Read SOLVER #18 (CHRISTMAS SPECIAL) in full, now!
Here's the concluding part of Solver volume 2. The print version of volume 2 will be out in the autumn. This issue answers a few long-held questions, and asks half a dozen more. It's meant to be a little treat for long-time readers, but whether you feel that way is entirely up to you.
I'm writing this the day before I take my sabbatical, but rest assured, there are a couple of PDF features to come before the next new "in full, now!" arrives.
Your PDF is linked beneath the cover art. if you enjoyed it, leave me a note.
Comments (51)
Reading this a little late but this story was the gift that kept on giving. Sonny Craven! The clown Mildred cameo! Continuation of the 90's Jack saga! Glaire (Clenn?)! i loved loved loved this!
Lots to love in this one - I tried to read it on the website in order to space it out, and I almost wish I had resisted the temptation to binge. Very fun to see the Mystery Teens all together again, and it rings true to the kind of hometown reunions at this period in a person's life. Great to see the return of Cooper, B. I still recall in 'Case of the Lonely One' that Cork's mum said she "never thought of Blossom as a girl, more of a very unhappy cloud". I hope that Blossom feels less unhappy now.
What a treat, thank you!
Utterly delightful John, enjoy your break.
Thank you so much for a really enjoyable Christmas episode!
Delighted to see Blossom again, who I dearly love in the same, arguably problematic way I adore Dean. There is so much room in my heart for nightmare people.
That was really wonderful. Nice work! "The city is home to over 100 follies..." Is especially great
I can't believe that was only 24 pages. In fact, I refuse to: there's some eldritch mathematics at work here. So much to love in this ("Ronnie and also Ronnie"!!), and some legitimate heart-string tugging: No happily-ever-after for Shelley and the Reverend. Charlotte acknowledging she's prone to depression. Jack vaping, ffs, and still unable to speak about The Event without painfully sliding into gibberish. That glance between Jack and Sonny. The Mystery Boys ALLOWED TO BE IN A PUB. DRINKING. But it's Claire and Glenn happily in the throes of new love that makes this one so special to me. (Jesus, am I getting sappy with age?) It's almost enough to make you miss how smashing the artwork is in this one, from stem to stern. It's a helluva note to start a hiatus on. Have a terrific break.
Charlotte actually calls him Glenn now? Did I miss something?
Also, I can't get over how grown-up Sonny looks.
Someone recap me on what Jack’s deal is? that all seemed familiar but I can’t quite recall
He was sent back to the 90's in what is now a one-off, It's The Nineties Get Used To It.
Is this the first instance of actual sexy time in the SCG universe? I don’t recall it before…
The Boy and Esther? Or does that not count because it was in a caravan/boat?
So good! I laughed out loud. I screamed inside my heart. This story made me very happy. Thanks John!
Loved it! Laughed heartily! All good. 😊
Well that was just delightful! All the Xmas ornaments were delivered!
Beware Blossom and the giving of rollerblades. "You are about to make it up to me" ? https://freesound.org/people/divenorth/sounds/215558/
I detect Chekhov's Roller Derby.
Claire was all "romance should be a slow simmer", but she couldn't help setting it on fire immediately after. May we all experience such acts of arson*cough*I mean ardour.
I enjoyed both the Glaire and the yolks. Hope you have a nice break!
Well that was a wild read! You've given us one to think on, that's for sure. Enjoy your sabbatical!
Excellent!
Good lord. There were some deep cuts there. Bravo! Also, I now feel the need to make my own "Dry Roasted Kentish Cobnuts".
Thanks John!
Tremendous!
Hilarious and surprisingly touching (“am I meant to intervene?”), as always. I’m almost exactly two years older than you, and hit a wall at my job almost exactly two years ago, and quit. Two months later I was feeling significantly better, and everything worked out. You’re under no obligation to keep producing sequential entertainments for us. You have no responsibility to the slavering pack of consumers that roams the wide world web, preying upon juicy content. But I hope you do feel better and it gets manageable again. Thanks.
I did enjoy it, thank you for asking
"Our rooms share a wall and I don't sleep" Good Lord pull out of my life why dontcha?
Sonny! Oh, and other stuff happened I guess.
Looking forward to the Roller Derby mystery. Is this the first comic of yours with a Mr. Blobby joke?
I also am screaming inside my heart! <3 <3 <3
I mean, who wouldn't?
Wow, wow, wow! This episode has more intrigue, inimitable graphic fluorishes, and unpredictable historical developments than any dozen Solvers! I will need to re-read it ten times just to capture the gist. Proceeding.
Oh this is truly Christmas come early John! So much to unpack and I dare not reveal any spoilers!
The print version will be timed perfectly, and that's what counts! Have a great sabbatical!!
Incredible work John - how you covered all that so elegantly in 24 pages is a mystery. Can't wait to read it all again on the daily pages.
John’s become quite talented at making the most out of 22-24 pages It’s a really great balance
Eeee! Even an ETS2 reference. Merry Christmas, everyone.
I’ve only been reading stories in the Bobbinsverse for under three years now, but seeing everyone here in this semi-celebratory manner makes me feel like I’ve been here for a lot longer. There really is something special about this universe, and I’m grateful to have been exposed to it. A very sweet bookend to everything that’s happened so far. But one question remains; where is MC James Mayor now?
I believe he has a number of non-executive directorships and also had a period as a hand model.
Happy Sabbatical, John! May you return relaxed & charged with terrifying eldritch energy!
Ting tang bing bang indeed. Ting tang walla walla bing bang even.
Jack is back, now with added *trauma*!
the promotional video for Tackleford is spot on
This is like an explosion in a continuity factory. Glorious! Binding! And as usual, I have probably missed a bunch of details I will have to catch up on via the commentary. Have a good break!
I feel like I've eaten all my Advent Calendar chocolates in one go and I don't regret it - enjoy your sabbatical!!
Man, it hits a little harder than I thought it would to see Shelley Winters visibly aging. I knew I was going to grow old and decrepit, but I thought she'd stay forever young! Still, it seems like she's doing okay. Honestly, I'm more interested in seeing a modern series with Shelley and Jack than I am in revisiting IT'S THE NINETIES, because those two are *not* on the same wavelength in a way that makes me more interested in seeing Shelley as a mentor for Jack than I am in seeing her doing the same thing for a lot of young women who already share her interests in life.
Shelley does seem to look a smidge older than she did in NEMS part 3 Like there’s slight wrinkles now
Wen-Tack call back!
Hope you enjoy your downtime John. Hope to pick up the print copy at Thought Bubble perhaps? If not I know Page 45 have got my back.