Well, tea is what Phix drinks at the Library and serves to guests (after terrifying them).
Which reminds me – given my crack the other day about Phix sounding like she learnt her English from Tommies stationed in Egypt – if so, “cookie” wouldn’t be right; should be “biscuit”.
And, speaking (as someone does) about “leaking from other orifices”, remember that the first thing Katharine said, after being reassured that Phix didn’t really plan to do her a mischief was a request to be directed to the loo…
uh-oh…looks like Tina is/are not as happy to see Phix as we are…and even less happy to be seen by her…
man, I certainly wouldn’t want to have someone give me this glance!
I think that’s a “Don’t screw with my girl or you’ll learn the true meaning of ‘eternal torment’, you nutty bitches… I eat demons like you for breakfast…” look
We know Phix did something horrible, hence why she was put in the Library… I wonder if she engaged in Daemon killing…In that case, Tina needs to be scared.
And for the first time since they destroyed the Calender, i’m really anticipating the next comic!
Don’t get your hopes up too much. Paul has a tendency to leave things hanging and move on to another sub plot for a while. We may find out what happened via drips and drops in future strips down the line.
That’s not sweat, or mascara. Those are tears. Tina has been scared to leaking.
I think Tina is looking at a power that can snuff her out like a candle, and knows it. And … Phix doesn’t seem too happy with her. That’s not a thoughtful regard. That is the expression of an authority that has found you knowingly transgressing, and is now about to call you to account.
I was looking at that “LOOK” and considering what some have said, what I see is this….
“Ah Monica’s a Good Kid…..as for YOU.”
It seems to me more like a Parent or Authority figure who, perhaps, is about to remind you about something you may have done in the past.
OR
Maybe whatever Tina does to “READ” what someone wants to drink may have p***** her off. Perhaps that look is, “Don’t you DARE try to look into my head and see what I want.”
Whatever the reason, Tina looks truly scared.
I LOVE THIS COMIC. These characters are SO compelling. I would love to see this as an animated Feature.
But as others have already pointed out, she *did* harm Monica and even momentarily killed her. (Jin restarted Monica’s heart.)
Then, just now, Phix had to appear at the coffee shop to stop Tina from causing further harm. Phix is very guarded about the main library. Monica was trying to respect that. Tina, not knowing any better, was twisting Monica’s arm hard to get Monica to take Amanda there, which was the last thing Phix wanted. So Tina was stepping on Phix’s toes big time.
Yea, that’d be my guess too. Tina manipulates and Phix just caught her in the process of doing just that. She’s not doing any harm but Phix wouldn’t necessarily know that and Tina knows it.
I’ve seen that expression before on teachers and cops faces at one time or another. It looks like “I’m not pleased and you will be too, shortly.” rather than real anger.
Is this the first time Tina has had normal eyes, with pupils and everything (instead of spirals)? Phix must be drawing someone out to the forefront…Nudge?? Someone else?????
The mind boggles…think I’ll have some tea and pray that Tina is still with us tomorrow!
I see Phix reaching into Tina and pulling Nudge right out and putting the fear of the ages into her/it. Then putting Nudge back a bit crumpled and very humbled. In any event, I doubt Nudge is going to become Smudge. Phix is not likely going to hurt anyone or anything. Tina’s gang may be an enforcer for the demon realm, but Phix is probably capable of keeping enforcers in line.
Gotta hand it to Paul. As much as one can care for a cartoon character, I feel for Tina, given that last panel. Still, no one should have to be that afraid.
Paul has done a great job of character development. I can totally FEEL what Tina is “feeling”. The moment I saw her Tears I thought to myself, “Poor thing, don’t be scared.”
Me too…instant reaction was “Poor Tina!” and the urge to give her a hug. Pretty impressive for a fictional character with unknown loyalties and motivations…
Tina also sees auras so she’s seeing Phix’s aura, which is that of a sphinx. Traditionally, if you could not answer the sphinx’s riddle, you were lunch ( or whatever meal happened to come next in the rota. . . )
Nah, she needn’t worry about getting eaten. As someone pointed out the other day, those that failed the riddle game were strangled, then tossed off a cliff – not eaten.
