Filed under: Humor

Sunday Morning Funnies: Gratz

by Amanda Miller May 19th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week, SMF is placing a regularly updating WoW-related web comic under a spotlight. This week's feature is Gratz:

Gratz is a humorous comic by Lackinganame (Jason Nebeker). It is a relatively new comic, and family-friendly. It's fun and a great one to check out each week if you enjoy watching an artist evolve.

It began as a few character sketches and evolved into a full story-based comic. It features five main characters: Vancore (a leader, hero), Starfire (gifted, insightful druid), Red and Green (brothers; jokers, trouble-makers), and Gorak (wise, grandfather-figure, trainer, aging leader).

Gratz Genesis was written from 2009-2011 but not published until 2012, when the artist was able to devote more time to the comic. This is also when Gratz Transition was born, which not only features the characters as older, but also an updated art style.

Gratz updates Mondays, usually with 3-4 pages (and sometimes more!).

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Patch 5.3 is pending, but when will it drop?

by Olivia Grace May 16th 2013 at 4:00PM

Now, don't pretend you're not already guessing. There have been several official Blizzard blogs, on the new scenarios we're expecting, as well as a general guide to how you can best prepare for patch 5.3, and what's more the devs have begun their latest round of interviews. The official World of Warcraft twitter account even went as far as tweeting to confirm that the patch wasn't landing on Tuesday May 14. So, all this being said, what's your prediction for the launch date? Where's the smart money?

Patch 53 is pending, but when will it drop

What do we have in the way of additional clues? Well, there's the PTR build information, which previously has flipped from "Test" to "Release" when a patch has crept closer It still says test, as you can see to the side. Also, the patch 5.3 PvP information has previously talked about a conquest catch-up of 15,000, and it'd be 11,000 right now. But of course, these are just clues. So what's your bet? And why?

When will patch 5.3 launch?
May 21st	1830 (28.9%)
May 28th	1811 (28.6%)
June 4th	804 (12.7%)
June 11th	256 (4.0%)
June 18th or later	233 (3.7%)
Soon (TM)	1400 (22.1%)

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor

Sunday Morning Funnies: Fox Rain

by Amanda Miller May 12th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week, SMF is putting a comic into the spotlight. This week, the focus is on Kuo's Fox Rain:

Fox Rain is a WoW-related web comic surrounding the mysteries of the Scythe of Elune. Since October 2012, it has been undergoing a reboot. Although it is being redone in a different style and feel, the comic still features a WoW-inspired world.

The story follows Lis the genius and Biryuk the mysterious, who are on a quest to search for what's most dear to them. The comic is driven by the narrative and geared towards WoW-playing adults who love an involving story.

In the new version, more focus is being put into the artwork and pages often have only two or three panels, giving the story a slower pace that requires readers to invest their time in the characters and their world.

Kuo Comics started making WoW comics back in 2009 with one-off funnies based on raids, cooking dailies and the adventures of the author's Horde guild. After exhausting every punchline she could find, Jenn (aka Volucris) changed the comic to be story-based, linking the old Warcraft 3 and WoW lore together. It also featured guest comics from Keen (Rory) and Ssantoki (a Korean web comic artist) from time to time. Fox Rain was created to weave story, action, and humor into one.

The comic updates every Thursday New Zealand time (Wednesday US time).

"Fox Rain" is a word used in East Asia for what is commonly known as a Sun Shower. The bright light above the falling rain goes perfectly with the theme of Fox Rain.

In the near future, the comics will be translated to Korean and Japanese, so if you're interested, check those out too!

Words from Volucris - "Thanks so much for everyone who reads Fox Rain! And to those who haven't started, please go take a look! The comic will deliver story, fun, action, lotsa wolves and tons more mischief."

Words from Keen - "I love you readers."

