Vinci & Arty Again: Classic V&A Strips

Sorry for the strip post delay, life has been weird.

Six panel strip, Vinci and Arty in bed. V: *Yawn* So what's this all about? A: You seemed down or something the past couple of days, so I had and idea. A stroke of pure genius, really. (Closeup of book, titled "How to bond with your spouse by Clue BiFore") A: THIS! V: That's your idea? A: This idea will GIVE me an idea, my dear! V: I'm not following. A: *ahem* Chapter Two. "Suggestions for stoking the love fire. Number One: Spend a romantic day in bed together." See? We can try that one. V: Oh! All right. V: So! A: So! V: Well... A: We-elll.... V: .. What are we supposed to do in bed -ALL DAY-? A: Not a clue.

Spending all day in bed together? Sounds like an adventure.

Three panel strip of Vinci and Arty, in bed. Vinci is sleeping when Arty wakes him up. A: Vinch! Vinch! C'mon! Get up! Hurry! Upupup! I gotta tell you something important!! V: uh? V: is everything okay? What's going on? What's important? A: listen, I had to tell you this... stay in bed, okay? V: And? A: That's it. Stay in bed. That's what I had to say. V: You just woke me up to tell me THAT? A: Hey, its not like you were doing anything important, right?

Sorry for the strip post delay, things are weird.

Three panel strip with Arkie, Arty and Spuk. Arty: Hey Spuk, we were just wondering, do you even have a mouth? (Spuk opens her mouth horrifyingly so, a giant maw of teeth and death) Arty&Arkie: Auuuuuuuuuuuuugh!! *sfx* of Arty/Arkie zooming off panel left. Spuk: Hey, you asked. I answered. Arty: Jesus CHRIST! Arkie: She scared my belly!

Arty asks the questions we all want to know, but didn't know we wanted to know.

Six panel strip, Arkie, Spuk, Arty, and a letter on a monitor? Arkie: Yay! Everything's better again! we get to work today! Arty&Spuk: Shut Up Arkie. Spuk: Back to the ol'grind 'eh Bitterboy? Arty: Same old crap, different day. (Computer monitor has an envelope on it) Arty: (off panel) Nothing ever change... What the hell is that? Oh god, is that a pink slip? <Formal Letter> Dolphin Technologies Dear Artisan Sunspot, In extreme gratitude of your assistance and willingness to go the extra mile for a fellow employee please accept my gift o you of two(2) airline vouchers good for any round trip tickets on JetJewel Airways, one $500 bonus, and a limited edition collector's pin. Thank you for making our company great! Sincerely, Nyxette Dolphin CEO, Dolphin Technologies. (end letter) Arty is POOFED in the next panel, in shock. Arty falls on his back comically.

Back to work... What's This?

Four panel Vinci and Arty strip of them cuddling in bed. V: Artisanaki? I've been thinking. You're right. I shouldn't let fear prevent me from getting the chance to do something like this. I'm going to accept the offer. A: Great! I'm so proud of you! V: Yeah, well... V: Don't be proud of a dunce like me. A: Don't you tell me not to be proud! I'll always, always be there for you, honey, no matter what. You're going to be great. A: Besides. Mr Interior Decorator, you really look the part. V: Huh?? A: *COUGH* Erm! I said... Uh, I love you with all my heart?

An adorable cuddling in bed strip... And More.

A: whoah, back up. Did you just say you're not attracted to people physically? Does that mean you're not attracted to me? V: I said I'm USUALLY not. You're an exception. V: After all, is not like you've got much appeal when it comes to personality. Sfx: *PWNED!*

Alt Text contains the last two panels' text that did not fit in the first image's alt text.

Five panel strip of Vinci and Arty having a heart to heart. A: Richard, I'm going to tell you something that might come as a shock to you. A: Honey, Sunshine, you're gay. I know you're not as comfy with it as I Am, but trust me, you've gotta just go with it and love yourself for who you are. It's always been my beief that there's nothing else you can do. V: But Arty, I'm NOT! I.. I.. The genders. I know they're thre but I don't see them... I mean, I am seeing them but.. OH! I can't SAY it in English! It's in my head perfectly and I can't SAY it! A: Calm down! It's all right. So you're bisexual? No Biggie. Half an apple's still an apple, dumplin. V: No no no. I am no apple dumpling! You don't understand, I don't WANT to be anything. I'm just... I've always been like this. I love people, not their genders. I'm just... Usually I'm not attracted to anyone physically at all. It rarely does anything for me.