Here’s how I felt the strip:
“Ah… Monica’s a good kid…”
*well other business to tend to*
(looks at Tina) *FWOOOOOOMPH* as full winged aspect mentally comes into full firey doom mode.
”
Tea?” please don’t end me please don’t end me please don’t end me please don’t end me please don’t end me please don’t end me please…..
Precisely…besides, if a lady pulls her arms behind her back like that, she can get some serious oomph added to her rack. I should know…I’ve used it to my advantage before. 🙂
Julie: Beatrice Arthur was in the 1954 Off-Broadway production of Threepenny Opera, she would have been about thirty at the time, and a Babe (she’d have made a great Phix, come to think) – she’s the girl in the second row in the red bonnet in the cover shot for cast album’s covershot; when Polly Peachum sings (of “Mack the Knife”, to whom both she and Bea, as Lucy Brown, claim to be married), “He likes a neat, petite girl”, she replies, “He likes a big, complete girl…”
And you can just the hands on thehips and the shoulders thrown back…
(That particular version of the cast also includes Paul Dooley and John Astin as two of Macheath’s men. Astin gets to snarl “The swine!”, a line that might have been written with him in mind.)
Yike…Tina looks more scared than I ever remember seeing…I can’t quite tell if Phix’s look is one of exasperated impatience or righteous fury, but Tina certainly seems to be perceiving the latter, as if Phix followed her spoken comment with a telepathic “YOU, on the other hand…”
Ok, Phix seams to be the type that “knows’ something, as opposed to “guesses” something, about Tina. The question now is: What did she do and when did she do it?
IIRC, Tina’s demons were the ones that finally tormented Monica to the point that she (apparently) tried to commit suicide — thus they were largely to blame for the worst part of Monica’s mental trauma (including her stay in the (Not So) Fun House). (That’s why Tina’s demons were “sentenced to real time” and don’t remember anything beyond “waking up” as Tina in the current timeline.) Phix obviously is quite aware of this — which is a very unhealthy situation for Tina. Can’t wait to see how this plays out.
What about just now — twisting Monica’s arm to disobey Phix’s rules? Wouldn’t that be enough? After all, Phix didn’t bother showing up before, as far as we know.
Then again, there is always the possibility it’s not something we know about.
Perhaps Tina has some seriously overdue books. More likely, we are about to see some back-story. I hope so. There are unanswered questions about Phix.
The sphinx of Greek mythology sat at the gates of Thebes, and those who could not answer her riddle were strangled and by some accounts eaten, to the considerable detriment of tourism. By most every account, she was a foreigner, brought in from elsewhere; by some accounts a geas was placed upon her to compel her monstrous behavior. As the sphinx was revered elsewhere as a judge and speaker for the gods, some think the Greek tale was sort of an Aesop’s fable of a corrupted judicial system. When her riddle was answered, freed at last from the compulsion which was so at odds with her basic nature, she rendered justice upon herself, and by some accounts, committed suicide.
Queen Doubt said there were entire cycles of existence preceding this one. Did Phix, the “foreigner”, come from one of these?
Tina looks as if she went for a walk in the park and came face to face with a dragon. Is she looking at a deadly dangerous predator? or is she facing a judge? Is Phix one of those Powers who imposed the rules that demons must obey? Has Tina transgressed those rules? Does her very existence violate them?
I could go on for pages. I must say, I have never understood the fascination role-playing games have for some people, until I got caught up in this tale.
Huh. Always seen Tina as a sometimes annoying sentient, faceted mirror. And I think Phix, for all her “mellowing” over the centuries, has some issues she needs to work out. And just as she’s started feeling good about herself, here stands something that can read HER like a book and reminding her of the monster she used to be.
