no homo...
Reviews for "Contagious"
Meh not a fan of your cartoons haven't beenf or a long time now just not really all that funny anymore.
word.
I must agree with Ronin. Sexual-Lobster is capable of one-handedly take a good comic strip, and turn it into a better flash. No doubt about it, Fernando's world is his best invention so far, and it would be a good idea to focus on that, there's the potential of a good show in it. Three different characters with such odd and unique personalities, that keep an abandoned building as headquarters of a bizarre company make a good recipe for comedy, and maybe going back to the old, kind of long cartoons Sexual-Lobster did in his first years of flash could be the answer.
Sexual-Lobster responds:
my art style is too time intensive now, im not up for 5 minute epics anymore!
Part of a greater potential project called "Manwhore Industries", Chris Voigt's Greasy Moose have done it again. This is where storyboarding with a cartoonist background pays off in spades, people: watch and learn.
Adapted from a comic found on the Greasy Moose website as usual, Fernando has contracted an STD and finds himself at the center of a web of sexual intrigue that hits closer to home than he wishes to imagine.
With the rate at which new Greasy Moose material debuts, it should be established that the so-called "Sexual Lobster" has attained a pattern of consistency akin to the Neurotically Yours web cartoon series. In other words, his repeated and constant cartooning and development, performing his own voices and doing all the major work, has made him into a competent, affable gentleman whom we can take hints from.
"Manwhore Industries" also has another cartoon that could be adapted into a series. Politely petition Mr. Voigt whenever possible, because some of these are too goofy to pass up. Oh, and they are not goofy as in stream-of-consciousness absurd, like much of the Greasy Moose world; there often seems to be no true binding to the segmented, capricious plotting, so it's an adult variation of Looney Tunes that has no consistency except for the general traits of the characters. None of the situations they get themselves into seem to pan out with any repercussions. In other words, Greasy Moose lacks any core of realism or sequential consistency to it.
The cartoon that Chris linked up in Entry 53 can work as a Flash, but here's a lesson on adapting cartoons: you have to edit them. This one has an initial subplot that establishes Manwhore Industries but lacks a stunning punchline: Gooseman discussing with Fernando about the latest Music Video (quite literally a nod to the ones displayed at Newgrounds and that Fernando does have a legitimate business). Afterward, the hilarity ensues. Now, if I were Chris, I would either slice down the opener or rewrite it, perhaps lengthen and adapt it into a separate cartoon in the same continuity, while keep the remainder for an actual cartoon. Reworking and planning the comic in question for animation may prove a bitch, but don't slap Mr. Voigt for trying. In "Contagious", he has his priorities straight as the whole comic rests on a single theme carried unto the end with flair and sass.
As for future installments of "Manwhore Industries" assuming Mr. Voigt cares to continue them, I would recommend installing an actual antagonist, and it's on display at this site: the law. A three-part cartoon featuring Gooseman and a seductive undercover police detective on his tail for body harvesting (a recurring theme in his motif). Combined with maintaining an illicit business and inter-office politics threatening to destroy them inside-out, and you have the semblance of an actual episodic comic or animation series. I suppose the drawback is keeping a continuity/consistency bible because Greasy Moose, other than general character/caricature profiles, never seems to do so.
It might not fly with the Sexual Lobster, but it's a given that he has the capabilities to create a brilliant series out of this set-up. He has the abandoned office building and the three crazies who can make something out of it. It's just a question of whether he wishes to pursue it or not. In any event, Contagious is an excellent adaptation of a comic and classic example of escalation and punchline working together flawlessly. Say what you will of its content, but you cannot deny its ingenious execution. The Greasy Moose are the sexiest guys and girls on Newgrounds thus far, with all due respect to Mr. Stamper.
Sexual-Lobster responds:
"a competent, affable gentleman" haha i like that.
i have to agree regarding the manwhore industries comic, it does not end on a solid punchline. and it would require some knowledge of fernando's music career to make sense, what with the music lyrics and the yoghurt.
i have a massive fernando story that i've written with a very formidable antagonist, but its very long and action heavy, i might tackle it some day but not any time soon.
as for the manwhore industries scenario, i have come up with several other scripts for shorts set in the building other than the comic, but i guess i'll wait and see how this one does. also, i should probably make another manwhore song at some point to remind people of what its about.
glad you liked it and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts on it.