This is a very key strip. Vinci is Gender Blind. He knows academically what "male" and "female" are, but doesn't "see" someone as either until their gender is pointed out.

Six panel strip, just Vinci and Arty. V: And she said her name was Mrs. De Leche but for me to just call her Dulcy. I showed her the website with my portfolio over coffee at the Net Cafe, and that was that! It all seemed so odd. I mean, I know I have the degree, but I don't really think I know much about design at all. A: Honey, you do! You're smarter than you give yourself credit for. And it seems like it was a pretty out of the ordinary interview, but hey. This could be a WONDEERFUL opportunity. You said the pay's great, right? V: Right. A: And you're interested right? I mean, it's an art career. You love art. V: Well, Yeah. A: So what's the damn problem? Is there a good reason not to take this job? V: Well, you see, it is interior design... A: So? You went to SCHOOL for design! What's the problem? V: Oh, but Arty... People are going to think I'm GAY! A:(Open mouthed in shock) ... ... ... A: That is the STUPIDEST thing I've EVER heard you say.

The expressions tell the story nearly as much as the words do.

Five panel strip, Arty and Vinci only, both back at home. V: (off panel) Hey. You all right? You're never in bed this early. A: I had one of THOSE days. Where'd you go? V:Oh... out, the mall. A:(off panel) What's wrong sunshine? V: I don't want to bother you. You had a bad day. A: It'll get worse if you don't tell me. V: Well, ok.. I was at the mall. And I kind of got a job offer. I just don't know how I feel about it yet. A: Oooh, so THATS it? A: Well, a job's a job honey, and every little bit helps. So what if it's at the mall? I bet you get to wear a cute little uniform! You could always bring it home and we can--- Ohh, come on! What are you frowning at? V: It's an intermediate position at an interior design company. A: (poofy) What? WHAT?!?!

Vinci and Arty get back together at home, both have had a wild day it seems...

(second half alt text) V: Oh, I'm no expert. But it depends on the mood you want for the room. If you go with the checkered blue you might tie the couch in with everything else a bit more. The red is really more of an orange-red so its going to fight for attention and stand out. But then again it might look a bit glaring. But what you could do is use a cool gray instead. Because it'll have enough blue to match and enough of a difference to stand out. V: (off panel) Anyway, that's what I would do. But I don't know if I'm remembering right. My degress is in design but I haven't done a thing with it. I'm sorry. I wish I could have been more of a help. (Vinci turns to leave) D: Sir? Wait a minute, please...

(FOR SOME STRANGE REASON Alt text can be FAR longer than the post itself. So I'm re-posting the image with the Second Half of the alt-text in it. Otherwise the alt texts would spraw over 6-7 actual posts.)

Six panel Strip, first two thought balloons of Vinci are bracketed, indicating that Vinci is thinking in Greek. The woman's name is Dulcy DeLeche. V: (thinking) Arty would love this donut clock. It IS on sale, but that'd be the last of the commission money from the last painting. He might get upset if I spend that. V: (thinking) If only I could do something other than paint. This whole artist gig isn't what I thought it'd be. Dulcy: Excuse me, could I get your help with something? V: Oh? Certainly. D: My husband owns an interior design company. So I usually just have him help me with this sort of thing. But he's on a business trip. Tell me which do you think would look better with a navy couch, if the rest of the room is white and blue. The checkered blue or this red? (alt text continued in reply)

Vinci is shopping, running an errand while Arty is off at work...

(due to dialogue size, second half of alt-text will be in the first reply)

Meet Nyxette... We'll find out more a-bat her later. (A-bat? About? Hah! Dad Jokes)

Four panel strip, Graham, Arty, and... a mysterious guest. door sfx: *BEEP BEEP* Badge Accepted. Padprint Accepted! Arty: Shut up, security lock! It's definitely coming from in here! Voice: HELP! OH HELP! Graham: Aw Man! The Notre Dame Room! That's where our main servers are. Graham: Well Shucks! And I checked out this place earlier too. Well, Looks like Bel-1 is still working fine. Arty: Same for this one Graham: Oh Good, That there's Bel-2 Arty: (off screen) Over here! I think I found what's going on! Graham: Oh! Well my stars! Arty: (Holding up a small bat person.) There was a bat in the Bel-3!

Collaborative strip with the eternal Gene Catlow. Yes, the computer systems are called "BEL 1"..."BEL 2" ... "BEL..