Oh dear, those aren’t sweat drops, Tina’s CRYING. And given the death glare Phix is giving her, that may be warranted. The next installment should be… interesting…
(Although if my theory about how Tina got the Key – Brandi made it in a prior cycle, gave it to Phix so it would survive the reset, then Phix somehow got it into the hands of Tina 1.0 – is correct, Phix and Tina’s demons may have met before, At the very least we know Phix knows all about Tina. Tina’s shock may be at seeing Phix out of the Library, walking around in human form. And that, to judge from their attitudes, Sphinxes are higher on the food chain than demons. With luck, we’ll find out what’s going on, soon.
Back then, I’m not sure Phix heard anything there beyond ‘barista’. Now, however, she has met Tina and I’m fairly certain Phix doesn’t need to close her left eye to see Nudge clearly.
My guess is Nudge is busted for the arm twisting that went with Monica’s coffee. I also agree with everyone who thinks the spinx stings the eyes in TinaVision.
Panel 3 – last I saw a look like that was on a librarian when I couldn’t contain my mirth at what I’d read. Phix has had a lot of time to perfect that look.
Tina’s eyes – Those just may be verrrrrry small spirals. In keeping with the scared to oriface leakage.
Looking forward to the morrow when all is revealed or scene shift.
I know what Phix is feeling in panel 2. When there is someone staring (unsolicted attention) at me, I get this odd feeling just inside the back of my skull, a kind of pressure. Then, I have to give the panel 3 stare and force them to break contact. But, I’m a Scorpio, we can outstare Killer Whales. Looking over one’s glasses helps, as well. Tina must have been broadcasting heavy confusion/consternation to warrant The Stare.
I think that what Phix is doing is very rehearsed. It’s what a parent or teacher might do to a misbehaving child. She is showing that she is in control by not loosing control. She is also giving Tina time to worry.
Don’t downplay the scorpio angle…those of that sign have eyes that, even in repose, hint at a smoldering volcano of emotion lying ever so close to the surface…
Scorps may have the death glare…but an angered Cancer can make you wish you’d never been born. A truly vindictive Cancer is the god/goddess of the guilt trip. It’s like having your parents yell at you when you’re a kid….when it’s over, you just want to cry and go to sleep.
Tina’s eyes might be normal because she’s trying to disguise herself as being human. The tears definitely hint at fear though!
Perhaps Phix is annoyed at Tina for trying to getting Monica to reveal the secret of the (restricted) library? Sure, she just got permission to do exactly that, but Tina didn’t know it, so she was basically encouraging someone to trespass on Phix’s turf.
2nd Panel: (e) Dun, dun, dun, (f) “Yes, I think the witnesses are getting far enough away”, (g) “Well, this next bit won’t be pleasant for me, and even less for her, but I better get it over with”, (h) “I think I’ll let her think about what she’s done a little longer”, (i) (e) through (h)
Well…I am not sure I ever had any true sympathy for Phix (I should dig in the past, but oh well, you know…)…and I certainly have lots of empathy with Tina.
I am really, really afraid of what seems going to happen to her, and in some pervert manner, I am glad it might prove that I am right – Phix is NOT to be appreciated…
I think that Phix is only trying to induce mortal fear into Tina, and that Phix’s ultimate goal is to protect, nurture, and guide Monica without causing any (un-necessary) collateral damage. We’re likely to see more episodes of Tina’s tears, and fewer “Nudges” from now on. I mean … Phix isn’t a monster now, is she?
Think we might see fewer anchovies, too? I think the next demon/demon conversation may go a little differently than that one did. 😀
Maybe there is more to this, though. Could it be that Phix has a goal and sees this as an opportunity, rather than just reacting? Tina is in no position to say “No” to whatever Phix says.
I don’t think that Tina is in any real danger, though. It is interesting how Phix cleared everyone out yesterday before dealing with Tina, though. Paul did a nice job of having several things going on at the same time, not for the first time, either.
I did say way back when that it’s possible that there’s still some missing pieces laying around. I posited that Shelly had Tina 1.0’s “spirit” inside her, but I’m not entirely sure about that now.
Methinks that there’s a lot of shards left over from the original “explosion” that happened in the room that sucked Maya into the demon realm (gee, where could SHE have gotten off to, I wonder?). Tina 2.0 might have some of those pieces in her, but they might not want to leave willingly.
