Episode 93: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I am trying very hard not to do spoilers for anyone who is reading this, but the juxtaposition of certain panels in this episode with the episode title is some excellent foreshadowing.
I am trying very hard not to do spoilers for anyone who is reading this, but the juxtaposition of certain panels in this episode with the episode title is some excellent foreshadowing.
Episode 94: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Oh God! They're attacking us with boulders!" is undeniably a nice tension-breaking joke, but the winner here is Karen and Bleu saying "They're right where we predicted they'd be," which immediately amps the tension back up.
"Oh God! They're attacking us with boulders!" is undeniably a nice tension-breaking joke, but the winner here is Karen and Bleu saying "They're right where we predicted they'd be," which immediately amps the tension back up.
Episode 95: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"If you stop moving, you'll die." Karen is infinitely quotable.
The fact that using that Guides using their powers without working with another Guide just vaporize their targets is both terrifying and amazing.
"If you stop moving, you'll die." Karen is infinitely quotable.
The fact that using that Guides using their powers without working with another Guide just vaporize their targets is both terrifying and amazing.
Episode 96: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Still not sure why Balen is wearing a shirt here.
It's a little detail, but I love that the geomancer squad here all have their own unique weapons. I feel like it's a detail that implies a lot of backstory that we never got to see
Still not sure why Balen is wearing a shirt here.
It's a little detail, but I love that the geomancer squad here all have their own unique weapons. I feel like it's a detail that implies a lot of backstory that we never got to see
Episode 97: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I like Karen quite a bit, and I like her powers quite a bit, and I feel like of the villains, she is the one who most consistently gets hurt or embarrassed (case in point, panel 3)
I like Karen quite a bit, and I like her powers quite a bit, and I feel like of the villains, she is the one who most consistently gets hurt or embarrassed (case in point, panel 3)
This is not a problem, to be clear, and I think it's actually a crucial facet of the character: she has tremendous power, tremendous intelligence, and tremendous capabilities, and so frequently puts herself in situations that evolve beyond her control.
Episode 98: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"As long as this land protects me, I'm timeless," combined with the dual image of Karen and AJ with their respective motifs behind them? *chef's kiss*
"As long as this land protects me, I'm timeless," combined with the dual image of Karen and AJ with their respective motifs behind them? *chef's kiss*
Episode 99: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Heart quote: "I shall never think again, for the burden is too much to bear."
Also special shout-out to the utterly badass shot of Cole kicking a man in the face in the middle of a raging battle.
Heart quote: "I shall never think again, for the burden is too much to bear."
Also special shout-out to the utterly badass shot of Cole kicking a man in the face in the middle of a raging battle.
Episode 100: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
AJ's allusion to Karen maybe knowing some form of geomancy has stuck with me since the first time I read this page, and I'm kind of curious if it's going to come up in Lost Noise.
AJ's allusion to Karen maybe knowing some form of geomancy has stuck with me since the first time I read this page, and I'm kind of curious if it's going to come up in Lost Noise.
Episode 101: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Love the phantom images of Karen still visible in the background of AJ's frustration panels.
Love the phantom images of Karen still visible in the background of AJ's frustration panels.
Episode 102: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Now that's a shame. Discord is such a killer."
I have used Ghost-like abilities in multiple tabletop and videogames and it is ALWAYS satisfying.
"Now that's a shame. Discord is such a killer."
I have used Ghost-like abilities in multiple tabletop and videogames and it is ALWAYS satisfying.
Episode 103: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Know this: we are soldiers. We suffer for those we love, so they won't have to. It's a duty worth dying for.
So tell me: who are you? We could have learned from each other!
Who do you suffer for?"
"Know this: we are soldiers. We suffer for those we love, so they won't have to. It's a duty worth dying for.
So tell me: who are you? We could have learned from each other!
Who do you suffer for?"
The narration is all in Cole's text color, even though he himself is just a bit part in a battle splash page that involves almost every major named character thus far. Bleu's identity as a soldier is integral to him, but seeing Cole's thoughts about war adds a new layer
And of course I messed up the episode link: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Episode 104: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You are wasting my time and your flesh. I'm passing through, one way or another."
Karen continues to be the best, but the battle shoutout goes to Bleu tanking Valens attack and then CATCHING HIM WHEN HE TRIES TO JUMP AWAY
"You are wasting my time and your flesh. I'm passing through, one way or another."
Karen continues to be the best, but the battle shoutout goes to Bleu tanking Valens attack and then CATCHING HIM WHEN HE TRIES TO JUMP AWAY
Episode 105: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Every part of this war sequence is excellent, but the sudden dread that comes with Karen's allusions to what really's hidden in the Badlands is masterful.
Every part of this war sequence is excellent, but the sudden dread that comes with Karen's allusions to what really's hidden in the Badlands is masterful.
Episode 107: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"He's casting! RUN!"
You may not know what's about to happen, but you know for sure it's not good.
"He's casting! RUN!"
You may not know what's about to happen, but you know for sure it's not good.
Episode 109: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The distorted text around Ghost's one-word "Lucian" implies so much emotion so effectively.
The distorted text around Ghost's one-word "Lucian" implies so much emotion so effectively.
Episode 110: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Isn't this lovely? I thought I'd never hear that voice again." I know I'm coming into this knowing exactly what their relationship is, but these few pages do such a great job expanding their characters and establishing their antagonism
"Isn't this lovely? I thought I'd never hear that voice again." I know I'm coming into this knowing exactly what their relationship is, but these few pages do such a great job expanding their characters and establishing their antagonism
Episode 111: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"It's a waste of breath to admit that things did not go as planed, with me being dead and you being...not dead."
Every Ghost/Lucian interaction is so good.
"It's a waste of breath to admit that things did not go as planed, with me being dead and you being...not dead."
Every Ghost/Lucian interaction is so good.
Episode 112: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Man, I definitely did not know the reveal at this point and I can't understand how I missed it. Panel layout and dialogue are basically screaming it at this point.
Man, I definitely did not know the reveal at this point and I can't understand how I missed it. Panel layout and dialogue are basically screaming it at this point.
Episode 113: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I appreciate that Karen, having lost the fight, decides to both impart some crucial information and screw with her opponent's head.
I appreciate that Karen, having lost the fight, decides to both impart some crucial information and screw with her opponent's head.
Episode 114: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You have no talents of your own, only some gifts you inherited. It's the only excuse for your ignorance." I don't know what it is about Karen and Ghost that speaks to me so deeply, but their dialogue is a big part of it.
"You have no talents of your own, only some gifts you inherited. It's the only excuse for your ignorance." I don't know what it is about Karen and Ghost that speaks to me so deeply, but their dialogue is a big part of it.
Episode 115: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I like that the soldier makes sure we know the mysterious blonde gentleman looking wistfully off into the horizon is Cole, because we definitely aren't recognizing him without his hat.
I like that the soldier makes sure we know the mysterious blonde gentleman looking wistfully off into the horizon is Cole, because we definitely aren't recognizing him without his hat.
Episode 116: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"A choice meant to be beneficial inveterately causes more woe. Then it is just a question of if the woe went to the right place.
For now, I'll settle for that."
"A choice meant to be beneficial inveterately causes more woe. Then it is just a question of if the woe went to the right place.
For now, I'll settle for that."
Episode 117: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
In which Cyri shares some crucial lore information that welds Part One and Part Two together after that incredible war sequence.
In which Cyri shares some crucial lore information that welds Part One and Part Two together after that incredible war sequence.
Episode 118: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Because of John's joke about Cole's beat panel here (THAT HE HASN'T MADE YET) I was unable to get through the end of this comic without laughing. So thanks for that
Because of John's joke about Cole's beat panel here (THAT HE HASN'T MADE YET) I was unable to get through the end of this comic without laughing. So thanks for that
Episode 119: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You sacrificed your body to restore grandmom's bell....
I don't know if I can use it now. It'd be too creepy."
"You sacrificed your body to restore grandmom's bell....
I don't know if I can use it now. It'd be too creepy."
Episode 120: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is an excellent page for many reasons, but I'll start with the joke.
"It's easy to get lost in thought if you aren't used to it," is a deep burn, and it's too bad AJ was too zoned out to hear it.
This is an excellent page for many reasons, but I'll start with the joke.
"It's easy to get lost in thought if you aren't used to it," is a deep burn, and it's too bad AJ was too zoned out to hear it.
But more importantly: we finally learn just a little bit about what the Gallery is. I'm probably going to rant about the Gallery an EMBARASSING amount later, but for now, I'll just quote the comic.
"The only way to make sure no one would ever come after the artifact was to make the cost of obtaining it too high. Everyone who enters will lose something dear. It's a dangerous place, impartial to everyone."
Episode 121: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Power is merely the faculty to act. It's a kinetic quality few can grasp.
The deaths of these 12 men costs me nothing. I can replace them.
Because I never stop moving."
"Power is merely the faculty to act. It's a kinetic quality few can grasp.
The deaths of these 12 men costs me nothing. I can replace them.
Because I never stop moving."
Episode 122: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I wonder who this mysterious Nyle is who is familiar to both Karen and Frey and who nearly killed Lucian? So mysterious...
I wonder who this mysterious Nyle is who is familiar to both Karen and Frey and who nearly killed Lucian? So mysterious...
(But seriously I'm treating this as the reveal of his name, because I can't tell you how many times I've had to delete the words "Nyle" and replace them with "Ghost" and now I can just go ahead and use them as I need to)
Episode 123: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Seriously, I forgot how much I love the magic mechanics of this world (and, coincidentally, how much I've stolen for my own work 😅
Seriously, I forgot how much I love the magic mechanics of this world (and, coincidentally, how much I've stolen for my own work 😅
Episode 124: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"The trees told me you ran into a strange woman back in Fortuna." I know we've explained AJ's powers (and consequently made geomancy badass as hell) but it's still a great way to yada yada your way out of redundant exposition
"The trees told me you ran into a strange woman back in Fortuna." I know we've explained AJ's powers (and consequently made geomancy badass as hell) but it's still a great way to yada yada your way out of redundant exposition
Episode 125: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
For some reason, the animosity between Ghost and Bleu feels much more pronounced in this run. My guess is that Ghost sees a lot of his younger self in Bleu, and is both projecting and trying to act as a kind of cynical mentor?
