Mike is probably on a “no punch” clausule… so he is probably not going either… unless he decided to take it as a loophole that he can kick.
Someone
Of course, maybe they should invite Mike on the logic that Mike being an ass at your party is better than a Mike that is mad you stiffed him. Lex Luthor uses similar reasoning for why he invites the Joker into the Legion of Doom.
well i mean…the bruises and whatnot have healed, but i’m sure joe is no more inclined to socialize with joyce knowing she’s willing to punch him for thought crimes, never mind how hard. it could be three and a half months and he’d probably still be reluctant to attend.
I can’t hear that song. I got some song from Tim Wilson stuck in my head instead. I can’t remember the name of the song for some reason, but here is a link to it:
Joyce doesn’t feel safe around Joe and has reacted poorly to his presence each time he’s been near her since their ‘date’. This is just ensuring he doesn’t show up.
Joes a douche so don’t invite him but to tell him specifically hes not invited to a party is just plain rude
Tacos
Would you rather have him stumble into the party accidentally and do something that could reinforce Joyce’s negative feelings on parties instead of actively telling him he can’t go?
chris73
The problem with what he may or may not do is that you could also easily say that Joe will now be miffed that he didn’t get an invite and will crash the party
I just don’t believe Joe deserves that kind of spitefullness
Tacos
I don’t think Joe is the type to get angry enough that he’d go do something after he’s been told not to do something.
chris73
So don’t invite and if he turns up explain its invite only so problem solved so why need to specifically tell someone they’re not invited is beyond me
*Something similar happened to me a couple of decades ago and it hurt then and it still (surprisingly) hurts now
Yet_One_More_Idiot
I’m with others on this one. If you don’t tell him that there’s a party on, he might come over to see what all the hubbub is about, and then there’s the awkward clash of “Oh, hi Joe….we’re having a party and it’s invite only, so please go away”, which could ruin the mood.
But by specifically telling him ahead of time, mood-ruinage* later on should theoretically be avoided. He’s not that much of a dick that he’d deliberately crash the party and be an ass now that he knows it’s happening, Joyce knows that he’ll probably just stay away (and anyway, he wants to avoid getting punched by Joyce again probably…).
Now Mike on the other hand, I think Joyce might actually invite on the basis that he’ll be slightly less of a dick to her if he gets invited then if he didn’t. Probably. 😛
*ruinage is a word now. Deal. 😛
Majere
Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t guys not even allowed in the women’s dorm uninvited? Him stumbling into the party would be a pretty neat trick.
Daisy
Joe is very likely to be in the ladies’ dorm anyway for *delicate cough* other business.
Rich
It’s a coed dorm with the sexes split between wings. If it works like the ones I lived in with the same arrangements, unless there are complaints and an RA available to act on them, anyone can wander the halls anywhere. Your only exclusion zones are the showers and people’s rooms.
Random832
AIUI they’re split between floors, not wings. The difference being, with the split between floors there’s less likely to be proper access control (i.e. a key card that only people who live in that wing have), but that doesn’t mean it’s not still technically against the rules for them to be there unescorted.
timemonkey
It’s not rude to tell someone to stay out of your personal space because they make you uncomfortable.
It is rude to go and find somebody who is in their own space, when they have expressed zero intention to come into yours, to knock on their door and tell them that by the way they need to stay away. But this isn’t likely to hurt Joe’s feelings at all, so I think this one falls squarely under Rule Of Funny.
Trolldrool
I don’t think it’s particularly because it’s Joe as much as because in her eyes, Joe is defined by his sexuality and at the moment, as a result of Ryan, male sexuality is what frightens her the most.
The clear difference of course being that by all appearances Joe is a strong advocate of consensual sex, but again, it’s not as much Joe himself as Joyce’s impression of him as someone who is defined by the exact thing that frightens her the most.
fogel
Which is ironic, sad and unfortunate for Joyce because given Joe.s explanation to Danny of his views on mutual consent and womens’ sexual agency, he’s an important anti-Ryan.
thejeff
While I think you’re right about Joe, mostly because he’s always been played as funny and harmless, I wouldn’t normally take people’s own explanations of views on mutual consent and womens’ sexual agency at face value. The Ethical Slut is a common trope, but not quite so much in real life. And the other type often talks the same and even thinks of himself the same way, but aren’t quite as ethical as they claim – quite happy to lie and pressure to seduce, even though they avoid outright rape.
More importantly no in Joyce’s situation is going to be at all comfortable with someone that sexually outgoing. Pushes all the wrong buttons.