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Sunday Morning Funnies: Teh Gladiators

by Amanda Miller May 5th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Every week, SMF is shining the spotlight on one of our weekly WoW-related, regularly updating web comics. This week, we're looking at Teh Gladiators:

Teh Gladiators is written by Uros Jojic and drawn by Borislav Grabovic, both Serbian. They describe it as "a labor of love." Jojic is a player and fan as well as novice writer; Grabovic "is an accomplished artist," and it shows.

It is primarily a story-based comic. Originally, it was a story about arena but has since evolved into "a more free-flowing story about the adventures of three principal characters." Gorrok (the aging warrior), Spin (Tauren) and Vallant (a hunter with two rats) are the stars of the show.

Since the change, it has been less gag-based and moves at a slower pace. In order to keep it moving, the pair started posting two weekly updates.

Teh Gladiators updates every ~~Sunday~~ Wednesday with two comics.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Your silliest WoW moment

by Sarah Pine May 2nd 2013 at 1:00PM

This is a timely forum post, considering our topic the other day we had on our favorite ways to die. Mearl the gnome warrior asks, "What is the silliest thing that's happened to you in Azeroth?" A good number of the responses include people's own goofy deaths, but there are some more unconventional responses, too. I'm quite partial to Hippeaux's reply early on in the thread of the GM who clearly accidentally copied multiple people on a ticket, resulting in a baffling stream-of-consciousness-like list of instructions on how to accomplish a variety of things in game. Suddenly, I long for the day when something similar happens to me!

As for the silliest thing that's ever happened to me in game, well, this isn't strictly silly, but it's a story I laugh about heartily in hindsight. When I was a wee druid, at level 14, I got the quest for swim form. You needed to collect two halves to an amulet, both of which were underwater. The amulet's first half was at the bottom of the lake in Moonglade. Easy peasy, that's where you got the quest!

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor

Sunday Morning Funnies: Guilded Age

by Amanda Miller Apr 28th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week on SMF, we're highlighting a regularly updating comic from our list. This week, we're focusing on Guilded Age:

Guilded Age is inspired by WoW, and much more loosely based on Azeroth than most of the other comics on the list. It is written by T. Campbell and Phil Kahn and illustrated by John and Jason Waltrip. It is heavily story-based and features beautiful artwork.

It takes place on the continent of Arkerra. The Kingdom of Gastonia and the World's Rebellion (dubbed "The Savage Races") are at war. Gastonia hires a select group of adventurers (the "Peace-Makers") for diplomatic and reconnaissance missions, as well as criminal investigations.

Meanwhile, on Earth, a man is CEO of a major corporation. He devotes himself to working on a virtual world that he insists is real; he claims to have bridged Earth and another realm.

Read all about the characters or learn more about the crew behind the scenes.

Guilded Age updates every weekday.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Poll: Do you cheat on your faction?

by Olivia Grace Apr 26th 2013 at 1:00PM

We all know how it starts. A stolen glance across the sands of Silithus. That moment where you eyes meet, a shared second in the Deeprun Tram as you chase your foe back down the tunnel with your finger hovering over the Hammer of Wrath, but hesitate to hurl it home. You know your past, your history, your ambitions, you're a draenei, you're a member of the Alliance, it's all so clear. But somewhere, somewhere there's a longing for something more. Something different. Something... green.

And before you know it, you're being catapulted from Kezan into a new world, a world of orcs and blood elves, of trolls and tauren, of bloodlust rather than heroism. It's new, it's exciting, but is it anything more than just a fleeting visit? Can you really stay in this place, with the in-fighting and the slums and the ramshackle, riotous city of Orgrimmar as your home?

Have you ever cheated on your faction? Been deepsing with the enemy? You're far from alone. It's certainly safe to say that some players are like swans: when it comes to factions, they mate for life. But others are like sparrows, flitting from faction to faction. If you're a sparrow rather than a swan, are your dalliances with the dark side flippant flings, or full-blown affairs? Are you truly bi-factional, or will one always take precedence, always be your home and your heart?