For some reason, the animosity between Ghost and Bleu feels much more pronounced in this run. My guess is that Ghost sees a lot of his younger self in Bleu, and is both projecting and trying to act as a kind of cynical mentor?
Episode 126: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I think this is the first time we learn the weapon is called the lens? But then, I apparently missed the first "Nyle", so I could definitely be wrong.
I think this is the first time we learn the weapon is called the lens? But then, I apparently missed the first "Nyle", so I could definitely be wrong.
Episode 127: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I like the aesthetic of these backstory-expanding episodes.
I like the aesthetic of these backstory-expanding episodes.
Episode 128: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The word "sacerdotal" appears near the end of this page, and I do not believe I had encountered this word before Fortuan Saga and that I have not encountered it since.
The word "sacerdotal" appears near the end of this page, and I do not believe I had encountered this word before Fortuan Saga and that I have not encountered it since.
Episode 129: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Everyone, including Cole, immediately guessing that Nyle is one of the three people who survived the War of the Magi 1000 years ago, has cracked me up since I first read it.
Everyone, including Cole, immediately guessing that Nyle is one of the three people who survived the War of the Magi 1000 years ago, has cracked me up since I first read it.
Episode 130: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
It's a nice detail that Balen is still capable of moving when all the other characters are incapacitated
It's a nice detail that Balen is still capable of moving when all the other characters are incapacitated
Episode 131: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Deep in this enchanted earth, flesh did not rot. Unfed bodies did not die. The body was preserved from time, while the mind was not. We were sealed inside - no light, no room, no way to pass the time."
"Deep in this enchanted earth, flesh did not rot. Unfed bodies did not die. The body was preserved from time, while the mind was not. We were sealed inside - no light, no room, no way to pass the time."
"We were sentenced to never see or feel anything ever again."
The whole "sense prison" nightmare scenario (or the "I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream," if you were prefer) is an old fear of mine, and its use here as a backstory for three crucial characters is superb
The whole "sense prison" nightmare scenario (or the "I Have No Mouth And I Must Scream," if you were prefer) is an old fear of mine, and its use here as a backstory for three crucial characters is superb
Episode 132: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is a video interlude in a comic with a constant ticking clock that relies on visuals not at all, solely on dialogue color-coded so you know who's speaking at any given moment. It is transcendent.
This is a video interlude in a comic with a constant ticking clock that relies on visuals not at all, solely on dialogue color-coded so you know who's speaking at any given moment. It is transcendent.
One of the key conflicts that will be running through the next 200 episodes is that Ghost, Frey, and Karen cannot kill each other. They have spent a thousand years in each other's heads, and while they can work against one another, they cannot actually hurt each other.
A lot of what makes their relationship special is implied rather than shown outright, but these flashbacks, while sparse, do amazing work establishing their basic characters and the effect their long imprisonment has upon them.
The fact that Karen, the time mage, always knows how exactly how long they've been trapped? The fact that Ghost's bitterness is almost identical from the start of their imprisonment to its end? The fact that the religious Frey's last words in 132 are "We have been abandoned"?
And all of this set to the ceaseless ticking of the clock, the relentlessness of consciousness in a void where there are no sensations, no hope of escape. Everything perfectly calibrated so you get some dim glimpse into the endless hell these three were subject to.
This flashback sequence is far from perfect, but 132 sells it in a big way. We know just a little about who the characters were before the Lens was stolen. Now we see them made to suffer for their optimism, and see how they're warped by their experience.
Episode 133: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is my first time noticing the extremely tiny, hard to read "GAH MY EYES" in the wide-shot panel.
This is my first time noticing the extremely tiny, hard to read "GAH MY EYES" in the wide-shot panel.
Episode 134: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Who's this mysterious silhouette? Eh, she probably won't be important later.
Who's this mysterious silhouette? Eh, she probably won't be important later.
Episode 135: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Lucian is one of my all-time favorite villains, and his dialogue here is an excellent example as to why. In the face of threats and defiance from powerful people
"I like people who are direct."
"There are no shades of gray in this world."
Lucian is one of my all-time favorite villains, and his dialogue here is an excellent example as to why. In the face of threats and defiance from powerful people
"I like people who are direct."
"There are no shades of gray in this world."
Episode 136: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Karen has some A+ quotes
"Time gnaws and wears away; it separates; it flies."
"Realize that now, in this moment of time, you are creating. You are creating your next moment. That is what is real."
"The foolish spend time: the wise use it."
Karen has some A+ quotes
"Time gnaws and wears away; it separates; it flies."
"Realize that now, in this moment of time, you are creating. You are creating your next moment. That is what is real."
"The foolish spend time: the wise use it."
Episode 137: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"The blade flies beneath his defenses and the man is hit in the heart (the devious promptings of the demons start)."
I like Balen, but some parts of his core philosophy still feel hazy to me after several rereads
"The blade flies beneath his defenses and the man is hit in the heart (the devious promptings of the demons start)."
I like Balen, but some parts of his core philosophy still feel hazy to me after several rereads
Episode 138: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Tell me what flowers you want at your funeral you stupid woman!" is one of those quotes like "It really was a Hatori Hanzo sword" that feels really amazing to use as a non sequitur, particularly while playing a video game
"Tell me what flowers you want at your funeral you stupid woman!" is one of those quotes like "It really was a Hatori Hanzo sword" that feels really amazing to use as a non sequitur, particularly while playing a video game
Episode 139: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Nyle, I know you're mad, but I don't think you NEEDED to burn that forest.
I really like that there's a distinction between Nyle's dialogue and Ghost's. The two identities feel different in subtle but clear ways.
Nyle, I know you're mad, but I don't think you NEEDED to burn that forest.
I really like that there's a distinction between Nyle's dialogue and Ghost's. The two identities feel different in subtle but clear ways.
Episode 140: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I can see why Nyle made the switch to the Western Legion armor. Besides the symbolism, it also looks badass
I can see why Nyle made the switch to the Western Legion armor. Besides the symbolism, it also looks badass
Episode 141: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This reveal was telegraphed beautifully, and I'm a sucker for the metaphor. Nyle's cause survives his death, in the form of Ghost: Lucian's evil survives his death, infesting Nyle's body. I love the metaphysics used to explain it
This reveal was telegraphed beautifully, and I'm a sucker for the metaphor. Nyle's cause survives his death, in the form of Ghost: Lucian's evil survives his death, infesting Nyle's body. I love the metaphysics used to explain it
Episode 143: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This episode has such a long build-up and it is STILL FUNNY.
I think this was the most recent page when I first discovered Fortuna Saga, and I may have to take a brief break here while I feel my age.
This episode has such a long build-up and it is STILL FUNNY.
I think this was the most recent page when I first discovered Fortuna Saga, and I may have to take a brief break here while I feel my age.
Episode 144: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
If you've played #FinalFantasyVI, there is some marvelous dramatic irony throughout Fortuna Saga, but it really comes to a head here.
If you've played #FinalFantasyVI, there is some marvelous dramatic irony throughout Fortuna Saga, but it really comes to a head here.
Episode 145: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
A lot of the drawbacks of geomancy break the old show-don't-tell rules (since our most prominent geomancer is a gifted prodigy who barely has to work for her mastery), but these episodes do a great job showing the costs that come with power.
A lot of the drawbacks of geomancy break the old show-don't-tell rules (since our most prominent geomancer is a gifted prodigy who barely has to work for her mastery), but these episodes do a great job showing the costs that come with power.
Episode 146: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Look who's back!
Also, this is the joke the cracked me up all the way back in Episode 118.
"What were you thinking!"
*flashback*
"If tomatoes are technically fruits, is ketchup technically a fruit paste on par with jams and jellies?"
Look who's back!
Also, this is the joke the cracked me up all the way back in Episode 118.
"What were you thinking!"
*flashback*
"If tomatoes are technically fruits, is ketchup technically a fruit paste on par with jams and jellies?"
Episode 147: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Just caught the reference to Frey's soliloquy in the Episode title, but I do love how offended Cole is by Ghost stealing the sigil, and how earnest he is in trying to get it back.
Just caught the reference to Frey's soliloquy in the Episode title, but I do love how offended Cole is by Ghost stealing the sigil, and how earnest he is in trying to get it back.
Episode 149: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Tension immediately broken by AJ using endgame spells on a poor passerby and Valens insisting that messenger birds have to die no matter what.
Tension immediately broken by AJ using endgame spells on a poor passerby and Valens insisting that messenger birds have to die no matter what.
Episode 150: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I will not have blood on my hands this way," implies that Ghost would have let Cole die if he'd managed to find a more dignified way of getting stabbed, and honestly I respect that.
"I will not have blood on my hands this way," implies that Ghost would have let Cole die if he'd managed to find a more dignified way of getting stabbed, and honestly I respect that.
Episode 151: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is the most we ever get of Lucian's backstory, and every part of it is so good at telling you who he is, and how ruthlessly he pursues his goals. I love how his robe is highlighted while his stolen face is permanently framed in shadow.
This is the most we ever get of Lucian's backstory, and every part of it is so good at telling you who he is, and how ruthlessly he pursues his goals. I love how his robe is highlighted while his stolen face is permanently framed in shadow.
Episode 152: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
There is so much happening in this chapter and all of it grounded in excellent character work (from AJ beating up soldiers to Bleu taunting AJ about serious information to AJ's genuine concern for Cole to the reveal of who the passerby was)
There is so much happening in this chapter and all of it grounded in excellent character work (from AJ beating up soldiers to Bleu taunting AJ about serious information to AJ's genuine concern for Cole to the reveal of who the passerby was)
Episode 153: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Bleu's utter terror at the Hunter is still funny.
And shirtless Cole with a bandaged wound staring off at the horizon still steals the scene.
Bleu's utter terror at the Hunter is still funny.
And shirtless Cole with a bandaged wound staring off at the horizon still steals the scene.