Is Tina…scared? I hope Phix does not do anything drastic.
That’s not just scared, that’s terrified. Oh, my.
Question is , is she guessing or knows what she wants to drink ? I vote , she knows .
Well, tea is what Phix drinks at the Library and serves to guests (after terrifying them).
Which reminds me – given my crack the other day about Phix sounding like she learnt her English from Tommies stationed in Egypt – if so, “cookie” wouldn’t be right; should be “biscuit”.
And, speaking (as someone does) about “leaking from other orifices”, remember that the first thing Katharine said, after being reassured that Phix didn’t really plan to do her a mischief was a request to be directed to the loo…
My goodness…she’s crying, and not from eyes in her hands, neither! What is the deal with these two?
Don’t think that’s crying. I think her eyes are watering cause she has failed to close them since being dumbstruck earlier.
I don’t think so, Tina sleeps with her eyes open.
Tina doesn’t sleep – Pablo says so.
But if she did, she’d sleep with her eyes closed.
(And she’d take off her choker when she did.)
Actually, she apparently doesn’t have eyes when she does that…
I hope for her sake that those are the only orifices leaking fluid. :sniff: :sniff:
Thank you for painting that picture for me, nothing like starting your day with a shudder!
Does she even use those orifices( this sentence is innuendo free) being dead…ish and all i wouldn’t think she use her digestive track.
uh-oh…looks like Tina is/are not as happy to see Phix as we are…and even less happy to be seen by her…
man, I certainly wouldn’t want to have someone give me this glance!
An almost Dumbledore like glance?
Knows what’s happening – without asking.
I think that’s a “Don’t screw with my girl or you’ll learn the true meaning of ‘eternal torment’, you nutty bitches… I eat demons like you for breakfast…” look
Really… It says that much.
Damn, that must be some scary stuff Tina is seeing right now! And that’s some icey stare that Phix is giving her as well.
Woah woah woaaaah, what’s with the harsh glare there, Phix? Poor Tina looks like she expects to be gobbled up at any moment.
Here’s to hoping the two of them work things out. Monica’s various guardians really aught’a get along with each other. 😉
…but is Tina really her “guardian”?
And this is the first time since the early days of us seeing Tina that we’ve actually seen her (physical) eyes.
Exactly! I’ve been asking myself that same question since “Nudge” came around. If I were Monica, I wouldn’t trust him/she/whatever.
Looks like Phix has finally caught up someone she has had unpleasant dealings with before!
I wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of that glare, fer sure, dude!
OMG Tina
We know Phix did something horrible, hence why she was put in the Library… I wonder if she engaged in Daemon killing…In that case, Tina needs to be scared.
And for the first time since they destroyed the Calender, i’m really anticipating the next comic!
Phix’s exile was self-imposed.
Don’t get your hopes up too much. Paul has a tendency to leave things hanging and move on to another sub plot for a while. We may find out what happened via drips and drops in future strips down the line.
Now, now. It’s only Tuesday.
And just because Pablo has dropped a few trannys in his day, shifting gears ridiculously in this comic, doesn’t mean he’s going to do it tomorrow…
(please?)
Phix made Tina cry!!!
I’m wondering if this is who Tina hurt at some point or another……?
No. Tina hurt Monica. They figured that out some time ago.
If Phix knows that, and I’d guess she does, then that could be why Tina’s so scared.
Uh-oh, someone’s in a lil’ bit of a spot! 🙁
And Tina has more human eyes this time. Down to the panic-sweat making her maskara run.
I’m with CrashFu, Monica’s various supernatural ‘associates’ should at least be civil to each other (Tina and Bud, fer instance).
That’s not sweat, or mascara. Those are tears. Tina has been scared to leaking.
I think Tina is looking at a power that can snuff her out like a candle, and knows it. And … Phix doesn’t seem too happy with her. That’s not a thoughtful regard. That is the expression of an authority that has found you knowingly transgressing, and is now about to call you to account.
We must also remember that Tina has sworn (or has a geas upon her) to harm no one. Phix may not be aware of that, yet.
