Right? For all the issues in how they hooked up, sometimes they manage to be surprisingly sweet in a ‘Oh, THIS is how you two could work without self-loathing’ way.
Yesterday people were suggesting they found Ruth’s angry/protective smile incredibly hot. Well, Ruth’s crooked little grin in the last panel here just flat out does it for me. There is an immediate headcanon slipshine after this panel as far as I’m concerned, cursing Billie or no.
I know, right? Panel 4 Ruth has an expression I don’t think we have ever seen on her. It’s nice to see her (and Billie) develop into healthier, happier people.
Early on in the comic I wasn’t a huge fan of Billie, and even less a fan of Ruth, but their character arcs have been refreshing. Ruth’s recent goofy expressions have been a delight.
I really enjoy her panel 6 expression. It says ‘Yes I’m being a goof to get a rise out of you but I really care about you and you’re cute when you’re angry’
Actual treatment for depression: It works WONDERS.
I’ve really appreciated this arc of Ruth entering treatment and waiting for them to work, and then the ‘wait, what?’ of her emotions returning. It’s fairly realistic and it’s nice to see a depression storyline like this.
It definitely shows a level of care and dedication put into realism that other works desperately need to emulate when it comes to mental health.
Miri
Although arguably Ruth was very lucky to get something that works well for her without side effects first time.
When I was suffering extreme post-natal sleep deprivation (people need to sleep more than 1-3 hours in 24; my colicky baby threw up less on me than in her bed and was up most of the night for the first 6 weeks anyway… With a 3 year old too, my opportunities for day sleeping were limited. That level of exhausted is a legitimate form of torture) they put me on some happy pills to give me a bit of a boost to help with the intrusive thoughts. They landed me in bed half of each week with killer headaches and didn’t really seem to affect me moodwise (the baby working out that night is for sleeping did way more). I’ve suffered from chronic migraine headaches for decades anyway, but even after I came off the pills they were way worse. I was seriously worried I’d be unable to return to work until (6th attempt) I was put on a med that helps control the headaches somewhat. They’re probably still worse with the med than they were before I spent a few months on antidepressants. The baby is over 2 now.
Huh. I’d usually forgotten my RA’s name about two weeks into the semester. Between campus jobs and roommates that were about half a notch above “unidentifiable mess on the floor,” I wasn’t in the dorm all that much.
I want it to suddenly morph into a Battinson poster with no comment the next time we see it.
(… It is Robert Pattinson, right? I know SOMEONE has him as a poster and honestly I’m faceblind enough I can’t even recognize caricatures, because I don’t really discern the traits being exaggerated.)
When you get tired of hating everyone, you realize you have been hating yourself and want to continue hating yourself until you die alone… All these characters need professional help, and more after they realize Mike might be dead.
I find it funny that everyone thinks its Mike who’s dead. I mean, if Amazigirl is the worse side of Amber and Amber has tried to murder a guy by stabbing him to death… Just saying.
Amazigirl is not the worst side of Amber. Amazigirl is a relatively safe and non-destructive way of channeling Amber’s awesome but violent characteristics. Relatively.
Needfuldoer
As I’ve read it, Amazi-Girl started off as Amber’s comic-book alter ego character she used to break out of everyone else’s expectations of her, and a container for all the traits about herself she found positive. As time went on, she compartmentalized “Amber” and “Amazi-Girl” more and more firmly until they spiraled to where they are today.
Standard disclaimer that I know nothing about DID or even if Amber has always been intentionally written to express it. This is just my take on her character arc as a reader. If I’m wrong, it’s out of ignorance, not malice.
thejeff
With a large dose of “way to channel my rage and violence into something useful”.
92 thoughts on “Hearts”
Ana Chronistic
“WAT UR A MOM SINCE WHEN”
Lingo
I appreciate that they don’t use the b-word, but still it sounds a little weird not to use the b-word.
Cholma
Yeah, because “Billiefucker” is so much more accurate! ;p
Sunny
Bastich?
HeySo
Bastille – Pompeii
“We were caught up and lost in all of our vices
In your pose as the dust settled around us”
HeySo
Wait, sorry- “Billiefucker” was already noted earlier. :/
Doctor_Who
Panel 2 describes a large percentage of the cast.
Also a large percentage of everyone at that age, so points for realism.
Lola
Just at that age? I’m 30 and I’m pretty sure I’m still like that.
Rose by Any Other Name
As with many Ruth/Billie convos, this could basically be me and my wife if you removed the drunk driver references.
He Who Abides
My fiancee and I, as well.
RbAON, you’re not my extradimensional double, are you?
Keulen
I’d say that describes a large percentage of all human beings.
BBCC
God I love sober and in therapy Ruth.
electriccombines
She’s so wholesome :’)
Regalli
It’s so nice to see her doing better.
Suitora
I feel so attacked right now.
Deanatay
Panel 6: Autobiographical AF
Stephen Bierce
*plays Marty Balin’s “Hearts” on the hacked Muzak*
Kyoulkoa
Billie stop trying to ‘eye of fear’ Ruth
Nono
The difference between ‘well this relationship is a bust’ and ‘oh they’re gonna be ok’ is one panel.
Regalli
Right? For all the issues in how they hooked up, sometimes they manage to be surprisingly sweet in a ‘Oh, THIS is how you two could work without self-loathing’ way.
DailyBrad
I won’t lie, I’ve totally done that, too. Sometimes it really does help diffuse tension, but sometimes, you get called a motherfucker.
Kamino Neko
Sometimes both.
Dara
Really, it’s best when it’s both.