Episode 154: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
It would be easy for Lucian to be your traditional evil overlord ingrate (which he kind of is!) But I like that he takes time to admit to Valens that he was right to rescue Lucian earlier. It says something about how Lucian views the world.
It would be easy for Lucian to be your traditional evil overlord ingrate (which he kind of is!) But I like that he takes time to admit to Valens that he was right to rescue Lucian earlier. It says something about how Lucian views the world.
Episode 155: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The Hunter's first line in over 100 Episodes is a greeting followed by a sardonic request. The Hunter is fascinating, terrifying, and hilarious (there is a pattern in Cutting's work)
The Hunter's first line in over 100 Episodes is a greeting followed by a sardonic request. The Hunter is fascinating, terrifying, and hilarious (there is a pattern in Cutting's work)
Episode 156: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"That's crazy!"
"It beats being dead."
Seriously, the Hunter is hilarious.
"That's crazy!"
"It beats being dead."
Seriously, the Hunter is hilarious.
Episode 157: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The panels of Lucian ripping through Fortuna's soldiers single-handedly are terrifying and awesome, but Ghost's soliloquy takes centerstage, with his ode to good intentions, bad outcomes, and atonement. "Our eyes got stuck on the horizon."
The panels of Lucian ripping through Fortuna's soldiers single-handedly are terrifying and awesome, but Ghost's soliloquy takes centerstage, with his ode to good intentions, bad outcomes, and atonement. "Our eyes got stuck on the horizon."
Episode 158: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is a great intro to a paradigm shift in how our story is going to proceed, but I don't think we're ever given adequate explanation as to why Cole and AJ are killing time playing chess in an occupied city (I know why they're there)
This is a great intro to a paradigm shift in how our story is going to proceed, but I don't think we're ever given adequate explanation as to why Cole and AJ are killing time playing chess in an occupied city (I know why they're there)
Episode 159: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
In which Cole Mariano demonstrates that, as hilarious a stooge as he can be, you do not want to mess with him.
In which Cole Mariano demonstrates that, as hilarious a stooge as he can be, you do not want to mess with him.
Episode 160: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The Guide Balls look really cool, but I'm not sure it's ever made clear to us what they do?
The Guide Balls look really cool, but I'm not sure it's ever made clear to us what they do?
Episode 161: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I feel a twinge of sympathy everytime I read the intro to this letter, alluding to the likely chance Lauren hasn't written Bleu since the war began. To quote our dear Ghost, "Hoorah for romance."
I feel a twinge of sympathy everytime I read the intro to this letter, alluding to the likely chance Lauren hasn't written Bleu since the war began. To quote our dear Ghost, "Hoorah for romance."
Episode 162: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
But seriously, crackling with crimson lightning as they see an incoming attack? Those Guide Balls DO look cool.
But seriously, crackling with crimson lightning as they see an incoming attack? Those Guide Balls DO look cool.
Episode 163: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
In which Ghost and the Hunter quickly establish that they are the most terrifying things in Fortuna's army.
In which Ghost and the Hunter quickly establish that they are the most terrifying things in Fortuna's army.
Episode 164: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Everyone you face won't be as genial as Nyle or me," combined with Ghost's bloodstained shrug, has never once failed to make me laugh.
"Everyone you face won't be as genial as Nyle or me," combined with Ghost's bloodstained shrug, has never once failed to make me laugh.
Episode 165: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I love this discussion between AJ and Ghost about what it means to have to kill in defense of your ideals, and how to walk that fine line between prowess in battle and the need for empathy.
I love this discussion between AJ and Ghost about what it means to have to kill in defense of your ideals, and how to walk that fine line between prowess in battle and the need for empathy.
Episode 166: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
A master geomancer tracks an army when a single soldier absent-mindedly treads upon a single healthy plant. Geomancy continues to be badass.
A master geomancer tracks an army when a single soldier absent-mindedly treads upon a single healthy plant. Geomancy continues to be badass.
Episode 167: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"If you aren't going to help, then shut up!" is so hilariously petty
"If you aren't going to help, then shut up!" is so hilariously petty
Episode 168: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The Hunter is in command now. This can't possibly end badly.
The Hunter is in command now. This can't possibly end badly.
Episode 169: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"In other words, the Chief is a dick" could replace half the dialogue in this episode (though it wouldn't be quite as entertaining). Besides Cole giving AJ shit about how cool ritualists can be.
"In other words, the Chief is a dick" could replace half the dialogue in this episode (though it wouldn't be quite as entertaining). Besides Cole giving AJ shit about how cool ritualists can be.
Episode 170: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Chief Glass is an interesting character, especially in context of the full canticles. His staunch pacifism is theoretically admirable, and his desire for peace is shared by most major characters. His major flaw seems to be a sort of denial
Chief Glass is an interesting character, especially in context of the full canticles. His staunch pacifism is theoretically admirable, and his desire for peace is shared by most major characters. His major flaw seems to be a sort of denial
Pacifism in the face of those willing to do you extreme harm--not just you, personally, but your nation, its cities, and its people--amounts to surrender. And for Bleu and the others, the cost of that surrender is too heavy to be born.
If Glass could accept the risks and costs of his actions, I think his position would earn more respect from our protagonists. I believe Lucian later admonishes him for his rigid pacifism, and I think he's right to.
Episode 171: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
It's a nice detail that the monsters make from people's souls can't host bacteria, as they are utterly unnatural.
That said, this notion of monsters crafted from souls does bring to mind something from Lost Noise...
It's a nice detail that the monsters make from people's souls can't host bacteria, as they are utterly unnatural.
That said, this notion of monsters crafted from souls does bring to mind something from Lost Noise...
Episode 172: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Dante's pretty great.
"Think we could trade Cole for him?
There's no harm in asking."
For real story details: the conflict between Dante and Glass, and the cowardice it reveals, helps us understand some of Glass' flaws a little better
Dante's pretty great.
"Think we could trade Cole for him?
There's no harm in asking."
For real story details: the conflict between Dante and Glass, and the cowardice it reveals, helps us understand some of Glass' flaws a little better
Episode 173: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
A lot to like here between AJ and Dante's sibling rivalry with and genuine affection for one another and Karen and Ashlyn being gloriously sarcastic, but Karen wins as always: "Kill the woman first. She wearies me."
A lot to like here between AJ and Dante's sibling rivalry with and genuine affection for one another and Karen and Ashlyn being gloriously sarcastic, but Karen wins as always: "Kill the woman first. She wearies me."
Episode 174: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I love that Cole always gets to do the big eyes surprise emote when something happens (and I love the random soldier shouting "NO SHIT CAPTAIN" in the wide panel), but Frey's the real highlight here.
I love that Cole always gets to do the big eyes surprise emote when something happens (and I love the random soldier shouting "NO SHIT CAPTAIN" in the wide panel), but Frey's the real highlight here.
Our first time seeing Frey in action during the war sequence, the layout didn't really convey how deadly he was. Here things feel a lot more fluid, and Frey consequently feels a lot more terrifying. We get a tangible sense of just how fast, strong, and unstoppable he is.
Episode 175: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Not to be even more of a god damn nerd, but this little snippet of a fight is SO GOOD. Ashlyn uses time magic to turn herself into an arrow-firing machine gun, and Ghost Matrix dodges his way through it! SO COOL.
Not to be even more of a god damn nerd, but this little snippet of a fight is SO GOOD. Ashlyn uses time magic to turn herself into an arrow-firing machine gun, and Ghost Matrix dodges his way through it! SO COOL.
Episode 177: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Love the panel of Frey and Cole charging each other just before the teleport hits.
Love the panel of Frey and Cole charging each other just before the teleport hits.
Episode 178: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Dante, walking up to his sister, covered in blood: "I don't do it that often because it really hurts."
Dante, walking up to his sister, covered in blood: "I don't do it that often because it really hurts."
Episode 179: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Cutting said he didn't like the Neon Delicious Tree joke, but I'll be honest, if we don't get the full history of the Neon Delicious Tree in Lost Noise, I'm considering all three Canticles a wash.
Cutting said he didn't like the Neon Delicious Tree joke, but I'll be honest, if we don't get the full history of the Neon Delicious Tree in Lost Noise, I'm considering all three Canticles a wash.
Episode 180: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
It took me a long time to notice the telltale shift of eye color that means Ghost diagnosed Dante by possessing him.
Sidenote: I love that all of Ghost's supernatural, phantasmic abilities are basically things he knew how to do while alive.
It took me a long time to notice the telltale shift of eye color that means Ghost diagnosed Dante by possessing him.
Sidenote: I love that all of Ghost's supernatural, phantasmic abilities are basically things he knew how to do while alive.
Episode 181: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Ashlyn's backstory does rely to some extent on the events of Final Fantasy VI, and I find it pretty interesting. One of the main cast in FFVI is the product of successful experiments to bring magic back, as is one of the major villains.
Ashlyn's backstory does rely to some extent on the events of Final Fantasy VI, and I find it pretty interesting. One of the main cast in FFVI is the product of successful experiments to bring magic back, as is one of the major villains.
Ashlyn is probably the character in Fortuna Saga who draws most from this backstory, being one of these experiments. And her backstory and motivations play nicely against the rest of the cast.
Episode 182: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
There's a lot to love here, between the Clue reference in Panel 3 and Cole being haunted by his ghosts in Panel 11. But above all else, a heart quote:
"The boundary between capability and willingness is where most of us find salvation."
There's a lot to love here, between the Clue reference in Panel 3 and Cole being haunted by his ghosts in Panel 11. But above all else, a heart quote:
"The boundary between capability and willingness is where most of us find salvation."
Episode 183: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is a lovely page, but special mention to AJ's ethereal ballet callback.
This is a lovely page, but special mention to AJ's ethereal ballet callback.
Episode 184: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
None of this is out of character for the Hunter. All of it is still terrifying.
None of this is out of character for the Hunter. All of it is still terrifying.
Episode 185: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"It seems that, more times than we would like, what we want and what we need to do are very different."
"It seems that, more times than we would like, what we want and what we need to do are very different."
Episode 187: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
There's a move in RE: Chain of Memories where you can turn yourself into the center of twisters to devastate your enemies, and it always reminds me of this.