I was looking at that “LOOK” and considering what some have said, what I see is this….
“Ah Monica’s a Good Kid…..as for YOU.”
It seems to me more like a Parent or Authority figure who, perhaps, is about to remind you about something you may have done in the past.
OR
Maybe whatever Tina does to “READ” what someone wants to drink may have p***** her off. Perhaps that look is, “Don’t you DARE try to look into my head and see what I want.”
Whatever the reason, Tina looks truly scared.
I LOVE THIS COMIC. These characters are SO compelling. I would love to see this as an animated Feature.
That look isn’t quite the look that she gave Monica back when Brandi first took her to the Bibliothiki. That was a look more of annoyance.
This one isn’t annoyance. It’s something else. And, being a librarian, she definitely knows something about “communicating without speaking”…
Yeah, that. That is totally a “Mama is not HAPpy . . .” sort of a look.
Or even worse – “That book you borrowed is two weeks overdue.“
But as others have already pointed out, she *did* harm Monica and even momentarily killed her. (Jin restarted Monica’s heart.)
Then, just now, Phix had to appear at the coffee shop to stop Tina from causing further harm. Phix is very guarded about the main library. Monica was trying to respect that. Tina, not knowing any better, was twisting Monica’s arm hard to get Monica to take Amanda there, which was the last thing Phix wanted. So Tina was stepping on Phix’s toes big time.
Yea, that’d be my guess too. Tina manipulates and Phix just caught her in the process of doing just that. She’s not doing any harm but Phix wouldn’t necessarily know that and Tina knows it.
I’ve seen that expression before on teachers and cops faces at one time or another. It looks like “I’m not pleased and you will be too, shortly.” rather than real anger.
OKAY- Now I’m conflicted! My two favorite characters are at odds? SACRILEGE!!! (I will now go to my closet and cry like a little girl…)
I think I’ll follow your example and go do the hide-n-weep… D:
Like Conan O’Brien, since I can’t afford a Panic Room, I may have to retreat to my Spaz Cabinet.
Oooh- where do I get one of THOSE? (A Spaz Cabinet that is…)
Wow ! The last two panels FTW ! I hope nothing bad happens to my girl Tina .
Is this the first time Tina has had normal eyes, with pupils and everything (instead of spirals)? Phix must be drawing someone out to the forefront…Nudge?? Someone else?????
The mind boggles…think I’ll have some tea and pray that Tina is still with us tomorrow!
Yeah. I’m going to go away and think about this one ….
Could it just be that Paul couldn’t get Tina to look frightened otherwise? Friday she looked much more stunned than frightened.
I would classify Friday as, “OMG! What have I done!” Today it’s, “Oh! @$#!”
Not since her first few appearances, before Paul had “established” her as a character.
And I found the strip:
I Thought You Were A Masseuse
That was the only time Tina didn’t have the strange “swirls” in her eyes.
FWIW, even Nudge had spirals (white on black), but when no one was home, there was nothing.
Ooh! Here is a frightened Tina without the spirals. Unfortunately, it didn’t really happen.
Those were the “conscience’s” eyes…
Uh oh! Do I smell trouble a brewing.
Not “brewing”. Phix drinks tea (hee hee). The look from Phix could boil the water to make it too.
I’ve heard the term ‘brew’ applied to making tea before. 🙂 Though I suppose ‘steep’ is more appropriate…
My eyes hurt just imagining how long she’s been wide-eyed and watering.
Tea? Coffee? Pound of flesh?
I see Phix reaching into Tina and pulling Nudge right out and putting the fear of the ages into her/it. Then putting Nudge back a bit crumpled and very humbled. In any event, I doubt Nudge is going to become Smudge. Phix is not likely going to hurt anyone or anything. Tina’s gang may be an enforcer for the demon realm, but Phix is probably capable of keeping enforcers in line.
Gotta hand it to Paul. As much as one can care for a cartoon character, I feel for Tina, given that last panel. Still, no one should have to be that afraid.
Great call.
