History Webcomic / SomethingPositive

** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/darkness-rising/ Also]], [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp08092006.shtml naked]] Avogadro.

* FanDisservice: If you're a ''{{Superman}}'' fan, [[FetishRetardant don't read]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/am-number-one/ this]].
** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/darkness-rising/ Also]],[[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp08092006.shtml naked]] Avogadro.

* ArchivePanic: At the start of year 16 (which was in 2017, for reference), [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/planning/ Rippy mentions how the archive is big enough to scare new readers away]].

* RealityEnsues: Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/trick-or-date/ applies this to children's songs]].

* SettledForGay: Branwen's parents. Her father was gay and needed a wife and family to "keep up appearances" in his professional life. Her mom just didn't like sex, but wanted a family. [[RealityEnsues This had some ramifications for Bran]].

* HilariouslyAbusiveChildhood: [[http://somethingpositive.net/sp11302004.shtml Monette]] in particular.

* CuteKitten: Choo-Choo-Bear and friends. Sometimes bluntly deconstructed, which on one occasion has resulted in death threats against the author (see {{GIFT}} entry below).

* {{GIFT}}:
** A [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kitty-kwiz/ set of]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kitty-kwiz-2/ Kitty Kwizzes]], comics which humorously explained how [[CatsAreMean cats control their human puppets]]...er...masters, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/getting-catty/ apparently]] made some readers so angry that Randy received ''death threats'' over them.
** And InUniverse, Davan shows Rory [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/never-read-the-comments/ precisely why he's not allowed online unsupervised despite being 12]]. People were flinging rape and death threats at each other in the comments section of a picture for ''a cupcake''.
--->'''Rory''': People online ruin everything.\\
'''Davan''': No, son. People online ''[[HumansAreBastards improve upon]]'' ruining everything.

** Tamara, her fingers, and two [[Franchise/{{Batman}} well-known comic characters]]. [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp06012011.shtml Here]].

* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: InUniverse, when a frustrated Donna tells Rory that "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/school-clothes/ if I had just sucked, you wouldn't be here]]" - being five, he doesn't get the joke.

** After [[spoiler: Fred's funeral]], Davan says that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/honored-remains/ he's shipped the remains to Monette]], and immediately comments that "...that was a weird fucking sentence to say."

** Davan manages to terrify [=PeeJee=] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/every-time-i-turn-around/ with his crush on Soleil Moon Frye]].

* VideoGameCaringPotential & VideoGameCrueltyPotential: Ironically, given [[DeadpanSnarker Davan's personality]], he ''hates'' taking the Evil option in games, which Vanessa chalks up to games being about {{Escapism}}. Even [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/cheat-codes-2/ randomly insulting an NPC]] causes some emotional distress.

'''Davan''': (''SuddenlyShouting'') [+What's the cheat code for you to lie and say there ''is'' one?!+]

--->'''Sanders''': ...the check's amount should have five zeros. Seven if I get the first working model.

** Anyone seen in Hell -- [[spoiler: Pepito, Avargoro, Silas (though [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/new-familiar-faces/ he reincarnated as a child]])]], except for [[spoiler: "Santa Claus"]], seen in Hell but alive (if not "well") later.

* ThisExplainsSoMuch: Aubrey finds Rose's [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/home-sweet-fuck-pt-5/ character sheet]], and Davan points out that it likely explains his dim views on romance and relationships.

* TooMuchInformation (Also a kind of ShuttingUpNow): Vanessa's mouth sometimes runs away with her, and ends up in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/club-wear/ terrible places]].

* AbsentAnimalCompanion: Planned but then averted. WordOfGod says that the original plan was that Davan would (reluctantly) adopt Choo-Choo Bear, who would then disappear for years until a dark BrickJoke where they discover his corpse behind the sofa or something. Perhaps due to his [[EnsembleDarkhorse popularity]], he's remained a part of the cast, even though he should be pushing forty by now.

* AbusiveParents: [[spoiler:Ollie]]'s father apparently beat him when he was a boy. This is probably why [[spoiler:Ollie does everything in his power to honor and protect the reputation of his otherwise EvilUncle Avogadro, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-business-pt-4/ who put a stop to the abuse]] by raising Ollie himself]].