There's a move in RE: Chain of Memories where you can turn yourself into the center of twisters to devastate your enemies, and it always reminds me of this.
Episode 188: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The philosophical, moral sparring between Lucian and Ghost? Good. The bodies raining down after AJ ends her tornado? Better.
The philosophical, moral sparring between Lucian and Ghost? Good. The bodies raining down after AJ ends her tornado? Better.
Episode 190: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"There is no one left but you and me. I have been looking forward to a fair fight."
In a single episode, we find out exactly what the Hunter has been doing in Ward, and why he's been doing it.
"There is no one left but you and me. I have been looking forward to a fair fight."
In a single episode, we find out exactly what the Hunter has been doing in Ward, and why he's been doing it.
Earlier in this thread, John explained that the story pivoted from a shorter story to a much longer one early in its run, and I think that's most clear with the Hunter. Despite a fairly heavy set-up, the Hunter never acquires the plot significance early pages seemed to foretell
That said, if the set-up to the Hunter's motives is a bit clumsy, the pay-off is incredible. Everything about the slaughter he orchestrates in Ward and the duel it was enacted for works, on a physical, narrative, and philosophical level.
The Hunter encapsulates a lot of what I love about Fortuna Saga. The story is not perfect, but its great moments continue to linger in my mind long after my first read, and I notice new details and appreciate each moment with each return.
Episode 191: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"What is freedom if not the unhampered transition from will to act?"
A very Lucian thought from Dante Lann here, even if displays his belief in a very un-Lucian-like way.
"What is freedom if not the unhampered transition from will to act?"
A very Lucian thought from Dante Lann here, even if displays his belief in a very un-Lucian-like way.
Episode 192: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I'm sure it bores us both to slay these insects. Stand guard, young geomancer!"
Lucian is a monster, but that doesn't stop him from being kind of magnificent.
(Also shoutout to Cole and Bleu being back-to-back badasses)
"I'm sure it bores us both to slay these insects. Stand guard, young geomancer!"
Lucian is a monster, but that doesn't stop him from being kind of magnificent.
(Also shoutout to Cole and Bleu being back-to-back badasses)
Episode 193: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Dante Lann is in Fortuna Sage for 20 Episodes of 324. In that time, he's funny, talented, affectionate, and flawed. In a short time, he earns a great deal of sympathy and affection.
And when AJ says, "Little brother?" It hit HARD.
Dante Lann is in Fortuna Sage for 20 Episodes of 324. In that time, he's funny, talented, affectionate, and flawed. In a short time, he earns a great deal of sympathy and affection.
And when AJ says, "Little brother?" It hit HARD.
Episode 194: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Gonna actually put on my critic hat for a second: AJ's geomancy-fueled rampage kicks ass, but the way she punches Lucian looks a little bit silly. That said, in both cases we feel her pain, rage, and grief.
Gonna actually put on my critic hat for a second: AJ's geomancy-fueled rampage kicks ass, but the way she punches Lucian looks a little bit silly. That said, in both cases we feel her pain, rage, and grief.
Episode 195: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You're stuck between the land, sky, and all my rage!" is a quote I have definitely stolen when using magical characters in RPGs
"You're stuck between the land, sky, and all my rage!" is a quote I have definitely stolen when using magical characters in RPGs
Episode 196: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I find something so incredibly badass about every scene where Ghost gets to hold a sword.
I find something so incredibly badass about every scene where Ghost gets to hold a sword.
Episode 197: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Everything about this section of the story, from the mustering of the soldiers in Fortuna to AJ and Dante's rampage to Ghost carrying AJ through the flames, hits hard.
Everything about this section of the story, from the mustering of the soldiers in Fortuna to AJ and Dante's rampage to Ghost carrying AJ through the flames, hits hard.
Episode 198: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The panel of Cole and Ghost sharing a silent look is gorgeous.
The panel of Cole and Ghost sharing a silent look is gorgeous.
Episode 199: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I was told you were a mute, and that thought disappointed me. But you are an eloquent speaker, telling a most depressing story."
"I was told you were a mute, and that thought disappointed me. But you are an eloquent speaker, telling a most depressing story."
Episode 201: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This fight is just. So. Cool.
Pretty sure that's not Cyri. I guess all sixteen-bit old women look the same to me.
Still trying to minimize references, to other Canticles, but: does Ezra have the same text color as the Hunter?
This fight is just. So. Cool.
Pretty sure that's not Cyri. I guess all sixteen-bit old women look the same to me.
Still trying to minimize references, to other Canticles, but: does Ezra have the same text color as the Hunter?
Episode 202: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I see you have also discovered the secret. When all you have is the mission, that's what you become.
Our lives burned away long ago."
I have never stolen this line, but I have been powerfully tempted to on many occasions.
"I see you have also discovered the secret. When all you have is the mission, that's what you become.
Our lives burned away long ago."
I have never stolen this line, but I have been powerfully tempted to on many occasions.
But also, MAN! Every part of this fight is so cool, but them tossing their weapons back to each other, both bleeding and injured for one final confrontation? And Valens praying over the defeated Hunter? THIS IS SUCH A GREAT FIGHT.
Episode 203: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I don't know if the instructor of geomancy here is Cyri or Dr. Allen. If it's Dr. Allen, I will admit it is a BIT convenient that someone else had a record of the Gallery besides the women who built it.
I don't know if the instructor of geomancy here is Cyri or Dr. Allen. If it's Dr. Allen, I will admit it is a BIT convenient that someone else had a record of the Gallery besides the women who built it.
Two Frey/Karen highlights here. First, I love that they're instantly on the same page about gaming the gallery, since all they have left to lose is the Lens and their lives. Second:
"Why are we here?"
"You're the holy one, Frey, you tell me."
"That's not what I meant."
"Why are we here?"
"You're the holy one, Frey, you tell me."
"That's not what I meant."
Episode 207: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is some nice character growth on Bleu's part. He's clearly a much more seasoned, focused commander than he was during the first battle of the war.
This is some nice character growth on Bleu's part. He's clearly a much more seasoned, focused commander than he was during the first battle of the war.
Episode 208: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I married an aloof, selfish woman."
I've used this line to make fun of @Kaydbe more than once.
I love that Bleu--kind, decent Bleu--has the confidence and willpower to strike at a shapeshifter disguised as his wife.
"I married an aloof, selfish woman."
I've used this line to make fun of @Kaydbe more than once.
I love that Bleu--kind, decent Bleu--has the confidence and willpower to strike at a shapeshifter disguised as his wife.
Episode 209: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Even without any lines, Karen still steals the scene with her facepalm
Even without any lines, Karen still steals the scene with her facepalm
Episode 211: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Bleu attacking Frey here looks a lot like Fighter attacking anyone in 8-bit Theater.
(I have almost tweeted Bleu's name as Blue so many times now)
Bleu attacking Frey here looks a lot like Fighter attacking anyone in 8-bit Theater.
(I have almost tweeted Bleu's name as Blue so many times now)
Episode 213: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Karen using time magic to deliver a group beatdown to AJ by herself is everything time magic should be.
Karen using time magic to deliver a group beatdown to AJ by herself is everything time magic should be.
Episode 214: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is a great page. Lucian steals the scene here:
"I would gladly have taken these men into my fold. Unfortunately, they are unable to share my vision. My eyes are focused forward. Sacrifices must always be made."
This is a great page. Lucian steals the scene here:
"I would gladly have taken these men into my fold. Unfortunately, they are unable to share my vision. My eyes are focused forward. Sacrifices must always be made."
But my heart is with Lieutenant Atwell and his friend, watching Lucian advance upon them:
"The odds are against us now."
"Yeah, it looks that way."
"...I could be wrong. All we have to do is kill one man."
"Sounds easy enough."
"...I'll see you on the other side."
"The odds are against us now."
"Yeah, it looks that way."
"...I could be wrong. All we have to do is kill one man."
"Sounds easy enough."
"...I'll see you on the other side."
Episode 215: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"With her, I was someone better, and there was no sweeter joy. I pity you, who cannot understand that."
"With her, I was someone better, and there was no sweeter joy. I pity you, who cannot understand that."
Episode 216: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The action sequence between Cole and Ashlyn, dueling with words and weapons across an active battlefield, is really cool, and really gives Cole's abilities a chance to shine.
The action sequence between Cole and Ashlyn, dueling with words and weapons across an active battlefield, is really cool, and really gives Cole's abilities a chance to shine.
Episode 217: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Only a time mage can hold a soul in stasis. Without that, human souls can't be twisted into monstrosities."
We knew Karen had the ability to make monsters from the Crew Dust, but only now do we see the full extent of her betrayal
"Only a time mage can hold a soul in stasis. Without that, human souls can't be twisted into monstrosities."
We knew Karen had the ability to make monsters from the Crew Dust, but only now do we see the full extent of her betrayal
Episode 218: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I taught you how to keep up with me. I expect you to do so."
"I taught you how to keep up with me. I expect you to do so."
Episode 219: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Cole's "Five More Minutes" is a nice bit of levity, but in five words, Bleu goes through five stages of grief, and accepts the grim, heartbreaking cost of doing the right thing.
Cole's "Five More Minutes" is a nice bit of levity, but in five words, Bleu goes through five stages of grief, and accepts the grim, heartbreaking cost of doing the right thing.
Episode 220: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"We have lived cursed lives. Perhaps we were incorrect to seek death, for death would not take us. We should find a path that makes death a fulfillment.
Good luck, my friend."
"We have lived cursed lives. Perhaps we were incorrect to seek death, for death would not take us. We should find a path that makes death a fulfillment.
Good luck, my friend."
Episode 221: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
A resolute pacifist meets Lucian. It goes about as well as you'd expect.
But oooh, the dread that comes with Ashlyn's simple question: "Ever hear of something called the Lens?"
A resolute pacifist meets Lucian. It goes about as well as you'd expect.
But oooh, the dread that comes with Ashlyn's simple question: "Ever hear of something called the Lens?"
Episode 222: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"This is a spear wound."
I believe @FilmCritHULK recently said something about #InvisibleMan, and how one of the best scenes is just one character revealing new information to another, like the best reveals are. This is one of those scenes.