We can trust him, because we know better. She can’t.
segnosaur
Yes, Joe was wrong with the way he interrupted the class and made questionable remarks. But Joyce also held rather questionable attitudes at one time. And, because of those attitudes Joe was subject to physical violence.
Ironically, Joe would actually be one of the safer people for Joyce to be around. Yes, he’s running around trying to have sex with every (female) thing that moves… but he would definitely avoid pushing things as far as sexual assault.
barefootbiker
Yes, but Joyce still more or less retains the attitudes that had her punching Joe in the face. She’s cooled on the anti-gay stuff, but she didn’t just become a non-fundie overnight.
Joe might be safer to have around than some, but given precedent, I think Amber and Sarah probably have it covered, especially since he has a tendency to make even his best friends uncomfortable.
Dr. Smart
while I agree he wouldn’t be the type to do that, how does that make him “one of the safer people” I mean that statement is vague enough that it could include every person who isn’t into sexual assault so thats true in a way, but most of the characters in this comic (Joyce’s almost rapist excluded) probably would be considered just as safe in that regard to Joe. in all honesty its not how safe the person actually is so much as how safe they make Joyce feel. which is why she is inviting friends and those with positive interactions, rather then the entire dorm who we probably can assume (to some extent) aren’t rapists.
segnosaur
Well, my argument that he’s “one of the safer people” is based partly on the fact that he’d have a much more intimidating presence than someone like Walky or Dan.
Rutee
Joe’s also demonstrated an actual understanding of enthusiastic consent. Nah, this was just dickish.
Mind, I don’t like Joyce less for it – it’s amusing and mild.
TARDIS With A Hat
1. Joyce wasn’t around to see that, she doesn’t read the comic, she doesn’t know everything about Joe
2. People like to bring this up as some proof that Joe is a great guy. Last time I checked, “not being a rapist” is just basic decency
3. The purpose of this party is not just to make sure Joyce isn’t raped, but that she feels comfortable and happy and surrounded by friends – Joe isn’t her friend (I’m pretty sure he doesn’t care that he wasn’t invited) and it was shown that male sexuality makes Joyce uncomfortable now, and if Joe starts hitting on a lady in a party or even just talking about fucking a lady (and he would, he’s JOE) – that would make her feel bad
nothri
Meh. I don’t consider this any MORE dickish than deliberately trying to embarrass someone in front of their friends by essentially waving money in their face to do something they personally object to doing essentially for their personal amusement. Their mutual antagonism of one another has honestly kind of become the cornerstone of their relationship.
In any case, I would usually consider telling someone they’re not invited to a party to be pretty rude, but considering that Joe probably doesn’t really care (And is probably heading to Roz’s party anyway) I found this to be funny really.
timemonkey
It IS since their ‘date’ she just got worse after the party.
223 thoughts on “The edge off”
Jen Aside
“I had to let you know because we’re all out of face-punches”
“WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN”
“Joyce’s hand still hurts, and Mike’s busy”
Doctor_Who
Is Mike on the list? I must know. And Joyce might want a chaperone again.
Rich
“Hail Satan” phone prank. So, no.
DarkoNeko
Eh, they don’t, Sarah’s ther—oh wait.
timemonkey
Dorothy, Walky and Ethan will be there, she’s safe.
Someone
Mike is also on the “Definitely not” list.
Romanticide
Mike is probably on a “no punch” clausule… so he is probably not going either… unless he decided to take it as a loophole that he can kick.
Someone
Of course, maybe they should invite Mike on the logic that Mike being an ass at your party is better than a Mike that is mad you stiffed him. Lex Luthor uses similar reasoning for why he invites the Joker into the Legion of Doom.
Leorale
Mike is wherever you don’t want him to be.
thebombzen
Unless you want him to be with your mom. He’ll be there for a nickel.
Romanticide
He is kind like the evil fairy in sleeping beauty in that aspect XD
DarkoNeko
Keep your enemies close to you.
N0083rP00F
That was it is only a short thrust instead of all that annoying running around first.
Twilightomens
Becky probably isn’t telling him he’s not invited in that case.
Bill
If Mike is not invited, Becky will tell him.  She has no fear, and will get right up in his FAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaacccccccceee!
For a nickel.
Mr. Morningstar
meme overload
leadsynth
But Mike is useful to Joyce. He’s always there when you need him to punch Joe in the face.
Doc
Wow, Joyce must punch really hard if it’s been like what, a week and a half since Joes and her date?
Catullus
Three and a half weeks.
neeks
well i mean…the bruises and whatnot have healed, but i’m sure joe is no more inclined to socialize with joyce knowing she’s willing to punch him for thought crimes, never mind how hard. it could be three and a half months and he’d probably still be reluctant to attend.