* AdultFear: In the [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-today-pt-1/ "Just Today"]] story arc, Davan's father Fred has to deal with being diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He asks his wife Faye to take the day off from work to spend time with him so he can tell her. In the end, he can't bring himself to tell her and they just spend a peaceful day together. As they go to bed for the night, she thanks him for spending the day with her and they share a [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-today-pt-4/ goodnight kiss]] (the caption for this strip is "Sometimes it's about life...". [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-today-pt-5/ The next morning]], [[spoiler:Fred realizes that Faye died in her sleep (the caption here: "Sometimes, it's about fear").]]

* AHellOfATime: Fire, demons poking the damned and a "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/holy-ghost-stories-pt-3/ ferret rave]]".
* [[AllGirlsLikePonies All Girls Like Ponycars]]: "Customers being stupid?" "That's like asking me if ponies are still being awesome. Duh!"

* AmicableExes: Davan and Branwen, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/all-i-can-ask-for/ much to Vanessa's awkwardness]].
-->'''Vanessa''': I mean, you're the good ex. It's not like you cheated on him. In fact, he still speaks well of you. This would be easier if you were awful and maybe had cloven feet... no, I take that back. Cloven feet [[FreakyIsCool are kinda "freak show" hot.]]

* AndZoidberg: Kharisma's surprising PetTheDog moment to Davan as she leaves Medicaid billing. "I wouldn't wish this job on the worst person in the world. [[YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre Or you, either]]."

* AshesToCrashes: [=PeeJee=] accidentally spills [[spoiler: Faye]]'s ashes [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/misplaced-pt-2/ down her panties]].

*** Kharisma's quasi-boyfriend, Gregory, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-x-pt-2/ inflicted an ironic punishment on a fellow inmate]].

* AwesomeMcCoolname: Subverted with Mike's son. He wanted to call him Shazam Creator/JossWhedon Dowden, but instead his girlfriend, Tamara, names him Shazam Creator/WilWheaton Dowden.

* AWorldHalfFull: of [[WorldOfSnark Snarkiness]], but still half-full.

* BerserkButton: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-sids-train-pt-5/ Never sass Mister Peppermint around Davan]]. Makes one think of a [[Series/MisterRogersNeighborhood certain other child entertainer]]...

* BewareTheSillyOnes: Even if he is probably just a hallucination, and a initially benevolent one at that, Fluffmodeus can be pretty scary.
--> '''Fluffmodeus''': [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/overslept/ YOU'RE GONNA DIIIIIIIIE]]!

* BeyondTheImpossible: During a night of playing various tabletop games, Mike manages to die in ''{{TabletopGame/Toon}}'', which explicitly states that characters ''[[CartoonPhysics cannot die]]''.
-->'''Bat!Davan''': [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/game-night-pt-5/ I'm as impressed as you are]].

* BiggusDickus: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/dial-a-aubrey-pt-4/ Jason, apparently.]]

** More experiences in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-strip-club-of-infinite-despair-pt-1/ strip clubs]], but it only gets bad [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-strip-club-of-infinite-despair-pt-8/ at this point]]. (The [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-strip-club-of-infinite-despair-pt-9/ next comic's tag]] reads "Reaction to yesterday's reveal -- Men: "Meh?", Women: "[[I will fucking kill you, Randy!")

* BrickJoke: While most of the annual "Old Familiar Faces" strips have this in some manner (e.g. a teen that constantly used the word "gay" [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-vii-pt-4/ becoming a Gay-For-Pay pornstar]]), [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-xii-pt-5/ this one]] takes a joke that hadn't been used since the ''first strip'' and runs with it.
-->'''Gia's Daughter''' He bought every box, mom. How did you know?\\

* BringMyBrownPants: Rory's coworker at the haunted house [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/why-d-i-ever-leave/ managed to literally scare a kid shitless]].

* BrutalHonesty: [=PamJee=] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/honesty/ hits a schoolyard bully with this]] ''hard'', to the point that she got in trouble for making him cry.
** To be fair, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/comfort/ she learned from the best]].
*** And as Mike describes Aubrey's level of honesty - "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/what-would-he-say/ Yeah, I want a lower caliber honesty. Something a little less anti-tank.]]"