"This is a spear wound."
I believe @FilmCritHULK recently said something about #InvisibleMan, and how one of the best scenes is just one character revealing new information to another, like the best reveals are. This is one of those scenes.
Episode 223: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I do love that there are three distinct teams of badasses with countervailing motives and loyalties all racing for the MacGuffin.
I do love that there are three distinct teams of badasses with countervailing motives and loyalties all racing for the MacGuffin.
Episode 224: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"A blighted place designed to hold the follies of mankind in check: the Gallery."
I love #webcomics, and there are ones I rank more highly than Fortuna Saga, but the Gallery plotline probably ranks near the top of my list of stories.
"A blighted place designed to hold the follies of mankind in check: the Gallery."
I love #webcomics, and there are ones I rank more highly than Fortuna Saga, but the Gallery plotline probably ranks near the top of my list of stories.
Episode 225: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I think @j_cutting once had a news post about this comic, where the entire joke is that the villains have to do all the grunt work that heroes normally have to in a dungeon, rather than just cut to the end.
I think @j_cutting once had a news post about this comic, where the entire joke is that the villains have to do all the grunt work that heroes normally have to in a dungeon, rather than just cut to the end.
Episode 226: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The pre-battle prep in panel 4 looks incredible badass.
I just realized the Conduit might make an appearance in Hymns of the Apostate?
The pre-battle prep in panel 4 looks incredible badass.
I just realized the Conduit might make an appearance in Hymns of the Apostate?
Episode 227: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"What must we give up?"
"Mortal, you will answer that question for me soon enough."
"What must we give up?"
"Mortal, you will answer that question for me soon enough."
Episode 228: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Humans are amazingly unobservant. They expect sacrifice to come from what they have instead of what they are. The true concept is common, yet very alien to them."
"Humans are amazingly unobservant. They expect sacrifice to come from what they have instead of what they are. The true concept is common, yet very alien to them."
Episode 229: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Everything about the Gallery appeals to me: from the first word we hear about it, ominous and foreboding, to the false affability of its guardian (shaped like AJ's mom), to games it plays with memory, regret, fear, space, and time.
Everything about the Gallery appeals to me: from the first word we hear about it, ominous and foreboding, to the false affability of its guardian (shaped like AJ's mom), to games it plays with memory, regret, fear, space, and time.
Episode 230: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Marcus' first on-screen appearance also adds a new dimension to AJ and Bleu's relationship: did Marcus and Lauren have an affair, or is that another lie conjured by the Gallery?
Marcus' first on-screen appearance also adds a new dimension to AJ and Bleu's relationship: did Marcus and Lauren have an affair, or is that another lie conjured by the Gallery?
Episode 231: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I think the Gallery needs to learn more about consent. It's getting awfully...handsy.
I think the Gallery needs to learn more about consent. It's getting awfully...handsy.
Episode 232: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"That's my girl! It takes more than being murdered to keep you down." In his tendency to crack a joke regardless of his circumstances, I definitely have a pronounced Cole streak.
"That's my girl! It takes more than being murdered to keep you down." In his tendency to crack a joke regardless of his circumstances, I definitely have a pronounced Cole streak.
I do love the fake Cielle's line here, though. "Do you know what a demon is? They lie and they cheat and they stab in the back. Then they forget that they did anything at all."
It defines the conflict between Ashlyn and Cole more clearly: Ashlyn is everything Cole fears he is.
It defines the conflict between Ashlyn and Cole more clearly: Ashlyn is everything Cole fears he is.
Episode 233: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I do this with regret. You are a "Holy Man" who has strayed far beyond the hope of recovery. Yet you avow your innocence.
I would have remedied watching you fail."
"I do this with regret. You are a "Holy Man" who has strayed far beyond the hope of recovery. Yet you avow your innocence.
I would have remedied watching you fail."
The Gallery is a twisted place, but in the guardian, we see a hint of what it is supposed to be; a place that truly tests people on their merits, to show them where they are lacking, and perhaps even to help them become what they are supposed to be, and atone for their mistakes.
Episode 234: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
If half of me is Cole cracking jokes in front of the illusion of his dead lost love, the other half is Ghost talking to an illusion made to torment him, nuking it when it bores him, and saying, "That's a stupid question."
If half of me is Cole cracking jokes in front of the illusion of his dead lost love, the other half is Ghost talking to an illusion made to torment him, nuking it when it bores him, and saying, "That's a stupid question."
Episode 235: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Ashlyn is a monster, but her first threatening Valens and then saying, "I thought you would say that," is still pretty funny.
Ashlyn is a monster, but her first threatening Valens and then saying, "I thought you would say that," is still pretty funny.
Episode 236: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The Guardian has so much personality.
"I should warn you before I send you on your way. This is not a path for the uncommitted. Do not look back. Those without resolve have no place here.
Humans, I will ask once: do you wish to enter?"
The Guardian has so much personality.
"I should warn you before I send you on your way. This is not a path for the uncommitted. Do not look back. Those without resolve have no place here.
Humans, I will ask once: do you wish to enter?"
Episode 237: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
AJ's anger when the Guardian shapes itself to look like Dante hits hard.
AJ's anger when the Guardian shapes itself to look like Dante hits hard.
Episode 238: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You imply that she went easy on me."
"I never said that she did. I said it was a tough choice."
I'm gonna put on my critic hat for a second: I love the idea here, that AJ has coasted on her enormous gifts and never quite realized them...
"You imply that she went easy on me."
"I never said that she did. I said it was a tough choice."
I'm gonna put on my critic hat for a second: I love the idea here, that AJ has coasted on her enormous gifts and never quite realized them...
That said, I'm not 100% sure the story bears that out? We meet AJ in the aftermath of some intense training that lets her anticipate a major crisis, and at every step she puts her whole heart into the battles before her--against both Karen and Lucian.
There's a single moment I can think of where she visibly hesitates: when Lucian kills the Guide. And I certainly see the idea of her not quite giving her all (especially in the aftermath of Marcus' death). But I don't really see this failing in the AJ we've known so far.
That said, we also clearly see AJ growing stronger and more resolute throughout the story, so there's definitely a case to be made for her "coasting" predating the story, and her path through FS being one long journey to fully achieving her potential, and its responsibilities
Episode 239: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I'm actually really glad I put on my critic thread for the last Episode, because I am about to take that hat off and go FULL FUCKING FANBOY. I want to quote almost every part of this page.
I'm actually really glad I put on my critic thread for the last Episode, because I am about to take that hat off and go FULL FUCKING FANBOY. I want to quote almost every part of this page.
"She fabricated this enclosure with the faint hope that humanity would one day overcome its weakness in the face of such power. When that day comes, the doors here would open freely.
Centuries have passed, which speak volumes about humanity."
Centuries have passed, which speak volumes about humanity."
I don't know if I've ever found the Guadian so close to my heart before. How it embodies both ideals and very mortal fears.
"The air here withers all...soon, I too will become a fiend of this gallery." Her pure purpose corrupted by the power she's supposed to protect.
"The air here withers all...soon, I too will become a fiend of this gallery." Her pure purpose corrupted by the power she's supposed to protect.
It's such a brilliant metaphor for the nature of power, the expectations and demands we should make of those who seek such power if they hope to use it justly, and how that power can corrupt all the same. The Guardian tells you so much about both the Gallery and human nature...
All in the hope of getting AJ to break the cycle. To violate her own principles in the name of higher ideasl. To rise to her potential, and succeed where the Guardian is failing
"I will never forgive you for making me do this."
"I pray you never do."
"I will never forgive you for making me do this."
"I pray you never do."
But the real gem is this heart quote, that I have thought of many, many times.
"Humans are not punished for their sins. They are punished by them."
"Humans are not punished for their sins. They are punished by them."
Episode 241: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I know these Gallery guys are pretty much literal demons, but it's still a BIT of a dick move to poison the guy who won his symbolic battle against the sin you represent.
I know these Gallery guys are pretty much literal demons, but it's still a BIT of a dick move to poison the guy who won his symbolic battle against the sin you represent.
Episode 242: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"The cause of atonement is the sense of its necessity. This "sin" is what sustains me. Why should I feel guilt? My actions are my salvation.
The only sin in this world is to lose yourself in the pitfalls of empathy and regret."
"The cause of atonement is the sense of its necessity. This "sin" is what sustains me. Why should I feel guilt? My actions are my salvation.
The only sin in this world is to lose yourself in the pitfalls of empathy and regret."
The depth of my love for Lucian should probably concern me, but on a narrative level, it's simply ingenious. The villain has an innate advantage in the final battle, because he has no guilt with which the demons he faces can torment him. He's more monstrous than the Gallery.
Episode 243: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You experimented on us. Then you built a nation upon your agony."
"You experimented on us. Then you built a nation upon your agony."
Episode 244: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Power misused or left unchecked...there is no difference."
Ghost is full of wisdom, but waking up his tormented, poisoned comrade with the words "You idiot," is delightfully on-brand.
"Power misused or left unchecked...there is no difference."
Ghost is full of wisdom, but waking up his tormented, poisoned comrade with the words "You idiot," is delightfully on-brand.
Episode 245: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
In one page, Ashlyn showcases her monstrous nature (torturing one of the demons sent to torment her because it looks like someone she hates) and how she got there (the justified resentment against those who used and abandoned her)
In one page, Ashlyn showcases her monstrous nature (torturing one of the demons sent to torment her because it looks like someone she hates) and how she got there (the justified resentment against those who used and abandoned her)
Episode 246: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Lucian is such a powerful monster he can destroy OTHER PEOPLE'S DEMONS
Lucian is such a powerful monster he can destroy OTHER PEOPLE'S DEMONS
Episode 247: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Look, I know AJ can ALSO kill other people's demons, but her way seems to require actual effort and anyways "Giant Toothy Rat" is a bit different than "Unkillable Sociopath Scientist Who Tortured Me."
Look, I know AJ can ALSO kill other people's demons, but her way seems to require actual effort and anyways "Giant Toothy Rat" is a bit different than "Unkillable Sociopath Scientist Who Tortured Me."