Paul has done a great job of character development. I can totally FEEL what Tina is “feeling”. The moment I saw her Tears I thought to myself, “Poor thing, don’t be scared.”
That is some powerful character development.
Me too…instant reaction was “Poor Tina!” and the urge to give her a hug. Pretty impressive for a fictional character with unknown loyalties and motivations…
If Phix does anything, she will most likely just fluff & puff then grin “gottcha!”
Aww poor tina. She looks petrified.
And that is one nice glare by phixx!
Whilst she may not hurt people anymore im pretty sure she could hurt demons easy 🙂
wether she wants to or not is another matter.
Possible shes just annoyed because it is the first time she has met the person who ‘hurt’ monica?
Tina also sees auras so she’s seeing Phix’s aura, which is that of a sphinx. Traditionally, if you could not answer the sphinx’s riddle, you were lunch ( or whatever meal happened to come next in the rota. . . )
Nah, she needn’t worry about getting eaten. As someone pointed out the other day, those that failed the riddle game were strangled, then tossed off a cliff – not eaten.
Hmm… a lot of territorial cats…
Did I say, that Tina is perfectly safe, just a few days ago?
Well… forget I said anything.
You shouldn’t offer tea… you should run like hell.
Whoa! Tina’s eyes look almost (human) normal…
Here’s how I felt the strip:
“Ah… Monica’s a good kid…”
*well other business to tend to*
(looks at Tina) *FWOOOOOOMPH* as full winged aspect mentally comes into full firey doom mode.
”
Tea?” please don’t end me please don’t end me please don’t end me please don’t end me please don’t end me please don’t end me please…..
Poor Tina. *supportive hugs*
Ummm, has Tina borrowed …something(s) … from Monica?
Her cup does seem to runneth over .
Not that I’m complaining . . .
No. She had the tight-fitting top on previously. It is, after all, early summer in the TC.
Precisely…besides, if a lady pulls her arms behind her back like that, she can get some serious oomph added to her rack. I should know…I’ve used it to my advantage before. 🙂
Wasn’t referring to the top.
Julie: Beatrice Arthur was in the 1954 Off-Broadway production of Threepenny Opera, she would have been about thirty at the time, and a Babe (she’d have made a great Phix, come to think) – she’s the girl in the second row in the red bonnet in the cover shot for cast album’s covershot; when Polly Peachum sings (of “Mack the Knife”, to whom both she and Bea, as Lucy Brown, claim to be married), “He likes a neat, petite girl”, she replies, “He likes a big, complete girl…”
And you can just the hands on thehips and the shoulders thrown back…
(That particular version of the cast also includes Paul Dooley and John Astin as two of Macheath’s men. Astin gets to snarl “The swine!”, a line that might have been written with him in mind.)
This is MUCH better than I anticipated yesterday!
Can’t wait to see tomorrow.
Yike…Tina looks more scared than I ever remember seeing…I can’t quite tell if Phix’s look is one of exasperated impatience or righteous fury, but Tina certainly seems to be perceiving the latter, as if Phix followed her spoken comment with a telepathic “YOU, on the other hand…”
Yeah, I think Tina may be in a bit of trouble with Phix.
I don’t think Tina’s in trouble – Nudge is.
Yup!!
…Nice choker.
It’s all fun and games when you think the spinx won’t leave the library…..
Ok, Phix seams to be the type that “knows’ something, as opposed to “guesses” something, about Tina. The question now is: What did she do and when did she do it?
IIRC, Tina’s demons were the ones that finally tormented Monica to the point that she (apparently) tried to commit suicide — thus they were largely to blame for the worst part of Monica’s mental trauma (including her stay in the (Not So) Fun House). (That’s why Tina’s demons were “sentenced to real time” and don’t remember anything beyond “waking up” as Tina in the current timeline.) Phix obviously is quite aware of this — which is a very unhealthy situation for Tina. Can’t wait to see how this plays out.
What about just now — twisting Monica’s arm to disobey Phix’s rules? Wouldn’t that be enough? After all, Phix didn’t bother showing up before, as far as we know.
Then again, there is always the possibility it’s not something we know about.
