eats demons, so in a sense she’s showing restraint. Still, I’m not seeing any justification for the harshness. Maybe it’ll come out later?
Wow – what an awesome strip. Love the consistency seen in “your names came up.” Love the fact that Phix is in discussion with “others” and that she seems to be the “enforcer”. Tina will be OK for now, except for that little booboo on her chin. Yikes. Don’t mess with a Sphinx.
As for the ideas, I think one of the Rulers got miffed about Tina’s thinking about a Haggis Cappuccino…
Personally, I’m a bit confused over both points…what is the “other” punishment she is living out, and what crime did she commit to merit that? As for the ideas…I have none, myself.
Tina’s demons hurt Monica. I can’t remember the strip where this was pointed out, but if I remember correctly, they were the ones who chased Monica out in front of the bus. This action was against demon law, so her punishment is being stuck to one timeline and having no memory of the past.
I think. 🙂 It’s been a while since I re-read the older strips.
Here are some links: Read starting with the August 13, 2009 strip. That mentions Tina not remembering being the punishment. The crime was described on August 28th (underjinsnose). Also, Monica and Jin’s demons talked about it. I’ve put links to that in some of my other comments today.
BTW, I agree with Julie. I was just trying to back up what she said.
While I’m at it, Monica talked with Jin’s demon starting here. Jin’s demon confirmed that Tina’s demons helped chase Monica in front of the bus. Jin’s demon also said that Monica and Tina gave them the idea to use Monica as a doorway and harm other people so that they could forget and not be bored by doing the same things over and over. In other words, by watching Tina do what she did and seeing her be punished, they realized that they could do similar things and that the punishment they would get was really a reward. I don’t think that Tina meant to give them that idea, though.
I do recall that not being able to remember was indeed the result of–something (crossing over and doing harm?). So i understand that was the “punishment” she’s living out. But now I think I realize that is whia phix is talking about, in sort of a double entendre…first, “relish your ignorance” could mean that because the tina collective cannot remember, they really have been given a gift, not a punishment…or, “relish your ignorance” could refer to the fact that because Tina the collective cannot remember anyhthing prior to the accident, she(they) have lost knowledge of the ideas for which they would have been punished…
Now… is it just my paranoia, or is Phix covering her tracks here? Bullying/discouraging Tina from digging in her past, taking care of the demons involved in the situation… and in the next page, it looks to me like Monica’s Doubt is hiding…
OK so as long as Tina never ever does anything except things she actually has done before (breathing, serving coffee, brushing her hair down and NOT BACK never EVER brush BACK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!) then she’ll be fine.
So not only must she never know what it is she may have done wrong that she must also never do, she’s also an idiot for not knowing what it is she must never know? Not that I got the impression she had any options other than loose and loose horrifically, but how does that make any sense?
Grrrr .
If that’s directed at Phix, I agree.
WOW! Phix drew blood with her nail/talon. I’m glad I’m not an individual or collection of demons.
eep.
Meep!
swallows noisily
*yeek!*
urk!
gack!
whimper
*clench*
*whimper*
If ignorance is bliss, why are we always trying to solve the mystery and answer the questions?
I’d say that “we” doesn’t exactly include the majority of people, and that “we” are for the most part a fairly glum group of people.
As for “why”, well… “we” just made the decision to put knowledge before happiness… not that “decision” is really an apt word either..
Ignorance IS bliss…
A little knowledge could be leathal!!
because bliss is self destructive, it leads to laziness, and then sloth, and envy…
and anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering…
Once you’re aware of a mystery you’re no longer ignorant of the mystery. That little bit of knowledge leads you to wanting the answers, even more knowledge.
That phrase makes me think of severly retarded people (like downs syndrome). They tend to be very happy, and even when they get sad it doesn’t take much to cheer them back up.
Whoa, that looks badass…
She would really scare the sh** out of anyone!
…and I like the ‘Don’t ask and you won’t wish you don’t know’ implied here 😉
Eeeep!
Some questions should not be asked!
Commence speculation in 3… 2… 1…
I love Phix- But if I hung around her very long, I’d start wearing Depends(TM)
Squeaky Bum Time…
A bloody cut to the jaw seems to be an awfully effective warning!