Three panel strip, Graham and Arty... and a voice. A: Thanks for your help. You really sure you're okay by yourself? G: Haw! Run while y'can! I can hold the fort. Done it more times than I care to remember. G: I can stay awake a long time if I gotta. Kinda makes y'talk to yourself as time goes by, but S'like I always say, as long as the computers don't start talkin' back, I know I'm good. *Off Panel Mystery Voice: EEEE!! HELP!! A: That's Not Good! G: That definitely ain't good!

The Adventures with Arty and Graham continue! The expressions tell the story as richly as the words do.

Four panel strip of Arty and Graham G: So, what brings you down here? A: The main doors are all locked, so I was going to try and emergency exit. G: Well, y'took a wrong turn, but I'll leadja out. A: Oh, thanks! You heading out too? G: Can't my man. I'm the entire IT department in one. We're... a bit short-handed y'could say. (panel beat as arty has his mouth hanging open.) G: Y'were thinking it, y'just didn't wanna say it huh? A: Mm-Hmm. G: I'm making y'real uncomfy, ain't I? A: Uh huh. G: Good.

Uncomfortable awkwardness, a skill that takes years to refine.

it has only begun to build in jokes.

8 panel strip involving Arty and Graham. G: Well howdy! A: Huh? G: Couldja get me that screwdriver by your feet? I'm kinda tangled up here. A: Wha--? Oh, sure sure! This one, right? G: That's It! Thankee much! G: Let me just get m'self all untang---ah! That's more like it! Hoo-whee! What a mess! G: Whew! Good thing you showed up when y did or I mighta had to chew my way out! HAW! A: Yeah, no prob. I'm just glad you're not a ghost! G: Ghost? NAW! Shucks, more like one of the living dead. If y'know what I mean! A: (Now seeing that Graham is missing his left arm.) ERK!! A: Zuh-zuh-zuh... Zombie! G: (looking at his missing arm) Huh? Oh! Oh geez, I'm just falling apart today! G: Aww, I'm just pokin ya! That's been gone for awhile! You knew that right? Course y'did! A: *faints* SFX: *WHUMP!*

Ah so that's what the sound was. The One Armed IT Department. ( I mean, what IT team is NOT short handed? )

Six panel strip, Arty exclusively. Lots of thought bubbles. Arty is looking for an alternate route out. Arty: Hello? Anyone Home? Arty: (Thinking) Hmm. No One. I wonder if there ever IS anyone here. I think this is the department everyone says is haunted. Man, even Spuk says that, and she KNOWS this stuff. Arty: (Thinking) Kinda Creepy. Hmph! So it's a good thing I don't believe in ghosts and all that spooky crap. Really! Haunted! As If. SFX: *GROWL!* *RUSTLE!* (Arty's tail gets all poofed out) Arty: **GASP!** SFX: *GROWL!* Arty: Nuh-nuh-nuh nice Ghostie! panel-text: To be Continued... but you knew that..

Arty goes looking for help... and finds... Uh oh.

Four panel strip of Arty fighting a door lock, and losing. Arty: "They won't miss a few donuts from the break room. Now to go home and relax." Arty: "Huh? Don't tell me this thing is locked?" Arty: *Door shaking!* *sfx: GRR!!* Arty: *SIGH!* Hell-oooooo Plotpoint.

Arty gets locked in at work... Uh oh...

When you log out of work to take care of a loved one, and don't get the memos...

To his credit, Arty does not discount his dork years.

Three, maybe four, or five or.. I really don't know how many panels this is, itspretty free form Vinci and Arty. Vinci is eating a sandwich made of Marshmallow fluff and peanutbutter on bread. aka "The Fluffernutter" Vinci: This is tasty! I think this is my favorite invention ever today. Arty: It's just a dumb fluffernutter. They've been around forever. Didn't they have ANYTHING in Greece? Vinci: WHAT? You're ALWAYS saying that! "Don't they have this in Greece? Don't they have THAT in Greece? It's insulting." Vinci: Just because someone grew up in a country other than America. Vinci: (enraged) DOES NOT MAKE THEM STUPID. Of course there are things in greece, what do you think we are? Cavebeasts? We have everything there. Vinci: (Calmly) But no, no fluffernutters.

Fluffernutters... if you've never had one, they're a guilty pleasure sandwich.