Perhaps Tina has some seriously overdue books. More likely, we are about to see some back-story. I hope so. There are unanswered questions about Phix.
The sphinx of Greek mythology sat at the gates of Thebes, and those who could not answer her riddle were strangled and by some accounts eaten, to the considerable detriment of tourism. By most every account, she was a foreigner, brought in from elsewhere; by some accounts a geas was placed upon her to compel her monstrous behavior. As the sphinx was revered elsewhere as a judge and speaker for the gods, some think the Greek tale was sort of an Aesop’s fable of a corrupted judicial system. When her riddle was answered, freed at last from the compulsion which was so at odds with her basic nature, she rendered justice upon herself, and by some accounts, committed suicide.
Queen Doubt said there were entire cycles of existence preceding this one. Did Phix, the “foreigner”, come from one of these?
Tina looks as if she went for a walk in the park and came face to face with a dragon. Is she looking at a deadly dangerous predator? or is she facing a judge? Is Phix one of those Powers who imposed the rules that demons must obey? Has Tina transgressed those rules? Does her very existence violate them?
I could go on for pages. I must say, I have never understood the fascination role-playing games have for some people, until I got caught up in this tale.
Speaking of books, Phix has a copy of Tina 1.0’s diaries. Tina 2.0 doesn’t know what’s in them, but Phix might.
Thanks for the background.
She also has copies of any writings Tina may have produced in previous cycles. The sheer depth of information available to her is staggering.
Yes, and those books are what is supposed to help Jin with her problem…which I thought was to be the next adventure!??!
Huh. Always seen Tina as a sometimes annoying sentient, faceted mirror. And I think Phix, for all her “mellowing” over the centuries, has some issues she needs to work out. And just as she’s started feeling good about herself, here stands something that can read HER like a book and reminding her of the monster she used to be.
Oh no, Tina! *Hug and protect!*
Maybe Phix is just mad that Tina was trying to get Amanda involved in all this supernatural fun stuff despite Monica’s protests?
I think Tina needs to change her pants
Tomorrow’s version of Wapsi Square:
A drawing of a plaque that says…
“In Loving Memory Of Tina The Demon Barista.
Cause Of Death: She was consumed by a beautiful sphinx.
She will be missed by a midget with big breasts and a snarky buff girl.”
Poor Tina…Phixy’s gonna kill yooooou…..Phixy’s gonna kill yooooou…..Phixy’s gonna kill yooooou….
Oh dear, those aren’t sweat drops, Tina’s CRYING. And given the death glare Phix is giving her, that may be warranted. The next installment should be… interesting…
(Although if my theory about how Tina got the Key – Brandi made it in a prior cycle, gave it to Phix so it would survive the reset, then Phix somehow got it into the hands of Tina 1.0 – is correct, Phix and Tina’s demons may have met before, At the very least we know Phix knows all about Tina. Tina’s shock may be at seeing Phix out of the Library, walking around in human form. And that, to judge from their attitudes, Sphinxes are higher on the food chain than demons. With luck, we’ll find out what’s going on, soon.
Or not. ^_^)
FWIW, Phix started giggling when Monica said she thought Tina was a glyph reader. That’s consistent with Phix not taking Tina very seriously.
Back then, I’m not sure Phix heard anything there beyond ‘barista’. Now, however, she has met Tina and I’m fairly certain Phix doesn’t need to close her left eye to see Nudge clearly.
My guess is Nudge is busted for the arm twisting that went with Monica’s coffee. I also agree with everyone who thinks the spinx stings the eyes in TinaVision.
Yep, that’s about what I figured.
Maybe seeing Phix in TinaVision hurts the eyes, like those optical illusions, magic pictures, the sun…..
Panel 3 – last I saw a look like that was on a librarian when I couldn’t contain my mirth at what I’d read. Phix has had a lot of time to perfect that look.
Tina’s eyes – Those just may be verrrrrry small spirals. In keeping with the scared to oriface leakage.
Looking forward to the morrow when all is revealed or scene shift.
Holy crap.