I’m hoping that isn’t a cut, because I’d suspect it’d bleed for a while.
ohh, thanks for pointing that out, i missed that for focusing on phix.
From personal experience, it’s going to bleed for quite a while unless she can get stitches or put a butterfly bandage on the cut to hold it closed. That’s one of those locations where a wound tends not to close on its own.
Is Tina vulnerable to infections? If so, she could be in serious danger since a sphinx’s claws will be LOADED with harmful bacteria including tetanus.
Yeesh… Poor Tina…
I wonder what the “ideas” where. If it already came up, I must have missed or forgotten about it.
Perhaps it’s just Phix’s way of saying that the collective are behaving atypically, making “some” nervous?
Sorry, should be ‘collective is’.
No, I think this is new ground.
Womder if it has to do with the muerte doll in Tina’s basement? She did imply she was looking for a ‘cure’ for Tina 1.0….
Supposed to be “wonder” in that first sentence.
Well I’m glad I didn’t miss anything.
And good thing Tina as a whole doesn’t know what Phix is talking about.
I suspect that parts of the collective incited Jin’s demons to act the way they did. Jin’s demons were destroyed because they acted out the suggestions.
Jin’s demon specifically told Monica that Monica and Tina gave them the idea. I think it was just by setting an example, however.
Yeah, that’s what I was thinking. I remembered Monica postulating that Tina 2.0 had what the other demons wanted…a shot at a “normal” life (since the collective is stuck to this timeline with no memories of its past).
Ah, yes… Tina’s “suggestions”…
Good theory.
Phix pretty clearly wants Tina to keep her autonomy. I think that’s pretty cool. And the scare is a great way to close the subject, ain’t it?
Wow!
If you got any problems with personal demons, she could Phix ’em for you.
I see what you did there 😀
Boo. That pun sphinx.
“relish your ignorance?” What happens if she can’t cut the mustard?
She’ll be forced to ketchup…
…otherwise she’ll be in a pickle.
Quitcher hotdogging, you guys!
Are we bun with this?
Best comment thread ever.
What do you expect? The thread depends on the meaning of “relish.” Sometimes it means something that contains a lot of corn. 🙂
Seconded.
What? You think she’s lion about it?
Creeeeeeepy!
Nice to see the registered monster trying to go after one of the few truly nice supernatural beings around. Perhaps Phrix hasn’t learned nearly as much these past several hundred years as the woman’d like to think.
Or maybe as much as we like Tina, she’s still a collection of demons and presents a possible threat.
I don’t know…I think Phix is within her rights to be concerned about a collective of demons interacting in an advisory capacity on a regular basis with some important and powerful figures.
We may love Tina 2.0 because she’s gone out of her way to be nice to people, but even she pointed out that everything she says should be taken with a grain of salt. She’s well aware of the influence she can have over people, and we’ve only assumed her motives are peachy keen and in alignment with Monica’s and the GG’s.
Yup. So far, this incident is providing information, but not as of yet providing answers to some of my questions. But we’re getting there.
I know this is a comic but im now scared of a comic character for real -.-
Interesting how this was more scarey than seeing her as a about-to-kill-people sphinx!
And I still am nervous about that statue in the basement…
Something about that scarf makes her neck look wrong…
The scarf is holding back her wings from the general public, methinks.
It’s not a scarf, it’s a dickey.
Nope. Take a look at yesterday’s strip. It’s a scarf – or, if it isn’t, she’s wearing a scarf too.
Huh. Sure looks like a scarf in yesterdays strip. And more like a dickey in this one. Gawd knows.
Maybe Phix will take it off and strangle Tina with it, and answer that question!
Heh, I was going to correct Fairportfan, but looked at yesterday’s strip first.
Don’t Phix’s nails just look menacing in this context?
*Phix* looks menacing in this context.
…still hot, in a “sexy librarian”-ish way, but menacing…
Claws? (And Just be”claws” I can (c8 )
Huh?
What kind of librarian wants anyone
to be ignoriant?
Oh, the sort of librarian whose knowledge could be used to alter reality, allow demons unfettered access to Earth, make slaves of the unwilling, that sort of thing.
Somebodies cranky.