* CallBack: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/ride-the-pony/ This strip]] featuring the Easter Bunny... who is the same as the one [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/screams-in-pastel/ from a conversation on]] "cuddling yourself".

* CanadaEh: The group [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/tempting-fate/ occasionally makes fun of PeeJee coming from Canada]]. Not even her boyfriend [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/sweet-tidings/ 8 years later is immune from cracking wise]], though he swiftly reconsiders.
** That said, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/eh/ she's not above abusing]] it [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/outbreak/ herself]], either.

* CassandraTruth: Alluded to [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/davan-s-guide-pt-2/ in this strip about parenting]], in which you know the teen will never listen to your advice, and you will thus gain a newfound appreciation for the Cassandra myth.

* CatapultNightmare: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/late-night-chats-pt-9/ The dream about Rose.]]
** And more recently [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-xi-pt-5/ the dream about his family]].

* CigaretteOfAnxiety: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/dungeons-dumbasses-part-9/ Aubrey at the end of "Dungeons & Dumbasses"]], due to Mike, the [[JerkassWoobie aforementioned dumbass]].
* CharacterDevelopment: Mike's growth really stands out. Introduced as a misogynistic whiny JerkAss, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/game-night-pt-6/ he later acknowledges most of his flaws and works to become a better person]], and goes on to be the first member of the cast to get into a committed relationship and become a father. When things got rough, his worst traits re-emerged, and he and Tamara even broke up for a while. However, he did manage to get his act together, and even decided to become a "real-life superhero" as the Pythagorean. No one expected much to come of it, but apparently he's become quite popular with the local community, and even got a SugarWiki/MomentOfAwesome out of it.

* ChewbaccaDefense: Aubrey reveals her philosophy of life at the end of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/positively-scandalous-pt-4/ this crossover strip]].
* ChuckCunninghamSyndrome: Happens to a fair amount of supporting characters, what with the huge cast. Some were dropped deliberately by the writer (Jennifer and Darrick, from early in the strip, when neither character panned out), while others just kind of faded away. This is dealt with fairly realistically, as people tend to just fall out of the others' lives.
** Milholland has written that the character of Jennifer is based on a real life person he knew. She agreed to appear as a character but she was unhappy with the way she was depicted and argued with Milholland over it. Milholland dropped Jennifer from the strip and also ended up losing contact with "Jennifer" in real life.

* ComicallyMissingThePoint: "Do you even know what gay bashing is?" "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/terminology/ How can I? You bastards never invite me.]]"

* CorruptCop: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/opened-doors-greased-palms/ Though his bribes are only half of the old one's.]]

--> '''Davan: MOTHERFU--''' \\

* CuteKitten: Choo-Choo-Bear and friends. Sometimes bluntly deconstructed, which on one occasion has resulted in death threats against the author (see {{GIFT}} entry below).
* CutHisHeartOutWithASpoon. Used for gags quite often.
* DaddyDNATest: The introduction of Donna and Rory. In a subversion, Rory's not Davan's son, but Davan bonds with him anyway.
** And when asked if he could go back in time and be Rory's actual father, he says yes.

* DawnOfAnEra: Aubrey had always had some ZanyScheme or another every now and then, but establishing Nerdrotica in 2004 [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/dial-a-aubrey-pt-1/ kept her busy for nearly twenty years]] as the owner/manager of the company.

* DeepImmersionGaming: Whenever the comic depicts a gaming campaign in its imaginary setting, the Player Characters typically bear a resemblance to their players (usually the core gang).

*** And [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/mike-s-favorite-author-pt-2/ it wasn't even the first time]], though [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/mike-s-favorite-author-pt-6/ he tried striking a delicate balance]].
---->'''Mike''': I thought about asking him about the gay marriage thing, and then I realized something. I don't give a damn what he thinks about it. The only thing I care about is him finishing the series he started. As long as he doesn't start weaving his opinions on gays into the plot of the books, his feelings have no effect on me.