DarkoNeko
He’s busy banging pretty much every night (and most of the day), anyway.
Mr. Random
“Very explicit?”
LeslieBean4Shizzle
Well yeah – have you seen her butt in those shorts?
Jen Aside
how could you NOT
AgentKeen
Booty booty booty booty
booty everywhere!
…I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it.
Mr. Random
I’m not angry. I’m disappointed.
You didn’t finish the song.
Someone
They’ve all got butts disease! Quarantine this thread! I need 50…butts. Its to late for me, go on without me! Find a cure!
Dr. Smart
I will destroy you and steal your fiance, Booty Booty Booty Booty Rockin everywhere?
Someone
Nooo! one of our only doctors was infected! We need you Doctor_Who!
DavidMcG
They’re not technically related, so it’ll be OK.
Dr. T
I can’t hear that song. I got some song from Tim Wilson stuck in my head instead. I can’t remember the name of the song for some reason, but here is a link to it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWAeEitbERk
otusasio451
I think Joe would take that way better if Becky delivered the message in the form of a singing telegram.
HMRC4EVR
I’d rather have Becky not be shot by Joe…in the doorway…with a loaded sock.
Leorale
I, am! a singing telegram, BANG
otusasio451
Yay, Clue!
Doctor_Who
“DADADADADADA! I am your singing telegram!”-BLAM!
Shouldn’t have knocked on Ruth’s door when she’s hungover.
Rich
Which alternate ending are we getting?
neeks
definitely not the one where the gay guy turns out to be hetero after all
Leorale
He could be bi! Like Danny!
Bantha
1 plus 2 plus 2…plus 1.
DarkoNeko
You probbly don’t wanna try Sal’s either.
nothri
Maybe. Maybe not.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui337e5D50E
Kris
She also said to get Mike to punch you in the face……I’ll be right back!
chris73
Well thats just a dick move, my opinion of Joyce just took a major dive
timemonkey
Joyce doesn’t feel safe around Joe and has reacted poorly to his presence each time he’s been near her since their ‘date’. This is just ensuring he doesn’t show up.
Plasma Mongoose
Ironically it’s Joe’s face who should feel unsafe around Joyce.
chris73
You don’t see an issue with telling someone theres a party and they’re not invited, you don’t see how rude that is?
JessWitt
This is Joe you’re talking about.
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2015/comic/book-5/02-threes-a-crowd/sweetlesbianfacts/
chris73
Joes a douche so don’t invite him but to tell him specifically hes not invited to a party is just plain rude
Tacos
Would you rather have him stumble into the party accidentally and do something that could reinforce Joyce’s negative feelings on parties instead of actively telling him he can’t go?
chris73
The problem with what he may or may not do is that you could also easily say that Joe will now be miffed that he didn’t get an invite and will crash the party
I just don’t believe Joe deserves that kind of spitefullness
Tacos
I don’t think Joe is the type to get angry enough that he’d go do something after he’s been told not to do something.
chris73
So don’t invite and if he turns up explain its invite only so problem solved so why need to specifically tell someone they’re not invited is beyond me
*Something similar happened to me a couple of decades ago and it hurt then and it still (surprisingly) hurts now
Yet_One_More_Idiot
I’m with others on this one. If you don’t tell him that there’s a party on, he might come over to see what all the hubbub is about, and then there’s the awkward clash of “Oh, hi Joe….we’re having a party and it’s invite only, so please go away”, which could ruin the mood.
But by specifically telling him ahead of time, mood-ruinage* later on should theoretically be avoided. He’s not that much of a dick that he’d deliberately crash the party and be an ass now that he knows it’s happening, Joyce knows that he’ll probably just stay away (and anyway, he wants to avoid getting punched by Joyce again probably…).
Now Mike on the other hand, I think Joyce might actually invite on the basis that he’ll be slightly less of a dick to her if he gets invited then if he didn’t. Probably. 😛
*ruinage is a word now. Deal. 😛
Majere
Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t guys not even allowed in the women’s dorm uninvited? Him stumbling into the party would be a pretty neat trick.
Daisy
Joe is very likely to be in the ladies’ dorm anyway for *delicate cough* other business.
Rich
It’s a coed dorm with the sexes split between wings. If it works like the ones I lived in with the same arrangements, unless there are complaints and an RA available to act on them, anyone can wander the halls anywhere. Your only exclusion zones are the showers and people’s rooms.
Random832
AIUI they’re split between floors, not wings. The difference being, with the split between floors there’s less likely to be proper access control (i.e. a key card that only people who live in that wing have), but that doesn’t mean it’s not still technically against the rules for them to be there unescorted.
timemonkey
It’s not rude to tell someone to stay out of your personal space because they make you uncomfortable.