Do you cheat on your faction?
Yes	2646 (59.6%)
No	1796 (40.4%)

Filed under: Humor

The wait continues for Pierre and the Skyclaw

by Olivia Grace Apr 24th 2013 at 4:00PM

The mystery of Pierre and the Sky Claw continues. These creations burst onto the scene in the patch 5.2 PTR patch notes back in January, when we were enthralled by Pierre's cooking capabilities, and the Sky Claw's two-person mount potential. Engineers were thrilled at their appearance, but alas, it was not to be.

When we last heard from our potent pair, they had been recently removed from patch 5.2, for undisclosed reasons. This last update came our way in early March, and we have had no word since. Until now. Blizzard Lead Content Designer Cory "Mumper" Stockton tweeted the following:

@tasenilein Not in 5.3
- Cory Stockton (@mumper) April 23, 2013

What has happened to Pierre and the Skyclaw? Have we sent out a search party? Are they in Vashj'ir, solving underwater crimes? Is it simply that Lil' Ragnaros is jealous and has banished Pierre to the Elemental Plane, and the Skyclaw is trying to build up the stones to fly down and snatch him out? Or is it possible that something more sinister is afoot...

WoW Insider recently made mention of a new contender for engineers' hearts and pockets, the Bad Robot, due to grace our screens in 'a future patch'. Could it be that the bad robot has lived up to his name and put paid to Pierre and the Skyclaw? Could this be the darkest hour for our dynamic duo? Who will help them now?

Filed under: News items, Humor

Sunday Morning Funnies: Lo'meath & Huilii

by Amanda Miller Apr 21st 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week, SMF is featuring a WoW-related web comic that updates regularly. This week, we're shining the spotlight on Lo'meath & Huilii:

Lo'meath & Huilii is a WoW-related machinima comic based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Moeru, the artist, is a Canadian game designer who works on the comic as a hobby. It began in April 2011 and shows no signs of slowing down.

Lo'meath (Low-me-eff) (based on Romeo) is a high-ranking battle mage of the Scryer faction who is creative, poetic and dramatic. Huilii (Hyu-lee) (based on Juliet) is the last apprentice of the Aldor High Priestess. She is dutiful and devoted to her trade, outspoken, yet conservative.

Lo'meath & Huilii updates three times a week.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

How would you design a raid boss?

by Matthew Rossi Apr 19th 2013 at 3:00PM

Nois, a dwarf warlock, posted this neat thread to the forums asking that very question: how would you design a raid boss? It interests me for a variety of reasons. One, I like seeing what players would do if called upon to design aspects of the game. For another, it gets me thinking about raid design, boss fights, and how they've evolved and changed over the years. It's hard to believe that once upon a time Razorgore or Vaelestraz were considered enormously difficult mechanically complex fights when pretty much every boss fight in Throne of Thunder has so many moving parts and elements to consider (the Iron Qon fight, for example, is a four phase fight with different mechanics for each phase).

I'm also interested because this finally gives me a chance to share my Cakearon the Frosting God raid boss strat I wrote back in Firelands of all places. People here at WoW Insider have been regaled with tales of the epic battle with Cakearon for two years now, and finally, I get to share the master of Icingdeath with you all.

Filed under: Humor, Mists of Pandaria

Breakfast Topic: All that you can't leave behind

by Sarah Pine Apr 19th 2013 at 8:00AM

I am a total WoW packrat. It's a little embarrassing. My void storage has been full for ages; stuffed with transmog gear, rare and epic archaeology items, and, in particular, old quest rewards or dungeon keys. Those last two, I realize, are kind of ridiculous to keep, but I worked so hard getting that Seal of Ascention! And completing the Scepter of the Shifting Sands is one of my most prized achievements in the game, don't you dare tell me to throw it, or any of the items I got along the way, in the trash!

"But you can't even use rings or necklaces in transmog!" my friends remind me. I know, I know, but guys, that's not the point! The point is... the point is... I just can't let go, okay?!

Are you a WoW packrat? What items do you hoard, beyond all logic or good reason? With bag and bank slots becoming ever more precious commodities, how do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of?