Four panels, two characters, one word and possibly the most impactful comic we’ve seen from Pablo in a little while.
I must say Pablo, don’t your cliffhangers normally come on Fridays?
Did you ever have that feeling you were having holes stared into you? I feel sorry for Tina right now…
I know what Phix is feeling in panel 2. When there is someone staring (unsolicted attention) at me, I get this odd feeling just inside the back of my skull, a kind of pressure. Then, I have to give the panel 3 stare and force them to break contact. But, I’m a Scorpio, we can outstare Killer Whales. Looking over one’s glasses helps, as well. Tina must have been broadcasting heavy confusion/consternation to warrant The Stare.
I think that what Phix is doing is very rehearsed. It’s what a parent or teacher might do to a misbehaving child. She is showing that she is in control by not loosing control. She is also giving Tina time to worry.
Don’t downplay the scorpio angle…those of that sign have eyes that, even in repose, hint at a smoldering volcano of emotion lying ever so close to the surface…
Scorps may have the death glare…but an angered Cancer can make you wish you’d never been born. A truly vindictive Cancer is the god/goddess of the guilt trip. It’s like having your parents yell at you when you’re a kid….when it’s over, you just want to cry and go to sleep.
Tina’s eyes might be normal because she’s trying to disguise herself as being human. The tears definitely hint at fear though!
Perhaps Phix is annoyed at Tina for trying to getting Monica to reveal the secret of the (restricted) library? Sure, she just got permission to do exactly that, but Tina didn’t know it, so she was basically encouraging someone to trespass on Phix’s turf.
Jeeez!! Between panels 3 & 4, I almost feel like I want to run & hide somewhere too. If anybody needs me, I’ll just be under my computer table….
1st Panel: “Monica’s a good kid…”
2nd Panel: (a) “Like a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day”, (b) “Reminds me of me at her age”, (c) “I wish I were her mother”, or (d) all of the above.
3rd Panel: (a) “I have my eye on you!”, (b) “So she’d better stay that way!”, (c) “If you know what’s good for you!”, or (d) all of the above.
4th Panel: “Tea … ?” and (a) “… biscotti … ?”, (b) ” … on the house … ?”, (c) “… to go?”, or (d) all of the above.
2nd Panel: (e) Dun, dun, dun, (f) “Yes, I think the witnesses are getting far enough away”, (g) “Well, this next bit won’t be pleasant for me, and even less for her, but I better get it over with”, (h) “I think I’ll let her think about what she’s done a little longer”, (i) (e) through (h)
3rd Panel: (e) “Now, as for you…”
Well…I am not sure I ever had any true sympathy for Phix (I should dig in the past, but oh well, you know…)…and I certainly have lots of empathy with Tina.
I am really, really afraid of what seems going to happen to her, and in some pervert manner, I am glad it might prove that I am right – Phix is NOT to be appreciated…
I think that Phix is only trying to induce mortal fear into Tina, and that Phix’s ultimate goal is to protect, nurture, and guide Monica without causing any (un-necessary) collateral damage. We’re likely to see more episodes of Tina’s tears, and fewer “Nudges” from now on. I mean … Phix isn’t a monster now, is she?
Not <i.now, no.
Think we might see fewer anchovies, too? I think the next demon/demon conversation may go a little differently than that one did. 😀
Maybe there is more to this, though. Could it be that Phix has a goal and sees this as an opportunity, rather than just reacting? Tina is in no position to say “No” to whatever Phix says.
I don’t think that Tina is in any real danger, though. It is interesting how Phix cleared everyone out yesterday before dealing with Tina, though. Paul did a nice job of having several things going on at the same time, not for the first time, either.
I did say way back when that it’s possible that there’s still some missing pieces laying around. I posited that Shelly had Tina 1.0’s “spirit” inside her, but I’m not entirely sure about that now.
Methinks that there’s a lot of shards left over from the original “explosion” that happened in the room that sucked Maya into the demon realm (gee, where could SHE have gotten off to, I wonder?). Tina 2.0 might have some of those pieces in her, but they might not want to leave willingly.