Octopus Pie
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| Octopus Pie | |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Meredith Gran |
| Website | octopuspie.com RSS web feed  |
| Current status / schedule | Monday, Wednesday, Friday |
| Launch date | 2007-05-14 [1] |
| Genre(s) | Life, Humor |
Octopus Pie is a webcomic written and drawn by Meredith Gran. It focuses on the misadventures of two 20-something women living in Brooklyn, New York. It is currently updated three times a week and around 100 strips have been published so far. The comic has been featured in an article in The New York Daily News.[1]
Contents |
[edit] Content
The comic is light humor, with some occasional swearing and partial nudity. While initially relying on the juxtaposition of the two protagonists, Octopus Pie also has the "feel" of an indie comic, focusing on young urbanites, usually from Gen Y. In that way Octopus Pie is similar to such comics as Scott Pilgrim, Questionable Content and Striptease.
[edit] Characters
Everest "Eve" Ning Eve is a post-grad in creative writing from Brooklyn who has already become embittered at just about every aspect of her life, and the universe in general. Grumpy and cynical, Eve worked at Olly's Organix, an organic food grocer, until she overthrew Olly and was appointed head of the store. When the pressure of dealing with being the head got too much, Eve gave way to Olly, her former boss, and is back as a clerk. Throughout the first chapters of the strip, she gradually begins to open up to her room mate, as well as taking a romantic interest in Will, an associate of Hanna's.
Hanna Thompson A classmate who went to the same preschool as Eve, Hanna is the stereotypical free spirit in every way possible. Found by Eve's mother on Craigslist, she initially breaks into Eve's apartment, and is able to stay simply because Eve is unable to force her out. As the story progresses, Hanna is revealed to be the founder of the "Bake'N'Bake" brand baked goods, which are created in the exact manner the name suggests. She is romantically involved with Marek, who is is also a partner in her "Bake'N'Bake" venture.
Eve's Mom Smug, snarky and a divorcee. It would appear she disliked James (Eve's previous boyfriend); she is the one who arranges for Hanna to move in with Eve. She also has a strong and often socially inappropriate obsession with September 11.
James, Eve's existentialist ex, he broke up with her during a cell phone conversation. He returns later in the strip with a new girlfriend.
Marek Hanna's boyfriend and co-founder of "Bake'N'Bake", is a shaggy and often silent counterpart to Hanna's exuberant personality, a disciple of the Zen of Duck. Marek is Polish.
Will A nice young man who works at the shipyards, he is an associate of Hanna's, through whom he eventually meets Eve.
Olly Owner and proprietor of Olly's Organix. He was temporarily forced to abdicate his position as boss, thanks to Eve. However, Eve told a large crowd of supporters that Olly was to thank for the recent ad campaign which causes his temporary downfall. Olly is now back as head of the store.
[edit] Plot arcs
Introductions[2]
Fairly self explanatory, introduces the general flow of the comic. Eve has just broken up with her boyfriend, James, and Hanna moves in. Eve's job and the general state of her life is introduced.
Bicycle Rights[3]
Eve's bicycle (Mr. Pedals) is stolen, which prompts her to become paranoid about security.
Bake n' Bake[4]
Explores the mystery of what Hanna does for a living, also introduces Marek and Will. A link to the official Bake N' Bake website can be found here [5]
Grocery Misconduct[6]
Hanna goes topless in Central Park while Marek gives Eve the inspiration to learn of 'Duck Zen' when she spots her ex-boyfriend James with another girl.Then When Olly, Eve's boss, needs to come up with a new ad campaign for the store, Eve jokingly draws a crude dog that calls the store "The Fukken Shit" - not knowing that the drawing will be seen as Olly's temporary downfall and Eve's temporary popularity.
Natural Phenomenon[7]
When James, Eve's ex-boyfriend unexpectedly shows up at their front door, Eve and Hanna make a run for it (Hanna thinking James is a Narc), and Eve eventually winds up hanging out with Will. Eve then discovers that Will is Hannah's drug dealer.
Skate or Don't[8]
Upon a trip to a local skating rink, it is revealed that Eve has an actual talent, aside from smarm and grumpiness... Figure skating. We are also introduced to the character, "AMERICA JONES", a rival from Eve's childhood. Plus the introduction of Eve's dad.
Our Brooklynian Life[9]
While hanging out with Hanna, Eve finds and cares for a parrot. While the parrot gives her added attention, she also has to deal with the return of Will.
[edit] Issues
While Octopus Pie is primarily a humorous strip, it has dealt with wider social issues, such as the right for women to go topless.[10][1]
[edit] Author
Meredith Gran is a web cartoonist and artist who has produced several previous web comics, such as Not Gonna Take it, and Skirting Danger. Gran, along with Ian Jones-Quartey, Aaron Farber, and Josh Mirman were the founding members of the now defunct Bagofchips web comic group, set up along similar lines as Keenspot and Blank Label Comics. The group disbanded shortly after its inception, as most of the artists abandoned their respective projects.
[edit] Notes
- ^ a b Romano, Denise (September 13, 2007). Brooklyn-based online comic gaining fans. New York Daily News.
- ^ octopus pie :: officially "it's complicated" with new york city
- ^ octopus pie :: officially "it's complicated" with new york city
- ^ octopus pie :: officially "it's complicated" with new york city
- ^ bake n bake dot com
- ^ octopus pie :: officially "it's complicated" with new york city
- ^ octopus pie :: officially "it's complicated" with new york city
- ^ octopus pie :: officially "it's complicated" with new york city
- ^ octopus pie :: dedicated to the conservation of the awkward turtle
- ^ octopus pie :: officially "it's complicated" with new york city