* [[DirtyOldMan Dirty Old Woman]]: "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/always-open-to-a-hug/ Y'know Davan, some of us Grandmas are good at more than baking cookies]]."
** And not long after, NonIronicClown "Frolickin' Frank" [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-sids-train-pt-1/ tries to sexually harass Claire]] - Davan immediately gropes him in retaliation. This doesn't stop him from harassing ''other'' women and later having ADateWithRosiePalms [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-sids-train-pt-4/ while sitting in plain view]].
* DisabilityAsAnExcuseForJerkassery: As a young boy, Fred was admitted to a hospital for an ear infection, where he was antagonized at every turn by a boy in a wheel-chair, who used his disability as an excuse to rage at the world, and every other child at the hospital hates him. Eventually, Fred and his friends team up to scare him and teach him a lesson... [[spoiler:whereupon it is revealed that the boy is in the hospital for a heart condition, and the shock of the scare ends up killing him.]]
* DistractedByTheSexy: Nancy's first appearance in the strip is as arm candy for Davan thanks to a plan cooked up by Aubrey and Jason to make [[ClassReunion his high-school classmates]] feel... inadequate. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/class-of-ninety-bore-pt-5/ And boy does she ever]].
* DoWrongRight: The punchline of many strips, in the form of "that way isn't nearly as efficient/malicious/profitable/entertaining as the way ''I'' would do it".

* DungeonmastersGirlfriend: Invoked by Don [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-bloody-mess-pt-4/ here]] after Davan killed off Vanessa's character. "Girlfriends are wookiees who'll show you their boobs!"

* EmbarrassingBrowserHistory: Davan convinces Sanderson [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/investment-opportunity/ to invest in someone]] designing an implant that automatically deletes your text messages, browser history, and emails when your heart stops.
-->'''Sanders''': ...the check's amount should have five zeros. Seven if I get the first working model.

* EnfantTerrible: The {{catgirl}}s, especially in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/day-two-pt-4/ the grip of]] FanDisillusionment.
--> "The laws of catgirldom are swift and merciless. Dishonor and the uncute must not be suffered to live -- for all our sakes." \\

** Jason and Aubrey's adopted daughter, PamJee, is also this now and then. Before she could speak complete sentences, she figured out that she could cover her teeth in hot sauce so that when she bit someone (namely, Davan) it would add to the pain. They've also determined [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/giggles/ the types of mischievous giggles she emits]] when she's still a toddler.

* EvenEvilHasStandards: After Cab gets a girlfriend that is [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/poor-choices/ indirectly racist around PeeJee]], she hatches a plan to not only quit her job, but do so in a way that, in her mind, will spectacularly show Cab just how racist his girlfriend is being by turning the tables. This plan apparently involves some obscenely racist stuff that PeeJee ropes Kim into buying; and after Kim buys the stuff she (and everyone else made aware of the plan) realises that there is, unbelievably, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/watching-over-peejee-pt-1/ a limit to how horrible they can be]].

* ExactWords: When [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/heat-rising/ Davan's boss makes a request]], [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/following-orders/ Davan makes it happen]].

* EyeScream: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/down-the-chimney/ PamJee's first meeting with a mall santa]] resulted in this. Thankfully, his insurance covers retinal scratching.

* TheFunInFuneral: Two examples in short succession, as [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/this-is-how-we-say-goodbye-pt-5/ Davan starts berating his best friend, Scotty]] over committing suicide after a bad breakup - or rather, [[YouAreNotAlone not talking to Davan about how he was feeling]]. This leads Davan to consider how he wants his ''own'' funeral to be, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/this-is-how-we-say-goodbye-pt-7/ deciding on a martini party where his body would be posed for pictures]] and then thrown into a bonfire, with Aubrey getting his skull so [[PlatonicLifePartners he can always be with her]].

* {{Gaydar}}: Referenced by Jhim [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/what-s-the-frequency-davan-pt-1/ here]] when informing Davan that he's a "Jammer" - someone with enough CampGay qualities (love of theater, Franchise/HelloKitty, Music/PetShopBoys, etc.) that it's hard to determine if they're gay, straight, or in-between.

* GenreSavvy: [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp03022006.shtml Pee-Jee is.]] She knows that happy people proclaiming their joy [[TemptingFate are just asking for it.]]

* {{GIFT}}: A [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kitty-kwiz/ set of]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kitty-kwiz-2/ Kitty Kwizzes]], comics which humorously explained how [[CatsAreMean cats control their human puppets]]...er...masters, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/getting-catty/ apparently]] made some readers so angry that Randy received ''death threats'' over them.