Episode 248: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I guess Lucian's plan makes a lot of sense in the world of #FinalFantasyVI. You're trying to usurp the guy who successfully killed the Emperor, you might as well recruit the runner-up.
I guess Lucian's plan makes a lot of sense in the world of #FinalFantasyVI. You're trying to usurp the guy who successfully killed the Emperor, you might as well recruit the runner-up.
Episode 249: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Karen's a hypocrite, a murderer, and worse besides, but I do love that the first chance she gets, she goes hard for Lucian.
"Each breath you take dishonors him."
Karen's a hypocrite, a murderer, and worse besides, but I do love that the first chance she gets, she goes hard for Lucian.
"Each breath you take dishonors him."
Episode 250: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
All the faded ghosts that Ghost dimly remembers from Remiel are haunting, and Ghost brings it home with his own words.
"Life is never so clear-cut. We take comfort in its beautiful shades of grey."
All the faded ghosts that Ghost dimly remembers from Remiel are haunting, and Ghost brings it home with his own words.
"Life is never so clear-cut. We take comfort in its beautiful shades of grey."
Episode 251: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/vover…
I'm going to be 100% honest: in an RP I'm currently in, one of my characters has time-manipulation abilities, and one of their attacks is a time-accelerated bullet called Velocity that is absolutely an homage to this page.
I'm going to be 100% honest: in an RP I'm currently in, one of my characters has time-manipulation abilities, and one of their attacks is a time-accelerated bullet called Velocity that is absolutely an homage to this page.
Episode 252: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Listen closely. I don't stop for any reason. I have persevered through pain, cataclysm, and death. What hope have you?"
"Listen closely. I don't stop for any reason. I have persevered through pain, cataclysm, and death. What hope have you?"
Episode 253: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Two big things here, first focusing on Blue and his decency. Of COURSE Bleu is indignant over Frey's abilites: of COURSE he hates that the man's fanatacism is also the source of his strength.
Two big things here, first focusing on Blue and his decency. Of COURSE Bleu is indignant over Frey's abilites: of COURSE he hates that the man's fanatacism is also the source of his strength.
But I also want to talk about Ghost, Frey, and Karen. So much of their relationship is given to us, and so much of is built upon allusion to their past we never get to fully understand. We just saw it in Karen, in her own grief and rage over how Lucian has warped Nyle's body...
And we see it here, too, with the reveal that Frey and Nyle were both once of Remiel, members of a violet-eyed people. The losses Ghost spoke of in Episode 250 were likely the same ones that drove Frey to this moment: "the atrocities we committed for them amounted to naught."
Episode 253: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I do love that every faction in this comic has their cool combo attacks. These work best with Karen, but this whole "Super Flaming Arrow Explosion" move Ashlyn and Lucian put together is pretty neat.
I do love that every faction in this comic has their cool combo attacks. These work best with Karen, but this whole "Super Flaming Arrow Explosion" move Ashlyn and Lucian put together is pretty neat.
Episode 254: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
It's interesting that Valens is AJ's most intimidating enemy. She can fight on equal footing with mages of greater experience, but the one warrior always makes her hesitate. Maybe it's got something to do with their respective philosophies?
It's interesting that Valens is AJ's most intimidating enemy. She can fight on equal footing with mages of greater experience, but the one warrior always makes her hesitate. Maybe it's got something to do with their respective philosophies?
Episode 255: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I don't think the woman in this flashback is Ashlyn, and I've always been a bit curious as to what became of her.
I don't think the woman in this flashback is Ashlyn, and I've always been a bit curious as to what became of her.
Episode 256: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is one of those pages that hits harder and harder the more you look at it, as all the details of lighting, positioning, dialogue, and content add up to something that truly inspires dread.
This is one of those pages that hits harder and harder the more you look at it, as all the details of lighting, positioning, dialogue, and content add up to something that truly inspires dread.
Episode 257: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I do have a profound weakness for any battle plan that relies on metaphorical and symbolic weaknesses (see: most of FMA: Brotherhood)
I do have a profound weakness for any battle plan that relies on metaphorical and symbolic weaknesses (see: most of FMA: Brotherhood)
Episode 258: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Before I am through here, I will rip this monster down to the mortar."
"...to the marrow."
"Before I am through here, I will rip this monster down to the mortar."
"...to the marrow."
Episode 259: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
AJ's first instinct in the face of magical or mystical challenges is to yell in frustration, and it seems to work most of the time.
AJ's first instinct in the face of magical or mystical challenges is to yell in frustration, and it seems to work most of the time.
Episode 260: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I am uneasy. The Tower would rather rule all of nothing than most of everything. However, there is a trust invested in me. The guise of obedience will preserve this planet until I find a way to place it in more capable hands."
"I am uneasy. The Tower would rather rule all of nothing than most of everything. However, there is a trust invested in me. The guise of obedience will preserve this planet until I find a way to place it in more capable hands."
Episode 262: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Karen knows that the two of us will always come through for her."
I'm a sucker for the dramatic irony of strong relationship moments in flashbacks and prequels as foreshadowing of what's to come.
"Karen knows that the two of us will always come through for her."
I'm a sucker for the dramatic irony of strong relationship moments in flashbacks and prequels as foreshadowing of what's to come.
Episode 263: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
1) Valens is full on Matrix-fighting at this point.
2) Karen continues to be infinitely quotable: "This will be quite the challenge. But I didn't fight through the eons to die here."
1) Valens is full on Matrix-fighting at this point.
2) Karen continues to be infinitely quotable: "This will be quite the challenge. But I didn't fight through the eons to die here."
Episode 264: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Please survive."
With two words, Ghost changes our understanding of the previous page. He was not an unwitting fool stumbling into a trap; he was moving purposefully into the most dangerous place in the Gallery, to save his old friend
"Please survive."
With two words, Ghost changes our understanding of the previous page. He was not an unwitting fool stumbling into a trap; he was moving purposefully into the most dangerous place in the Gallery, to save his old friend
Episode 266: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"It is time to take accountability.
For whose sake is your pain? I've fought off demons and demigods. I set this world on fire, and only we can mend its wounds.
The gods leave no sin unpunished."
"It is time to take accountability.
For whose sake is your pain? I've fought off demons and demigods. I set this world on fire, and only we can mend its wounds.
The gods leave no sin unpunished."
Episode 267: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I found myself liking Frey quite a bit less than I had in previous readings of Fortuna Saga. Then I got to these episodes, and I remembered just how much goodwill these fight scenes earn him.
I found myself liking Frey quite a bit less than I had in previous readings of Fortuna Saga. Then I got to these episodes, and I remembered just how much goodwill these fight scenes earn him.
Episode 268: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
That silhouette shot of Frey standing over Lucian's kneeling body <3
That silhouette shot of Frey standing over Lucian's kneeling body <3
Episode 269: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary...men alone are quite capable of every wickedness."
"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary...men alone are quite capable of every wickedness."
Episode 270: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
We interrupt this high drama to bring you an homage to final dungeons in SNES JRPGs
(no one is complaining)
We interrupt this high drama to bring you an homage to final dungeons in SNES JRPGs
(no one is complaining)
Episode 271: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Love the little details in this episode, like the faint presence of Lucian's magic empowering Ashlyn. But that shot of Valens praying with Cyri is the most interesting to me, implying their last conversation went a bit longer than we thought
Love the little details in this episode, like the faint presence of Lucian's magic empowering Ashlyn. But that shot of Valens praying with Cyri is the most interesting to me, implying their last conversation went a bit longer than we thought
Episode 272: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I am disappointed that Valens would give up his life for something so trivial."
God damn Lucian is lethal with the sleeper burns.
"I am disappointed that Valens would give up his life for something so trivial."
God damn Lucian is lethal with the sleeper burns.
Episode 273: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Watching the protagonists work together in this section provides a real organic sense of how far they've come since the start of the story.
Watching the protagonists work together in this section provides a real organic sense of how far they've come since the start of the story.
Episode 274: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The look of annoyance on Valens' face as he hops off the stone spear that was impaling him.
The look of annoyance on Valens' face as he hops off the stone spear that was impaling him.
I love all the pupil-size reactions and I love how frequently they find their source in Bleu.
Episode 275: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You feel no pain--only the absence of a humanity that was once there. That's not necessarily bad; I have seen what humanity can do. But the power in you is instatiably fed by a cold rage. You let your fury define you."
"You feel no pain--only the absence of a humanity that was once there. That's not necessarily bad; I have seen what humanity can do. But the power in you is instatiably fed by a cold rage. You let your fury define you."
"The mists will never take a brute such as you. It will not speak of you; but look, and pass by."
Episode 276: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
On the JRPG note: I do love that the story organically works so that we get a "final boss battle" with almost every major antagonist in Fortuna Saga during Part Four.
On the JRPG note: I do love that the story organically works so that we get a "final boss battle" with almost every major antagonist in Fortuna Saga during Part Four.
On a story note; the fact AJ's big revelation comes when Blue is injured in combat is so sweet.
Episode 277: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Gonna be a bit of a fanboy here. First, some in-the-moment reactions: I love the off-handed way the bell's remnants keep deflecting Valens' attacks, and his increasing annoyance with them.
Gonna be a bit of a fanboy here. First, some in-the-moment reactions: I love the off-handed way the bell's remnants keep deflecting Valens' attacks, and his increasing annoyance with them.
I just noticed that in the big transformation moment seems to steal the metal from Cole's lightning sword? Which is a) really cool and b) maybe counts as another incident of Cole being a butt-monkey to serve the scene.
But the transformation is...transcendent. I mean, I'm a sucker for things like this on a mechanical level. Introducing unique powers, talents, or artifacts, and synthesizing them into new and awesome forms? I think I do that in almost everything I write.
But on a thematic level, too. AJ's whole struggle has been about the paradox implicit in being a geomancer, devoted to protecting life, and forced to go to war against brutal and terrible enemies that demand more and more violence from her.
Her homeland has been devastated by war and magic, and that devastation is just one small part of the larger ruin wrought upon the earth she loves.