Keulen
bothisgood.gif
Miri
It’s the sort of thing I do but I don’t recall people calling me a motherfucker over it…
Pocky
Ruth “Hornier than she has common sense” Lessick has a nice ring to it.
Meagan
Thumbs up
Jonah Sanville
ruth gets it
clif
Yep.
Suet
*plays Heart’s Alone on a Bluetooth speaker*
Yotomoe
I certainly know I’M Hornier than I have common sense. At this point I’m more horny than man.
MatthewTheLucky
And it isn’t even close to a full moon!
Doom Shepherd
“He’s more horny than man now, twisted and evil.”
Geneseepaws
I’m pleased to meet you. My name is Dog, … Horn Dog
StClair
I love both her frank admission and her last panel :\
Strangeshapes
Yesterday people were suggesting they found Ruth’s angry/protective smile incredibly hot. Well, Ruth’s crooked little grin in the last panel here just flat out does it for me. There is an immediate headcanon slipshine after this panel as far as I’m concerned, cursing Billie or no.
Dr. T
Cool! Legitimate character growth out of Ruth. This is a much more upbeat character than she once was.
Hazel
I know, right? Panel 4 Ruth has an expression I don’t think we have ever seen on her. It’s nice to see her (and Billie) develop into healthier, happier people.
Early on in the comic I wasn’t a huge fan of Billie, and even less a fan of Ruth, but their character arcs have been refreshing. Ruth’s recent goofy expressions have been a delight.
Tan
I really enjoy her panel 6 expression. It says ‘Yes I’m being a goof to get a rise out of you but I really care about you and you’re cute when you’re angry’
Regalli
Actual treatment for depression: It works WONDERS.
I’ve really appreciated this arc of Ruth entering treatment and waiting for them to work, and then the ‘wait, what?’ of her emotions returning. It’s fairly realistic and it’s nice to see a depression storyline like this.
Jon Rich
It definitely shows a level of care and dedication put into realism that other works desperately need to emulate when it comes to mental health.
Miri
Although arguably Ruth was very lucky to get something that works well for her without side effects first time.
When I was suffering extreme post-natal sleep deprivation (people need to sleep more than 1-3 hours in 24; my colicky baby threw up less on me than in her bed and was up most of the night for the first 6 weeks anyway… With a 3 year old too, my opportunities for day sleeping were limited. That level of exhausted is a legitimate form of torture) they put me on some happy pills to give me a bit of a boost to help with the intrusive thoughts. They landed me in bed half of each week with killer headaches and didn’t really seem to affect me moodwise (the baby working out that night is for sleeping did way more). I’ve suffered from chronic migraine headaches for decades anyway, but even after I came off the pills they were way worse. I was seriously worried I’d be unable to return to work until (6th attempt) I was put on a med that helps control the headaches somewhat. They’re probably still worse with the med than they were before I spent a few months on antidepressants. The baby is over 2 now.
mrnoidea
Dumbing of Age Book 10: Hornier Than Thou
JessWitt
Angry pillow face Billie is unnerving.
bcb
“No, I’m not a motherfucker, because I don’t have a mother. Thanks to a drunk driver.”
CrazyJ
Nobody said it has to be your own mother that you fuck…
Abel Undercity
… for a nickel…
clif
Obligatory query about Mike’s fate.
ADD
Dumbing of Age Book #??? – “I’m Worthy of Love.”
Slartibeast Button, BIA
So Ruth is Billie’s mom? Some time travel thing?
Reltzik
Well, an RA is sort of a surrogate mom…
DSL
Huh. I’d usually forgotten my RA’s name about two weeks into the semester. Between campus jobs and roommates that were about half a notch above “unidentifiable mess on the floor,” I wasn’t in the dorm all that much.
Bagge
also known as “being young and dumb”
Needfuldoer
That sounds like the title of a machine-translated DoA.
Adam Black
i really want the poster on the wall to move
Regalli
I want it to suddenly morph into a Battinson poster with no comment the next time we see it.
(… It is Robert Pattinson, right? I know SOMEONE has him as a poster and honestly I’m faceblind enough I can’t even recognize caricatures, because I don’t really discern the traits being exaggerated.)
King Daniel
I think it’s supposed to be Andrew Garfield.
clif
Which president was he again?
Miri
The one who really liked lasagne.
Keulen
DoA Book 10: You’re Hornier Than You’ve Got Common Sense
Also DoA Book 10: You Motherfucker!
bibulb
re: the second
DAMNIT! Beat me to the punch!
abysswatcher1993
When you get tired of hating everyone, you realize you have been hating yourself and want to continue hating yourself until you die alone… All these characters need professional help, and more after they realize Mike might be dead.
ktbear
I find it funny that everyone thinks its Mike who’s dead. I mean, if Amazigirl is the worse side of Amber and Amber has tried to murder a guy by stabbing him to death… Just saying.
clif
Amazigirl is not the worst side of Amber. Amazigirl is a relatively safe and non-destructive way of channeling Amber’s awesome but violent characteristics. Relatively.
Needfuldoer
As I’ve read it, Amazi-Girl started off as Amber’s comic-book alter ego character she used to break out of everyone else’s expectations of her, and a container for all the traits about herself she found positive. As time went on, she compartmentalized “Amber” and “Amazi-Girl” more and more firmly until they spiraled to where they are today.
Standard disclaimer that I know nothing about DID or even if Amber has always been intentionally written to express it. This is just my take on her character arc as a reader. If I’m wrong, it’s out of ignorance, not malice.
thejeff
With a large dose of “way to channel my rage and violence into something useful”.
Shane
Throwing statements out there in hopes that they’ll be rejected feels weirdly manipulative.
clif
And?
Sombrero