Candi on "Hiatus"

[Starline]

Hey y'all.

Candi's been up for 12 years now and I'm super burnt out on it. I have a bunch of other ideas that I want to work on and general art stuff I want to do that I'm more passionate about. I draw and make graphics for a living, so when I do get to draw for "fun" I want it to be something I'm excited about.

So I'm going to stop working on Candi for a while, and maybe I'll get back into drawing them again (maybe with a new story too?). I don't know yet.

You can see the other projects and art I'm working on in the meantime at my Tumblr (http://starline.tumblr.com/tagged/art) or Twitter page (http://www.twitter.com/starlinex).

If you need some resolution to the Candi story... well almost everyone graduates.

[Rheinhard]

Awwww...

Although I fully believe one needn't keep working on fan projects (especially those for which one isn't really being paid) after they become a "chore" more than labor of love, it's still disappointing for those of us following along because we want to know how the story ends.

And yes, although you note that "almost everyone graduates", I think that was never much in doubt for most people, was it? I strongly suspect the major questions are more along the lines of:

• Who ends up with whom?
• What jobs/careers will they follow?
• Will the Squirrel Mafia end up taking over the world?

Still, it's a good idea to recharge one's creative batteries. After all, how long does George R.R. Martin take between books?

In any case, speaking as one who waited nearly 3 years for the concluding episode of Giant Robo in real time back in the day, I know how to wait for a good story to conclude!

[ShadeTail]

Yeah, that happens sometimes. Go ahead and recharge your batteries.

[Tuitsuro]

This does tend to be the theme with long slice-of-life webcomics. I think a lot of artists tend to use 'hiatus' because they themselves don't like finality; but to be honest hiatuses usually mean the end of a comic; more often or not. Which in Candi's case is fine, Candi had good, long run. That's a lot to be proud of! So excellent work, Starline! Thank you for your hard work all these years!

[cursormortis]

And yes, although you note that "almost everyone graduates", I think that was never much in doubt for most people, was it?

I dunno, I'm not so sure about Linda. Trevor might drop, too, since college seems to be more of a hobby for him.

I strongly suspect the major questions are more along the lines of:

• Who ends up with whom?

Jon ends up alone, still pining after girls who don't actually want a relationship with him. Candi gets engaged to Chris in her senior year but that falls apart when her neuroses arise and she starts questioning why he's even with her. Jess discovers she likes girls and starts dating Rebecca. Jess' standoffishness causes friction with Rebecca's jealousy, but it works out as Rebecca is terrible at being around anyways. Everyone else becomes lesbians because why not?* Even Trevor and Matt.

• What jobs/careers will they follow?

Candi stays an artist. She eventually gets a job animating a TV show about magical superheros called Philip Galaxy. All superheros are based on various types of soda. Chris is drafted in the first round by the Cleveland Browns. He gets them into the second round of the playoffs one year, and the people of Ohio have no idea what to do with that kind of success. Jess becomes a motivational speaker (If I can have meaningful friendships and relationships, so can you!). Linda flits between jobs because everyone keeps finding reasons to fire her. Jon works a boring desk job forever. Matt and Trevor end up owning a chain of nightclubs and restaurants. Laura remains vague on her job, but it allows her to spend a lot of time with her friends and gives her surprising skills as an emergency bouncer.

• Will the Squirrel Mafia end up taking over the world?

Yes. For as long as it takes to gather the world's supply of nuts. After that, they realize running the world is a lot of work and kinda boring, so they auction it off to whomever will provide them with the most nuts each year. Poland actually ends up winning that auction, and everyone is surprised, especially the Poles.


*This is supposed to be a reference to some webcomic that actually did end that way, but I never read it and can't remember the name right now. If anyone knows it, feel free to fill it in.

[Tuitsuro]

You're thinking of Avalon by Josh Phillips. Alternatively, I think Girly basically did that too, but Avalon is generally the one referenced.