In the last few days, she has seen he has seen her brother die protecting her. She has seen her master's corpse, stabbed through the back. She has been tormented by a monster wearing the face of her mother.
And now, facing her master's killer--a man so devoted to the craft of death that he, quite literally, cannot die--she finds her epiphany. She transforms, physically and metaphysically, into something new.
There is no level on which this page doesn't work.
Episode 278: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The instant transition from "goofy AJ" to "powerful sage who speaks with the wisdom of the ages" speaks well to the gravity of the moment, but AJ's very polite "pardon my reach, Matthis," is so sweet and tells us her core kindness is intact
The instant transition from "goofy AJ" to "powerful sage who speaks with the wisdom of the ages" speaks well to the gravity of the moment, but AJ's very polite "pardon my reach, Matthis," is so sweet and tells us her core kindness is intact
(Also, yes, it looks like AJ ate part of Cole's sword to make her staff, and I still think that's terrific).
Episode 279: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Pivoting away from fanboy to critic again: the second set of three panels, with Cole, Bleu, and Ghost? Unless I'm missing something, I think they were a bit of a mistake. I think they full focus from the narrative without giving anything back
Pivoting away from fanboy to critic again: the second set of three panels, with Cole, Bleu, and Ghost? Unless I'm missing something, I think they were a bit of a mistake. I think they full focus from the narrative without giving anything back
Episode 280: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Pages like this one make me extremely excited for Lost Noise, which I imagine will be a lot more focused on the magic and metaphysics of this universe, given the subject matter.
Pages like this one make me extremely excited for Lost Noise, which I imagine will be a lot more focused on the magic and metaphysics of this universe, given the subject matter.
Episode 281: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"The best intentions are lost when you become what you hate."
I mean, I approve of Ghost's morality here, but on a gaming level, I deplore his decision not to give himself an immortal kung fu body in addition to his myriad magical powers.
"The best intentions are lost when you become what you hate."
I mean, I approve of Ghost's morality here, but on a gaming level, I deplore his decision not to give himself an immortal kung fu body in addition to his myriad magical powers.
Episode 282: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I've mentioned that I'm picking up on all these little moments where Cole's decency shines through, and this is one of them. He doesn't know exactly what's happened to AJ, but he can recognize the significance...and he's worried about her.
I've mentioned that I'm picking up on all these little moments where Cole's decency shines through, and this is one of them. He doesn't know exactly what's happened to AJ, but he can recognize the significance...and he's worried about her.
Episode 283: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I've been noticing Cole's decency most, but Bleu's still hits the hardest.
"There will be time to mourn what was lost when this is over. We still have a job to do."
I've been noticing Cole's decency most, but Bleu's still hits the hardest.
"There will be time to mourn what was lost when this is over. We still have a job to do."
Episode 284: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"What made you think that would work?"
No wonder so many people work for Lucian. He's funny! You know, when he's not enslaving your soul to his dark magic.
"What made you think that would work?"
No wonder so many people work for Lucian. He's funny! You know, when he's not enslaving your soul to his dark magic.
Episode 285: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Is this how we squandered our second chance?"
"All our sweetest hours fly the fastest."
"Is this how we squandered our second chance?"
"All our sweetest hours fly the fastest."
Episode 286: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Ashlyn here gets to an example of one of my favorite tropes in stories involving supernatural powers: that being the moment when a character with limited abilities finds a way to overcome that limitation, and becomes much more powerful.
Ashlyn here gets to an example of one of my favorite tropes in stories involving supernatural powers: that being the moment when a character with limited abilities finds a way to overcome that limitation, and becomes much more powerful.
Ashlyn is a deadly combatant, but can only use magic by borrowing it from others, which puts a hard cap on her abilities. She compensates for this with skill, shapeshifting, and mind-games, allowing her to keep up with the rest of the cast even when she should be outmatched.
And here, in the end-game, she finds a way to draw nearly infinite power from Valens' body, and goes from a fairly-skilled one-on-one combatant to a living piece of artillery capable of going toe-to-toe with the strongest mage on the hero's side.
In the hero's hands, this trope is usually a moment of triumph; in the villain's, it usually causes a major crisis. But in either case, it always makes for an entertaining conflict.
Episode 287: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
1) This page is a dramatic rendition of using a character's limit break on a boss and watching it do NOTHING.
2) That said, I do love Karen's...what's the word? Ah, it's in the title.
1) This page is a dramatic rendition of using a character's limit break on a boss and watching it do NOTHING.
2) That said, I do love Karen's...what's the word? Ah, it's in the title.
Episode 289: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
This is gonna be a bit of a weird digression, but bear with me: this episode is achieving with Ashlyn vs. Cole what #GameOfThrones consistently failed to achieve in its finale
This is gonna be a bit of a weird digression, but bear with me: this episode is achieving with Ashlyn vs. Cole what #GameOfThrones consistently failed to achieve in its finale
GoT had such wide appeal for such a long time. because it grounded almost every major plot development in a character's motivations. Greed, compassion, cruelty, fanatacism, genius, lust; every major event in GoT came from the melange of different characters' motivations.
Even as the seasons became shoddier and shoddier, the show was often very good at keeping the focus on the characters. One of the reasons I love the widely-derided mission to the north in Season 7 is that every character in the group has a good reason to be there.
In Season 8, this disappears. Characters make decisions in ways that simply do not feel grounded in their motivations (I'm not going to go into every possible example, but I will link to @thelindsayellis video where she does: youtube.com/watch?v=BGr0NR…)
For me, the strangest, dumbest example is what they do with the Hound and the Mountain. The Hound and the Mountain are a fight everyone was excited for, widely forecast, widely hyped. What we got is a bizarrely hollow, meaningless duel that happens for seemingly no reason.
Because Sandor's whole arc as a character is based on growing beyond his base urges, beyond his brutish, cynical view of the world, he cannot kill his brother for revenge without betraying his character arc. But that doesn't mean you can't have him fight his brother...
You just have to give him a good reason to. Say, if the Mountain had ambushed Arya, foolishly trapped in a burning city with no hope of escape. And Sandor, not to hurt someone he hates but to save someone he loves, gets to have the duel he always craved, and still be redeemed
Cole's arc is not like Sandor's; his thirst for vengeance is not part of his flawed character, but a specific reaction to a specific, heartbreaking betrayal that has shaped his worldview. He even gets to state it here; he insists that he will be the one to fight Ashlyn.
But he isn't fighting her just for the sake of his vengeance. He's fighting for the sake of those he loves, to buy them time to save their country from the grasp of a madman on the cusp of seizing god-like power.
And even better, Ashlyn is fighting for the same reason. She stayed behind to buy Lucian time to fulfill his ambitions. In her own twisted way, she, too, is fighting to give someone she cares for time to seize the power to fix their broken world.
And so a duel for vengeance becomes something bigger, grounded in the fundamental character of the two fighters, and serving a critical part of the story's narrative and thematic purposes.
There's a reason I've loved Fortuna Saga for so long.
There's a reason I've loved Fortuna Saga for so long.
Episode 290: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You lost your chief. You lost your country. You lost your love. And still you come back for more."
"This is the only way I know how to move how to move on."
Kinda forgot how great this fight was.
"You lost your chief. You lost your country. You lost your love. And still you come back for more."
"This is the only way I know how to move how to move on."
Kinda forgot how great this fight was.
Episode 291: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You played a hand in all of this. We should all pay for our sins."
Offering help to a former enemy along with admonitions is very on brand for Bleu.
Not...100% sure what's up with Ghost in the foreground of Panel 3
"You played a hand in all of this. We should all pay for our sins."
Offering help to a former enemy along with admonitions is very on brand for Bleu.
Not...100% sure what's up with Ghost in the foreground of Panel 3
Episode 293: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Pretty sure Lucian just used one of those bullshit HP-to-1 spells unbeatable bosses throw out when they have to win their fight without killing you so they can play their cutscene.
Pretty sure Lucian just used one of those bullshit HP-to-1 spells unbeatable bosses throw out when they have to win their fight without killing you so they can play their cutscene.
Episode 294: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Stay down."
"No."
But the real beauty is in those discrete final battles, the discreet collage of images of violence, until Cole stands alone.
"And now you have no face."
Also, that is a TERRIFIC episode title
"Stay down."
"No."
But the real beauty is in those discrete final battles, the discreet collage of images of violence, until Cole stands alone.
"And now you have no face."
Also, that is a TERRIFIC episode title
Episode 295: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I had always wondered what people like her suffered for. I thought that knowing would help me master my own reasons. Now that I have seen this coldness firsthand, I think I finally understand it all."
"I had always wondered what people like her suffered for. I thought that knowing would help me master my own reasons. Now that I have seen this coldness firsthand, I think I finally understand it all."
"But now, Arlia, I fear you will have to catch up with me instead."
Episode 296: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Spare me. Have you forgotten who I am?"
"That...is an interesting question."
I noticed something interesting in this read. Lucian is no longer wearing his mask...but I don't remember when he last had it on.
"Spare me. Have you forgotten who I am?"
"That...is an interesting question."
I noticed something interesting in this read. Lucian is no longer wearing his mask...but I don't remember when he last had it on.
I believe he was wearing it when facing the guardian of the Gallery. But for increasing stretches of time, it is not Lucian's ominous mask we see as our main antagonist. It is Nyle's stolen face. And now we see that transition highlighted and debated.
"Can you remember what I looked like before this...iteration of my existence. I would like to know. I can no longer recall, nor could my "puppet."
"As more time passes, I can no longer set us apart."
"As more time passes, I can no longer set us apart."
Ghost and Lucian have never been dissimilar; they are both philosophical, they are both ruthless, they both manipulate and use allies who are devoted to them, and they are both sarcastic, verbose, and hilarious. They use identical magic and are tethered together by a stolen body
Ghost has always been aware of these connections: he said as much to Dante. "The line between capability and willingness is where most of us salvation." Lucian has always been what Ghost could be, freed entirely from his moral compass.
But here, Lucian uses those similarities as an attack. Ghost is a soul banished from his body: Lucian is supposed to be an ousted soul who stole that empty shell. But what if Lucian simply IS Nyle; Nyle liberated from the burden of his soul?