If Phix was actually executing demons, maybe her blood-lust is up a bit more than usual? Naw, this was a calculated message to Tina not to ask too many of the wrong sort of questions(for her own good).
I think that Phix was also saying: Don’t forget your place. Just because I had your back this time, don’t start thinking you can get away with other things.
I think the “they were reminded” meant “by Phix”. Phix wouldn’t want Tina to read too much into that.
I think you are correct, Phix reminded them.
Executing? No The implication is that she is eating them!
I agree StJason I was being “polite.” I didn’t think a Sphinx would use a headsman’s axe to execute someone or something. Since throwing someone to the lions was a regular form of execution in the ‘old’ days, I was just letting the idea ‘hang’ so to speak. I didn’t really want to think about demon crunchies. 😉
“Do not meddle in the affairs of sphinxes, for you are crunchy and taste good with ketchup…”
I’m not used to being around people that get my references. It’s nice. 😀
That’s certainly one way of doing it. It’s not as if they would survive being eaten.
It’s hard to tell how much of Phix being so hard on Tina, now and before, is her playing a role (like her threatening aura when she asks her riddle of those coming to the Library for the first time), how much is her being an actual bully, and how much is because Tina is dangerous – even if she doesn’t remember how dangerous – and has to be handled firmly…
The ‘some felt’ bit suggests Phix was not alone in dealing with the errant demons. Maybe there was a Congress of Sphinxes that handled the matter. Whatever, if there was some desire to punish Tina for her ideas, that would indicate those ideas were PRETTY potent and a danger to the status quo. I wonder what they were, and if we’ll ever find out.
I thought that this discussion involved pretty potent ideas that did threaten the status quo. Paul may have more in mind, but that would be enough, IMO.
I hadn’t thought about the “some” like that…interesting point/possibility. I read the “some felt” as “some of the law-abiding demons felt” on my first read through.
It’s vague, but I think yesterday’s strip sounded strip sounded more like Phix was acting alone as boss: “were brought before me,” not “us.” There could be a lot that we don’t know, of course.
I also point out that this scenario works if Phix is merely the executioner, with the judgment against our door-using demons being rendered by the “law-abiding” demons.
It’s also worthy to note the power scale of demons. In this world, they tend to be pretty mild (Having the world end because you ‘oopsied’ is kinda harsh), but when Bud went there, she and May (two golems) had to keep running until rescued.
I’m thinking that Phix had to work with whatever the social structure in the demon realms (Demon Lords?) is. I’m not sure even she can take on a whole load of demons at once.
Something to bear in mind…
Phix certainly seems to have a law-enforcement role. In that context, Tina counts as a convicted criminal, with a pretty serious (if perhaps short) rap sheet. I think Phix threatening Tina in this context with a reminder of consequences for lawbreaking is pretty much in line.
yeah, its the standard ‘top secret’ thing….
“there are things in the multiverse, that if seen, will make you NEVER sleep at night…”
That is what ‘relish your ignorance’ means… 🙂
{Mike Kurland, Esper}
Oops. “Psi Hunt”
WHOA!!! Blood Shed!!!
PHIX drew FIRST BLOOD? EXPLAIN!
Phix normally eats demons, so in a sense she’s showing restraint. Still, I’m not seeing any justification for the harshness. Maybe it’ll come out later?
What? She holds herself to stop murdering (she’s got enough skulls). But a bit of roughing up never hurt anybody (ha!)
Wow – what an awesome strip. Love the consistency seen in “your names came up.” Love the fact that Phix is in discussion with “others” and that she seems to be the “enforcer”. Tina will be OK for now, except for that little booboo on her chin. Yikes. Don’t mess with a Sphinx.
As for the ideas, I think one of the Rulers got miffed about Tina’s thinking about a Haggis Cappuccino…
HISSSSSSSSS!
Hurp !
Aw2, come on – what’s wrong with coffe and meatloaf? (But you’re right about one thing – should they be served in the same cup?)
Personally, I’m a bit confused over both points…what is the “other” punishment she is living out, and what crime did she commit to merit that? As for the ideas…I have none, myself.
…but then neither does Tina, apparently…
Tina’s demons hurt Monica. I can’t remember the strip where this was pointed out, but if I remember correctly, they were the ones who chased Monica out in front of the bus. This action was against demon law, so her punishment is being stuck to one timeline and having no memory of the past.