Three panel strip with Arty and his sister Kelly Kelly: Hey Art? Uh... When you were in high school, did you ever ask a girl out? Arty: Hey Kelly? Duh. Kelly: Soooorreee! Fine. Did you ever ask a -GUY- out? Arty: Is my beloved younger sister asking for -advice-? Kelly: Possibly. Any words of wisdom? Arty: Weeell, as a matter of fact, I got a lot of guys to go out with me. Kelly: Really?? How? Arty: I just asked 'em! "Hey! Punk! you wanna take it outside??' and we did! Kelly: You saw the inside of a LOT of lockers, didn't you? Arty: PLENTY.

Arty got to see the inside of lockers so much, you'd think there was a TARDIS in there.

Six Panels featuring Kelly Sunspot (Arty's little sister) and various players. Custard: Kelly, I did cook and mades you nectar buns, want want? Kelly: Sure Custard, thanks! Deet: Hey Kelly! Wanna be Lab Partners? Kelly: Okay Deet! Custard: No fair! I were gonna asks! Nalya's Friend: I can't believe this is little Kelpsing! What a gorgeous young lady you've become. Tom: Kelly! Its for you!....again. Kelly: (offscreen) Thanks Tom! Kelly: Mom? Tom? I'm gonna visit the guys. Mom: Okay Honey, Love you! Kelly: *SOB!* Everyone hates me.

Kelly's back! And life hits in the truth button. Custard, Tom, Deet, make cameos.

Five panel, Vinci and Arty, Vinci still in the hospital recovering. Arty: Sweetie! How was your day? Vinci: Hi Dear Heart! Watched bad TV, they re-did my IV. How are you? Arty: Exhausted, I almost fell asleep in the shower. Vinci: Oh I am so sorr...UGH Oh gawt! what is that smell? Arty; What? I shampoo'ed my hair? Vinci: Is like rotting chocolate! Arty: Well, don't get chocolate shampoo next time, I had to borrow yours. Vinci: Arty, I don't HAVE chocolate shampoo. the only thing I had that was chocolate scented was the....OHNO Arty: What? WHAT? Vinci Did I tell you about the chocolate dish soap I fund? It was way too strong so I was going to use it to clean the shower tiles instead. Arty: Wait. My Beautiful, Overly Sensitive locks have been marred by nasty smelling DISH SOAP? Vinci: Oh but its nasty CHOCOLATE scented dish soap dear. Arty: Augh! I didn't laugh at YOUR painful emergency you MANE murderer Vinci: BUBBLY BLONDE! HahahaOW! HAHAHAOW! HahahahaOW!!

We actually had a bottle of Chocolate Scented Body wash... I, being blind in the shower without my glasses, didn't know, and washed my hair with it.

This strip is the result.

Four panel strip with Vinci and Arty. Vinci is recovering in a hospital bed. Vinci: Aaaarty? Owww.. Arty: Hi sunshine. I'm here, you're gonna be fine. Vinci: So. Sorry I caused trouble. Arty: No, I love you Richard. Arty: The wires, the coins, Mr. Coco, they're all replaceable. you're not. I was so scared of losing you. I was sitting there in the waiting room picturing dad and... Vinci: No cry. Agapi Mouj... We're stuck together. Arty: Thanks for the warning. You're a sight for sore eyes you know. If there's anything you need, just ask. I'm gonna take good care of you. Vinci: Well.. Surgery's made me... made me hungry. What's for chewing? Arty: *SIGH* Oh boy-oh-boy...

You think Arty will have a bag full of cables for Vinci to chew on now?

Four panel strip, Arty and Doctor Jeremy. Doc: Sir? Your friend is out of surgery. He's going to be fine. Arty: Oh Thank god! Thank you! Doc: Everything went fairly well. There was a bit more blockage than we have thought and he did have some internal bleeding. But with some extra recovery time, he should be as good as new. Doc: Oh! Here! (drops large coin bag at arty) Arty: OOMPH! Doc: I thought you might want all of the coins we removed. Mostly standard US Currency, but there's some foreign money in there too! you might want to get a few of those appraised. Arty: Wow. It's true what they say. Change DOES come from within! Doc: Oww..

The wind up, the pitch....

(Yes, Vinci is okay.)

Arty is waiting for Vinci in the surgery waiting room. He is thinking of Vinci. The panels where he is thinking, are done entirely in shaded pencil rather than the normal finished inks. The key lyrics of "You are my sunshine" hover over the pages. <Song> "You are my sunshine" <cont> "My only sunshine" "You make me happy when skies are gray." "You'll never know, dear. how much I love you." "Please don't take my sunshine away---"

Vinci goes into Surgery. Arty goes into panic.

"Can I get anyone anything while I'm out?"