Read SOLVER 10: BOYS LIKE FUN pt 2, in full, now!
Your PDF is linked under the cover image - please let me know if you enjoyed it in the comments.
For new $3+ Patrons, your Solver stories so far (links are to the PDF download posts)
Issues 1 & 2 - Circus Windows part 1 & part 2
Issues 3 & 4 - Author Unknown (Steeple crossover) part 1 & part 2
Issue 5 - Spring Special
Issue 6 - Autumn Special
Issue 7 - Green Door
Issue 8 - The Urn
Issue 9 - Boys Like Fun part 1
Issue 10 - Boys Like Fun part 2 (this story)
This concludes SOLVER for now. My idea for the series was that it would be a response to the cancellation of WICKED THINGS after six issues, an examination of what one does when you have gone as far as you can in one direction and hit a wall, then attempt to make a life out of the scraps that remain. I remain frustrated that we never ended the Wicked Things plot arc, but there you go. I didn't really enjoy writing that series, but I enjoyed writing this one a lot. It all shakes out.
Next up: KIT + THE WOLF, then maybe more STEEPLE, I'm still working it all out. Thanks, as ever, for your support. I love making these comics and sharing them with you.
Comments (18)
I just want to register that I am a very big Porcupine Tree fan.
Given the ending, this story struck me as darker than some of those in which people have actually died.
Charlotte: "oh no I have been cast aside for the lure of a newer better opportunity"
I've loved Solver, and this issue captures a lot of why — the soaring highs and crushing lows of young adulthood, and the way we all fumble our way into the world. Even the greatest detective of our era can stumble badly. (Sincerely yours, Still Fumbling)
Oh no! You left us hanging! What’s going to happen to Charlotte? One of my favorite characters in your universe. Don’t leave her in limbo.
It's a shame to hear that you didn't enjoy writing Wicked Things. I loved it, and really want to know how that mystery would pan out. Saying that, Solver has been just as good, and I want to see what Claire and Lottie get up to next. And the question I always ask is, what are the chances we will ever see Solver in print?
Circus Windows will be printed as part of the Giant Days Kickstarter and the Steeple crossover appeared in Steeple volume 3. Beyond the Spanish Solver issue Fandogamia did for Barcelona comic-con, no one has approached me about printing the Sheffield issues (5-10). I could do a collection myself but I'm not really set up for the self publishing game any more.
I see Charlotte has adopted her mentor Shelley's backwards wink over the shoulder (page 19, just before the talent results)
What a ride! Fantastic work as always, and as always with Solver I can't wait to see where the story takes us next.
Loved this so much 😍 skillz! thrillz! broken heartz 😆
Brilliant story beautifully drawn ♥️✨
That did not go how I expected, but it makes perfect sense. Lottie did make a mistake in combining her business and personal relationships, not because she made a poor choice, but only because she made it both-or-nothing. Also, Claire has definitely taken a shine to Glenn, hasn't she?
Thank you. I've loved this series of stories. Wherever your muse takes you next, and whatever name you want to give the series, I do hope to see Charlotte again soon
That happened fast, but not much differently than my own time in the lower Hells of the music industry. Even the abortive philosophy club resonated!
Wonderful! I've absolutely loved Solver - probably my favourite thing of yours since Bad Machinery ended (that's not any kind of dig at any of the other series, to be clear!) so I do hope you return to this timeline before *tooooo* long. (I think my favourite thing has been the slightly surreal/dream sequencey panels, like Glen in the pizza box etc. - you've always done panels a bit like that but it feels like you're pushing the Father Dougal dreams/reality line a bit further here and I like it!)
I'm glad you've enjoyed writing this one!
As much as I love Lottie, this last story has made me question my alligences to her and I kinda want someone (Claire) to give her a proper telling-off. Can only feel for Claire throughout, standing by Lottie since secondary school, through mystery and miseries and murder allegations... and still seemingly ending up as the 'second choice' even now, poor thing.
Spiffing, well chuffed, and all that rot. Gotta go read now.