Leorale
It is rude to go and find somebody who is in their own space, when they have expressed zero intention to come into yours, to knock on their door and tell them that by the way they need to stay away. But this isn’t likely to hurt Joe’s feelings at all, so I think this one falls squarely under Rule Of Funny.
Trolldrool
I don’t think it’s particularly because it’s Joe as much as because in her eyes, Joe is defined by his sexuality and at the moment, as a result of Ryan, male sexuality is what frightens her the most.
The clear difference of course being that by all appearances Joe is a strong advocate of consensual sex, but again, it’s not as much Joe himself as Joyce’s impression of him as someone who is defined by the exact thing that frightens her the most.
fogel
Which is ironic, sad and unfortunate for Joyce because given Joe.s explanation to Danny of his views on mutual consent and womens’ sexual agency, he’s an important anti-Ryan.
thejeff
While I think you’re right about Joe, mostly because he’s always been played as funny and harmless, I wouldn’t normally take people’s own explanations of views on mutual consent and womens’ sexual agency at face value. The Ethical Slut is a common trope, but not quite so much in real life. And the other type often talks the same and even thinks of himself the same way, but aren’t quite as ethical as they claim – quite happy to lie and pressure to seduce, even though they avoid outright rape.
More importantly no in Joyce’s situation is going to be at all comfortable with someone that sexually outgoing. Pushes all the wrong buttons.
We can trust him, because we know better. She can’t.
segnosaur
Yes, Joe was wrong with the way he interrupted the class and made questionable remarks. But Joyce also held rather questionable attitudes at one time. And, because of those attitudes Joe was subject to physical violence.
Ironically, Joe would actually be one of the safer people for Joyce to be around. Yes, he’s running around trying to have sex with every (female) thing that moves… but he would definitely avoid pushing things as far as sexual assault.
barefootbiker
Yes, but Joyce still more or less retains the attitudes that had her punching Joe in the face. She’s cooled on the anti-gay stuff, but she didn’t just become a non-fundie overnight.
Joe might be safer to have around than some, but given precedent, I think Amber and Sarah probably have it covered, especially since he has a tendency to make even his best friends uncomfortable.
Dr. Smart
while I agree he wouldn’t be the type to do that, how does that make him “one of the safer people” I mean that statement is vague enough that it could include every person who isn’t into sexual assault so thats true in a way, but most of the characters in this comic (Joyce’s almost rapist excluded) probably would be considered just as safe in that regard to Joe. in all honesty its not how safe the person actually is so much as how safe they make Joyce feel. which is why she is inviting friends and those with positive interactions, rather then the entire dorm who we probably can assume (to some extent) aren’t rapists.
segnosaur
Well, my argument that he’s “one of the safer people” is based partly on the fact that he’d have a much more intimidating presence than someone like Walky or Dan.
Rutee
Joe’s also demonstrated an actual understanding of enthusiastic consent. Nah, this was just dickish.
Mind, I don’t like Joyce less for it – it’s amusing and mild.
TARDIS With A Hat
1. Joyce wasn’t around to see that, she doesn’t read the comic, she doesn’t know everything about Joe
2. People like to bring this up as some proof that Joe is a great guy. Last time I checked, “not being a rapist” is just basic decency
3. The purpose of this party is not just to make sure Joyce isn’t raped, but that she feels comfortable and happy and surrounded by friends – Joe isn’t her friend (I’m pretty sure he doesn’t care that he wasn’t invited) and it was shown that male sexuality makes Joyce uncomfortable now, and if Joe starts hitting on a lady in a party or even just talking about fucking a lady (and he would, he’s JOE) – that would make her feel bad
nothri
Meh. I don’t consider this any MORE dickish than deliberately trying to embarrass someone in front of their friends by essentially waving money in their face to do something they personally object to doing essentially for their personal amusement. Their mutual antagonism of one another has honestly kind of become the cornerstone of their relationship.
Annamal
It’s not since their “date” it’s since the party.
http://www.dumbingofage.com/2013/comic/book-4/01-the-only-dope-for-me-is-you/duhduh/
She associates him with the creep (not that he’s done anything or would do anything) and does not want to be alone with him.
Lord Stoneheart
I think you might mean this comic? http://www.dumbingofage.com/2012/comic/book-2/01-pajama-jeans/touch/
In any case, I would usually consider telling someone they’re not invited to a party to be pretty rude, but considering that Joe probably doesn’t really care (And is probably heading to Roz’s party anyway) I found this to be funny really.
timemonkey
It IS since their ‘date’ she just got worse after the party.
Reaver