** And just when you think [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp10152009.shtml his dreams have come true...]]
*** And later, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/naked-truth-pt-2/ he learns that Aubrey had woken up next to PeeJee after a night of drinking]]. Naked.

* TheHeckler: A wrestling fan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/lowspot-1/ uses his own fanfic as material]].
* [[HeroesWantRedheads God Wants Redheads]]: Apparently, [[http://somethingpositive.net/sp04262010.shtml Jehovah likes]] when lesbian redheads have sex. Also relates to the above.

*** Jason mentions that Aubrey had a habit of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/easter-bunnies/ stamping in the crotch of mall Easter Bunnies as a kid]].

** After deciding that he really doesn't want any siblings after all, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/new-plan/ Rory inflicts a brutal one upon Davan]]. To Davan's credit, he doesn't say a word, but does turn a worrying shade of lilac.
*** Rory [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bounding/ wasn't the only one]].
** [=PamJee=] wants a sibling, so being mindful of what her parents told her about making babies, [[InnocentInaccurate she attempts to reverse Jason's vasectomy]]... [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/baby-tube/ with a *stapler*]]. The ensuing pain isn't explicitly seen, but she's quick [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/chosen/ to get him lap ice]].

* HarsherInHindsight: An in-universe example. When Davan expresses mixed feelings about not being Rory's father, because the other guy wants nothing to do with him, Tamara (who had a deadbeat father) sarcastically mentions that her father was amazing as a role model for what not to be when you grow up. [[spoiler: A few years down the road, Peejee discovers that Rory is keeping a horrible, profanity-laden letter from his biological father to remind him who he doesn't want to be when he grows up.]]

* TheHeckler: One makes a nuisance of himself at a burlesque show, demanding the dancer take something off - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/debut/ so she flings her prosthetic leg at his head]]. He actually [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/showing-thanks/ paid off her bar tab in response]] - partially as an apology, and partially because it gave him an ''amazing'' story to tell.

* HypocriticalHeartwarming: Fred [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-few-changes/ provides a decent example]].

*** And Fred gets his ''own'' payback [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/travel-time/ later on]].

* HypocriticalHumor: When in a Hell House, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/holy-ghost-stories-pt-7/ the "Devil" gets fed up with people being stubborn]] and yells "'''Goddammit! I am trying to show you assholes Christly love here!'''" Both in-character and out-of-character it's hypocritical.

* ImpossibleInsurance: Davan spent over ''seven years'' trying to get his insurance payout from his apartment burning down, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/customer-serviced/ to the point that the company became predictable in its stalling]]. When Davan finally lets Mr. Sanderson help him out, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/payout/ the file is even marked "Stall"]]
* InadvertentEntranceCue: When Aubrey hires a woman over the phone without so much as a background check, Davan points out she might be "hiring some sex offender, looking for innocents to prey on." [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/management-pt-1/ Kim then quips]] that she [[CallBack prefers her prey prone]].

* IncrediblyLamePun: Rory's friend makes "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-labor-for-good/ The Obstetrician]]" in a superhero game - naturally, [[spoiler: she ''delivers'' justice]].
* INeedAFreakingDrink: Fred [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fred-s-personal-hell/ after a full day of scrapbooking with Monette]].

* InsultBackfire: For example, [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp12172002.shtml this one]].

*** Mike gets another one when telling the new leader of [=ConGoblin=] that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/saving-congoblin-pt-3/ he reminds Mike of how he used to be like]], which he perceives as a compliment. Mike takes it as an indication that [[JerkAss they'd never met before]].

* IPromisedMyselfIWouldntCry: But it's hard not to cry "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/trolls-vs-troll/ nerd tears]]" at your baby daughter's first time pwning {{noob}}s on ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft''.

* IWasQuiteALooker: When volunteering at a nursing home in 2002, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/candystripin-pt-5/ one of the residents was a porn star and stripper in the 1940s and '50s]], and she likes proving to new people that she can still open soda bottles with her vaginal muscles.

* JustForPun: Aubrey comes up with [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/shake-it-up/ maracas you can put the the cremated remains of loved ones into]] - obviously, they'd be called [[spoiler: Death Rattles]].