Filed under: Breakfast Topics, Humor

Sunday Morning Funnies: What's Shakin'

by Amanda Miller Apr 14th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

Each week, Sunday Morning Funnies is spotlighting a regularly updating comic based on or inspired by WoW. This week's feature is What's Shakin':

What's Shakin' is a comic that chronicles "the epic adventures of Coffinshaker and friends." It is based on the original characters from Coffin Comics, which is now about a variety of video games and other topics.

While it is inspired by WoW, it is an original story set in its own world. Shawn Tommelleo, the creator, describes it as "fantasy drama with a splash of humor."

Coffinshaker is the "fun and lovable fire mage" with a big imagination. He's quiet, a touch odd, and really doesn't have much hair. Ell is the "smokin'" hot healer of the group who specializes in defensive magic. Nith is a holy battlemage and trouble-maker, while Pai is a summoner (complete with guardian spirit, Berry, who – alas – can't use magic).

What's Shakin' updates Mondays.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

Breakfast Topic: Your most jealous WoW moment

by Sarah Pine Apr 10th 2013 at 8:00AM

I have a guildmate who is thoroughly dedicated to collecting in WoW, and he is very good at it. Every week on reset, he farms the instances that drop mounts he has yet to see. And this past Tuesday, I was one of only two of us (besides him!) logged into guild chat when the Ashes of Al'ar Feat of Strength popped up for him.

Oh my Titan, people!

I was thrilled to death for my guildie, of course! He has diligently killed Kael'thas for ages looking for this mount, and it is certainly a reward well-earned. But I am also jealous as heck, because, man... I love that mount! Maybe someday, I too will have such luck! One can only hope. And keep on killing Kael. He's pretty used to it by now, I imagine. Congrats again, Zable!

What moments have there been like that for you, readers? When have you seen someone get something and thought, "Congratulations! ...I'm so jealous!" Come on, we know it's happened!

Filed under: Breakfast Topics, Humor

Sunday Morning Funnies: Trigonometry Comics

by Amanda Miller Apr 7th 2013 at 12:00PM

Sunday Morning Funnies is your weekly list of WoW-related web comics.

SMF is spotlighting a regularly updating WoW-related comic each week. Last week, Contested Territory was featured. To continue the series is Trigonometry Comics:

Trigonometry Comics is a comic about a gnome death knight named Trigonometry. She's a high-functioning psychopath with a talent for deductive reasoning and an obsession with mathematics. Ever since the fall of the Lich King, she's been struggling to find her place in the world. Luckily, she is not alone; she has her friends, Sparcle and Helayne. And then there's Arugadh, a proud, stiff-necked dwarf paladin who would put the death knight into the ground permanently, if not for the fact that they're being forced to work together.

The comic is created by Brett (aka Trigonometry), who is happily married, possesses "no particular talent for mathematics," and is "owned by two cats." Brett creates the comic mainly in-game. It is a good balance of funny, dramatic, and philosophical.

Trigonometry Comics updates on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Humor, Comics, Sunday Morning Funnies

April Fools' Day comes to the PTR courtesy of Wowhead

by Elizabeth Harper Apr 1st 2013 at 8:00PM

If you haven't had enough of April Fools' Day quite yet -- and in light of Blizzard's joke no-show this year, maybe you haven't -- you'll enjoy Wowhead's celebration of this silly holiday in the form of what they tell us is new information about patch 5.3 on the PTR. So just what have we got to look forward to? We think the highlight is the new Earth Week holiday, in which we'll be cleaning up Azeroth and battling the forces of evil otherwise known as The Crown Chemical Co. We'll also be fighting a new boss called the Sky Sludge, which drops five epic rings that seem awfully familiar. But if that doesn't strike your fancy, there's also new cosmetic armor and auras, in-game Hearthstone, and the delicious-looking Doritos Locos Feast.

And, while we are pretty sure this is all a joke, Blizzard has been known to have a strange sense of humor before...

Filed under: Humor

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