I think. 🙂 It’s been a while since I re-read the older strips.
Here are some links: Read starting with the August 13, 2009 strip. That mentions Tina not remembering being the punishment. The crime was described on August 28th (underjinsnose). Also, Monica and Jin’s demons talked about it. I’ve put links to that in some of my other comments today.
BTW, I agree with Julie. I was just trying to back up what she said.
While I’m at it, Monica talked with Jin’s demon starting here. Jin’s demon confirmed that Tina’s demons helped chase Monica in front of the bus. Jin’s demon also said that Monica and Tina gave them the idea to use Monica as a doorway and harm other people so that they could forget and not be bored by doing the same things over and over. In other words, by watching Tina do what she did and seeing her be punished, they realized that they could do similar things and that the punishment they would get was really a reward. I don’t think that Tina meant to give them that idea, though.
I do recall that not being able to remember was indeed the result of–something (crossing over and doing harm?). So i understand that was the “punishment” she’s living out. But now I think I realize that is whia phix is talking about, in sort of a double entendre…first, “relish your ignorance” could mean that because the tina collective cannot remember, they really have been given a gift, not a punishment…or, “relish your ignorance” could refer to the fact that because Tina the collective cannot remember anyhthing prior to the accident, she(they) have lost knowledge of the ideas for which they would have been punished…
…Splunge!…
Apart from the atrocious spelling/capitalization errors, change “would have been punished” to “would have been punished had she acted upon them”.
I’m wondering, though
1) Tina and Monica’s demons collaborated worked together on the accident. Yet it’s only Tina who got the punishment.
2) Brandi was involved in that setup too. This is important to remember for…
3) Phix gives Brandi the book
Now… is it just my paranoia, or is Phix covering her tracks here? Bullying/discouraging Tina from digging in her past, taking care of the demons involved in the situation… and in the next page, it looks to me like Monica’s Doubt is hiding…
I think that Monica’s demons escaped punishment because they only worked on Monica. They were allowed to do that.
I don’t know about Phix. It does seem a bit ominous.
Anyone ever been in this situation? you potentially pissed someone off to the extreme and you have no idea what you did or how to Phix it?
Yes, it’s called being in a relationship. .. wait … ARE THEY DATING!?!??!?!
Tina-Phix slash? Kina hot. Especially if you are into tall and very, very, very tall women.
Heh heh. Righteous.
Oh, yeah, I *impale my girlfriend’s jaw with my claws* just every DAY. Not.
*shudder*
Attention. GOT.
Heheheh . All the time .
Have you ever been married?
I’ve had a lot of “not-girlfriends”
OK so as long as Tina never ever does anything except things she actually has done before (breathing, serving coffee, brushing her hair down and NOT BACK never EVER brush BACK EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!) then she’ll be fine.
“Don’t lesnerise!”
Nothing purple-gray about this situation.
So not only must she never know what it is she may have done wrong that she must also never do, she’s also an idiot for not knowing what it is she must never know? Not that I got the impression she had any options other than loose and loose horrifically, but how does that make any sense?
Never heard of Protection till I googled your comment (it’s with a Z btw XP). Fantastic story! Thanks for pointing me towards it.
Haven’t you noticed that i use British spellings?
Actually, it’s been forty-odd years since i read it.
(And some of them were very odd.)
I’d even forgotten the title.
I remember the last line, though…
Last panel sent a chill.
Yowsers. Maybe I’m the only one but I took that to mean If you did remember your ideas, I would be forced to kill you.
Phix is truly badass.
Phix certainly knows how to drive home her point. Owwww.
I like Phix ‘n all , but she’s got me a little upset , drawing blood from my Tina .
One word: Ouch!
Phix … step away from the barista …
Heheh…drop the chalupa.
Yeee-ipe! And I forgot to pack my catnip grenades…..
Eeep!
Just keep chanting the mantra “ignorance is bliss, ignorance is bliss”, Tina.
After yesterday and today’s strips, I truly fear what Pablo has in mind for the Friday cliffhanger. Our sanity is on borrowed time!
@geekoncall: It’s because people forget the old saying about those who gain in knowledge gain also in sorrow.