* KavorkaMan: Jason. Davan also has aspects of this, on the occasions that he actually cares enough to try. For example, the first words he spoke to Branwen (whom he would later go on to date for over a year) were something along the lines of "Hey, want to go have sex?" to which she answered in the affirmative. Despite supposedly being hideous, Davan has slept with about five or six attractive women in nine years, two of them very regularly -- not a bad run.

-->'''Davan''': [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp03112009.shtml He's a 30+ year old pudding cat who can travel through drains]] but '''this''' is where [[ArbitrarySkepticism your ability to believe]] is gonna be taxed?\\
'''[=PeeJee=]''': Even so, there's a point where reality dictates--
-->'''Davan''': How'd that woman in your job die again? [[note]][[spoiler: A [[RunningGag Canadian Trapdoor Alligator]] burst out of the air-conditioning vent [[https://www.somethingpositive.net/sp02132009.shtml and ate her.]][[/note]]\\

* LaserGuidedKarma: Kharisma, who builds up a ''lot'' of bad feeling and worse behaviour, before being it all comes back on her.

--> '''[=PeeJee=]:''' You could always have sex with Davan. \\

* LiesToChildren: Abused to hell and back by the main cast, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/heart-rolls/ even with their own]].
** And Jason's explanation for [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/egg-roll/ why eggs and rabbits are associated with Easter]] get his daughter's compliments.
--->'''[=PamJee=]''': It's okay, daddy. Sometimes I want the fun answers, not the right ones.

* LifetimeMovieOfTheWeek: Roundly mocked with [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/based-on-a-true-story-pt-1/ the eponymous network's portrayal of Kharisma]].
-->'''Aubrey''': Oh god. We're not even a minute in and already Kharisma's character is a victim of domestic violence who's just trying to be strong.\\

* [[LimitedWardrobe Limited]]/UnlimitedWardrobe: Both [[AvertedTrope averted]], as all the characters have relatively consistent but still rather varied clothing.)

* LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters: The main cast isn't overly large for a webcomic, but once you get to the former main supporting cast [Jhim, Kim, Monette] and the old familiar faces [Cab, Berenger, Claire, Anna, Lisa, Celie, the Teddy-Bear Liberation Front, etc.], things get a little crazy. Jesus-Mickey and Twitchy-Hug were killed, but we still frequently see characters show up with gaps of years between appearances.

* MadeMyselfSad: The entire D&D group [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/homecoming-of-elemental-awful-pt-8/ when playing as students in a Monster high school]] - they did everything right and became social pariahs, which is just depressing as ''real'' high school.

* MathematiciansAnswer: [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp10112005.shtml "First time to be rectally violated or first time to feel good about yourself?" "Yes."]]

** The Catgirls from the convention seemed to develop superhuman strength and madness as they went on their rampage.
*** They also have the ability to ''smell'' [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/by-scent/ new Catgirl media]].

* MercyKill: Choo-Choo Bear to a cat suffering the dress-up indignities foist upon it by its owner. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/square-1-pt-6/ "Don't worry. Just one sharp twist of your neck, and all the suffering ends."]].
** Choo-Choo was ''going'' to be on [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/check-up/ the receiving end of one from a well-meaning vet]], but he quickly corrects the vet's assumption.

* MonsterClown: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/presenting/ What Pamjee wants to grow up to become]]. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/costume-closet/ Her preschool teacher is similarly unnerved]], until she's led to believe she's a NonIronicClown - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/work-up-a-routine/ Aubrey has no such delusions]].
** During the clown scares of 2016, [=Pamjee=] went to school dressed as one, and she promptly [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/clowns-ahoy-pt-3/ got teased over it]] - though one ImpliedDeathThreat resolved it quickly.

* NiceGuy and NiceGuysFinishLast: Subverted heavily -- [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/lament-of-a-nice-guy-pt-1/ a major point]] of Milholland's (and [[AuthorAvatar Davan's]]) is that a lot of supposed "Nice Guys" are actually self-involved, self-pitying jerks like Mike, who are actually quite selfish, and only after most girls because of their looks (something they hypocritically accuse the girls of doing with the "jerks" they go out with).