And then that beautiful, brutal pivot, as he strikes Ghost down.
"Despite the similarities, I know. I could never be cut from such a flimsy cloth."
"Despite the similarities, I know. I could never be cut from such a flimsy cloth."
Episode 299: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"There's a shred of sin in every one of us. This is why we all must suffer. And now...now is the time to make amends for what we've done.
The world is not dead yet. And salvation is always within our grasp."
"There's a shred of sin in every one of us. This is why we all must suffer. And now...now is the time to make amends for what we've done.
The world is not dead yet. And salvation is always within our grasp."
Episode 300: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Get up, Nyle. It's not like you to wallow."
"Karen...the Lens took hold of him. I don't remember designing that."
There's so much to love her, especially the incredible atmosphere of this final boss battle...
"Get up, Nyle. It's not like you to wallow."
"Karen...the Lens took hold of him. I don't remember designing that."
There's so much to love her, especially the incredible atmosphere of this final boss battle...
But honestly, I'm most fond of these little moments between Karen and Ghost, where we get a real glimpse of the friends they were before they shattered their world. Bright, brilliant, sarcastic, supportive, and brave.
Episode 301: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Get us close. Just like old times."
Makes me like their relationship even more.
"Very well, geomancer. I would have prefered to leave this Valley intact...but I am aware that nothing can be gain without loss."
Lucian at his most menacing
"Get us close. Just like old times."
Makes me like their relationship even more.
"Very well, geomancer. I would have prefered to leave this Valley intact...but I am aware that nothing can be gain without loss."
Lucian at his most menacing
Episode 302: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"The deluded hide behind what they think they are protecting, and they cannot do without."
"The deluded hide behind what they think they are protecting, and they cannot do without."
Episode 303: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I love that Karen's personality never changes: she sees her worst desires made manifest in Lucian, and so is able to confront her own lies and delusions so she can turn her selfish creed into a noble one:
"It's our time to even the score.
I love that Karen's personality never changes: she sees her worst desires made manifest in Lucian, and so is able to confront her own lies and delusions so she can turn her selfish creed into a noble one:
"It's our time to even the score.
Episode 304: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I've given a couple different characters in a couple different works some limited ability to manipulate time, and it is always to figure out what happens when you combine their abilities with others, like this Ghost/Karen combo blast.
I've given a couple different characters in a couple different works some limited ability to manipulate time, and it is always to figure out what happens when you combine their abilities with others, like this Ghost/Karen combo blast.
Episode 306: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Whoever's running this party isn't doing a great job. Why would you have your mage open her attack with a physical blow? Strength is obviously AJ's lowest stat.
Whoever's running this party isn't doing a great job. Why would you have your mage open her attack with a physical blow? Strength is obviously AJ's lowest stat.
Episode 307: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"You steal the lives of others because you see no worth in them. You underestimate the potential between them all. The good people of this valley have woven their lives together."
"You steal the lives of others because you see no worth in them. You underestimate the potential between them all. The good people of this valley have woven their lives together."
"We are willing to bleed...to die...in order to protect these valuable bonds.
You have taken many of us. But you are the one who stands alone."
You have taken many of us. But you are the one who stands alone."
Bleu throwing the value of their cooperation and sacrifice into Lucian's selfish, solipsistic face is already beautiful, but add in Lauren looking back for him as the Fortunans flee the Valley? There may be some tears in my eyes.
Episode 308: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Okay, on a pure nerd level: I told you that I am a sucker for plot devices coming together. Bleu throwing Ghost his demon-slaying sword as Ghost charges his superhuman body with soul-destroying magic to face the main villain is already badass
Okay, on a pure nerd level: I told you that I am a sucker for plot devices coming together. Bleu throwing Ghost his demon-slaying sword as Ghost charges his superhuman body with soul-destroying magic to face the main villain is already badass
But then you add in the narrative twist. The soul without a body facing his stolen body with its monstrous, thieving soul. The same duality that has haunted the whole story: the same duality that Lucian just used to torment Ghost.
But Bleu, AJ, and Cole have shown, in word and deed, the value of cooperation, atonement, and self-sacrifice. Ghost takes up their creed, and bests Lucian at last:
"Your life depends upon mine, spirit. You can no longer take it from me.
"What makes you think I want it back?"
"Your life depends upon mine, spirit. You can no longer take it from me.
"What makes you think I want it back?"
Episode 309: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"This is borrowed time, Lucian. I haven't wasted one moment on myself. I spent every sleepless night thinking of how I could stop the monster behind that face."
"This is borrowed time, Lucian. I haven't wasted one moment on myself. I spent every sleepless night thinking of how I could stop the monster behind that face."
"Not for my sake; for those who were still innocent, and those who were not beyond redemption.
That leaves just the two of us.
We are going to hell together."
That leaves just the two of us.
We are going to hell together."
Episode 312: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Karen has done monstrous things in pursuit of her impossible goals. But here, we see that determination also extends to those she loves
"I stayed as long as I could in that inferno. Hoping I found find a trace...a sliver to pull back."
Karen has done monstrous things in pursuit of her impossible goals. But here, we see that determination also extends to those she loves
"I stayed as long as I could in that inferno. Hoping I found find a trace...a sliver to pull back."
Episode 313: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"My hands are stained with the deaths of men, nations, and world. Despite that, and despite our split, Nyle never lost hope for me."
"My hands are stained with the deaths of men, nations, and world. Despite that, and despite our split, Nyle never lost hope for me."
Episode 314: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"It hurts. You can still look at me with compassion."
Karen's always been brilliant, ruthless, and funny, but part of that is a defense mechanism. She feels her guilt as keenly as the others, and the moment she lets her guard slip...
"It hurts. You can still look at me with compassion."
Karen's always been brilliant, ruthless, and funny, but part of that is a defense mechanism. She feels her guilt as keenly as the others, and the moment she lets her guard slip...
Episode 316: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Those first three panels say about as much as the rest of the Episode, and that is not a dig.
Those first three panels say about as much as the rest of the Episode, and that is not a dig.
Episode 317: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I have been given so much. I need to prove that I was worth it all."
I have a theory about privilege, and the responsibilities that come with it. I think AJ is an excellent example of my theory.
"I have been given so much. I need to prove that I was worth it all."
I have a theory about privilege, and the responsibilities that come with it. I think AJ is an excellent example of my theory.
Episode 318: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The best of us rise to our responsibilities, whatever the cost.
The best of us rise to our responsibilities, whatever the cost.
Episode 319: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I am not leaving you, my friend. I will never be far away. Altogether under the surface...then loose and adrift in the breeze...through the bluffs and leaves and into the sea...
There, something of me."
"I am not leaving you, my friend. I will never be far away. Altogether under the surface...then loose and adrift in the breeze...through the bluffs and leaves and into the sea...
There, something of me."
That first and last lines have stuck with me for a long time now. But when I first read them, I had not lost some of the people dearest to me in this world. They hit a bit harder now...and feel a little more comforting, too.
Episode 320: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
Listen, this is some lovely, bittersweet narration, especially when paired with the shadowed images of Bleu walking through the ruins of his homeland, but where has this narrator been for the last 320 episodes?
Listen, this is some lovely, bittersweet narration, especially when paired with the shadowed images of Bleu walking through the ruins of his homeland, but where has this narrator been for the last 320 episodes?
But seriously, folks, the image of Blue walking through the ruins of his homeland is one that sticks with you.
Episode 321: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
The last panel, of Lauren and Bleu rushing towards each other to embrace after all they've lost and all they've faced?
"They showed the lost how to keep faith."
The last panel, of Lauren and Bleu rushing towards each other to embrace after all they've lost and all they've faced?
"They showed the lost how to keep faith."
Episode 322: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"Most importantly, it is the story of how those who seek it can always find path towards their own redemption. Though it happened long ago, this is no legend.
This is Fortuna's Saga."
"Most importantly, it is the story of how those who seek it can always find path towards their own redemption. Though it happened long ago, this is no legend.
This is Fortuna's Saga."
Episode 323: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
"I must believe there is silence because she found atonement for her sins...and, in this forgiveness, she at last captured an elusive happiness."
"I must believe there is silence because she found atonement for her sins...and, in this forgiveness, she at last captured an elusive happiness."
Episode 324: fortunasaga.com/comic/fs/episo…
I have let the story speak for itself these last few pages. Part of that was because I wanted to wait to combine all my thoughts here, at the end. Part of that was because I felt any commentary would cheapen the ending.
I have let the story speak for itself these last few pages. Part of that was because I wanted to wait to combine all my thoughts here, at the end. Part of that was because I felt any commentary would cheapen the ending.
There are many bright moments through Fortuna Saga, but Part Four shines brighter than all the rest. Every character is crystallized and fully realized; every conflict carries the thematic and narrative weight of every preceding episode.
Part Four of Fortuna Saga is a tour de force. It works on every level. It earns every moment of tragedy and triumph. And like all the best works, it lingers long after you've finished reading it.
@j_cutting has commented all over this thread, and his comments are worth reading. They provide additional insight and depth to a story that already had an abundance of both. And they add something more important, too; a real window into an author's mind.
I think Fortuna Saga is an excellent story (though not without its flaws), and I think it appeals to some of my deepest-held feelings, beliefs, and instincts. But that window into authorial intent is one of the reasons I love it.
John was one of the first "real" writers I felt like I was able to talk to and understand. Seeing him explain his own processes, his own thoughts, his failures, and successes, helped me better come to grips with my own. His comments are well worth reading.
But even without that personal connection, Fortuna Saga is gripping. It's funny, and insightful, and thoughtful, and heart-breaking; it tries to tackle human nature in all its complexity, from its highest glories to its worst atrocities.
And it never loses sight of the simple fact that, even in tales of ancient magic, terrible wars, and gods, it is the humanity of our characters, hero or villain alike, that matters most. That lets us see how the capacity for evil lurks in every one of us...
But so does the capacity for good. So long as we have the courage to seek out righteousness, even at our lowest and most afraid.
Since I can't find it, I am going to ask @j_cutting to post the comic's end credits. You guys have got to hear this song.