[HiFranc]

Look after yourself Starline.

[BenjaminT]

Good luck, Starline! Thanks for the fun comic. I wonder if there is a way to send a mass email or other notification if you ever do decide to take it back up again. I know I'd be interested but I'm unlikely to check back here all that often. If there was an opt in, sign up sheet to be notified of an update I'd be interested in signing up.

Also, is there a single comic you guys would recommend picking up as an alternative? I don't have the time to pick up a bunch but if there's a comic that stands out as similiar in quality if not style to Candi Comics I might be interested in giving it a try.

[cursormortis]

Good luck, Starline! Thanks for the fun comic. I wonder if there is a way to send a mass email or other notification if you ever do decide to take it back up again. I know I'd be interested but I'm unlikely to check back here all that often. If there was an opt in, sign up sheet to be notified of an update I'd be interested in signing up.

Also, is there a single comic you guys would recommend picking up as an alternative? I don't have the time to pick up a bunch but if there's a comic that stands out as similiar in quality if not style to Candi Comics I might be interested in giving it a try.

Weregeek is fun if you like gaming/geek culture. Something Positive is amusing if you like sarcasm and cynicism. Questionable Content is good if you like Sarcasm and Cynicism and more than a few references to indie rock music. Sandra and Woo is cute and similar to Calvin and Hobbes in a way. I Am ARG! is a 3-4 panel joke a day comic with a decent amount of geek culture thrown in. Angel Moxie has been finished for about a decade, but it's still a pretty good magical girl story. El Goonish Shive is an amusing story comic with heavy transformation and magic elements. Darths and Droids answers the question "What if Star Wars were a sci-fi D20 campaign in a world that didn't have Star Wars?"

I can come up with more.

[Weltall84]

Much as I would have loved some plot resolution I totally understand and respect your reasons for wanting to put Candi to bed and move onto things that you have more passion for. This comic has been a fun-fun read, both for the art and the characters and story lines. You gave us twelve years of your passion and creativity for free; it would be wrong of us to beg you to continue to do something that the spark has fizzled out for Starline. I wish you the best on your future en-devours and look forward to any you share with us. ^_^

[HiFranc]

[...]

Also, is there a single comic you guys would recommend picking up as an alternative? I don't have the time to pick up a bunch but if there's a comic that stands out as similiar in quality if not style to Candi Comics I might be interested in giving it a try.

The webcomic with the closest atmosphere to Candi that I read is Waste of Time. There is a bit of supernatural stuff in it (especially at the beginning) but, like the Menjou storylines, it's a subplot.

{edit} if you're looking for something with a lot more supernatural in it Godslave and The Monster Under the Bed (Warning: Parts are NSFW).

If you want more drama Validation is worth a look.

I know that this one is completely different but I recommend Datachasers and its prequel Luna Star. Again, parts are NSFW.

I can think of a lot more but those should be a good choice. Very different to Candi but worth looking up - Damsels Don't Wear Glasses, Strong Female Protagonist and Cosmos Song.


{edit 2} Another one you may like is Let's Ask Violet. If you don't mind a mind reader being the main character there's Think Before You Think.

[ronnehh]

Validation is about as close to a "drama" as an educational childrens PSA about flossing playing in the waiting room of your dentist's office.

So yeah, if you enjoyed Candi it'll have you similarly on the edge of your seat.

[ravenstar84]

But Chris and Candi!!!!!

My angst aside, Starline, thank you so much for your hard work and sharing this story with us for this long. I'm 31 and have been following Candi since the beginning. I hope Candi's story can continue someday, but definitely take care of yourself first. I hope we get to see any new future projects/stories you decide on that's just as addicting as this.

Again, THANK YOU!

[RTRaptor]

It's been a good ride. I was only here for a few months of it, but it was a good ride nonetheless. Thank you for making all this wonderfully entertaining content, Starline.

... Now, everyone, we've got a job to do. To the Candi fanfiction machine!

[clif]

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!