* NonIronicClown: "Frolickin' Frank" is a DepravedKidsShowHost who genuinely tries to be this - but only around kids.
** In a one-off, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-little-force/ hospital clown "Get-Well Gary"]] realizes how he can restore the good name of clowns everywhere... as he stands at the bedside of UsefulNotes/CharlesManson with a VorpalPillow.
* MyEyesAreUpHere: Kyle gets [[http://somethingpositive.net/sp06162003.shtml sidetracked]] while meeting [=PeeJee=] for a date. To his credit, he's got a fairly original response when she calls him on it.
* NeverMessWithGranny: When Lisa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/meanwhile-in-hollywood/ worked security at a male strip club]], she told Monette about an elderly woman who threatened her with a knife, saying "Nana needs cuddles, whore!"
** Kharisma's landlord while she's on the run [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/errands/ is also a drug kingpin]].
* NeverMyFault: Mike had an ''awful'' case of this [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/mike-s-game-pt-4/ early on]], but has since experienced CharacterDevelopment.
** Nancy had to deal with a Nerdrotic customer [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/customer-serviced-pt-5/ with an even worse mindset]], of the EntitledToHaveYou variety - as soon as she rejected his offer to meet in person, he shifted to this by blaming her for "seducing" him.
* TheNewRockAndRoll: The actual reason Mike [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-perils-of-elf-girls-pt-6/ was arrested during his]] brief PaedoHunt - the FBI wanted the public outraged by something and NewMediaAreEvil was losing its edge, so they wanted to bring back the perils of D&D.
* NiceToTheWaiter: One strip [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/life-according-to-s-p-pt-2/ underscores why you shouldn't be an ass to those giving you food]].

* NoBisexuals: Vanessa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/finally-learned/ had to put up with this mindset from an ex-girlfriend]].

* NoodleImplements: Averted most times, as we get to see the resulting carnage from the characters' schemes. Played straight with the above NoodleIncident.

* ObfuscatingStupidity: [[spoiler: ''Ollie'', who spent [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-business-pt-3/ an entire year destroying evidence of his uncle's sexual misconduct.]] Spoilered because it came out of nowhere. Monette -- of all people -- even [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp11262002.shtml plays it for laughs]].
* ObligatoryJoke: When [=PeeJee=] is missing her dad, Jason [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/hearts-and-arrows-pt-5/ steps up and gets her the same flowers he does]], and gets bonus friend points for ''not'' making a "Who's your daddy?" joke.
-->'''Jason''': It took every muscle in my body.

* ObliviousToLove: Mike, [[SecretIdentity as the Pythagorean]], [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/super-clueless/ gets a phone number and a teasing smile about "needing help" around the house]]. He suggests calling a handyman. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/desirable/ Tamara knows he's gotten]] around ''[[CluelessChickMagnet fifty]]'' of said numbers (women [[EvenTheGuysWantHim and men]]), not one of which he ever picked up on the connotation for. It gets even worse: Tamara herself gave Mike her own number four times before he got the hint she wanted to date him.
** Davan proves himself as such [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fumbling/ here]] when Cora invites him on a coffee date - he figures she just really likes coffee.
*** His namesake [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-visitor/ wasn't much better]].

* OutOfFocus: With the aforementioned LoadsAndLoadsOfCharacters, this happens ''a lot''. The occasional minor character will only appear a total of five times in six years [Davan's Furry friend Andy], and often a year goes by between Jhim or Anna's appearances, and both were once ''major'' characters (Jhim especially, once a part of the core cast). Clair, a previously major cast member, disappeared for years, and then showed up ''engaged'' and about to move away. Kim and Kestrel, major co-workers of Aubrey's and former major cast-members, also fall out of focus for six months at a time.
** Most of this is done to reflect on RealLife: It's (sort of) based on Milholland's experiences. People ''do'' vanish from your life only to reappear out of nowhere.
* PaedoHunt: Mike shared a video of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-perils-of-elf-girls-pt-1/ a school play Aubrey was in]] on the internet, and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-perils-of-elf-girls-pt-4/ ends up being pursued by the police and an angry mob]]. The play was ''Literature/TheHobbit'', and Aubrey wore a nude, glittering bodystocking. Oh, and she was ''13'' at the time.

* PaintingTheMedium: Aubrey enters Davan's apartment and asks "Where's your furniture? It's like we're in a comic strip, but the artist is too goddamn lazy to draw in the background like he usually does." Of course, there's a perfectly good explanation: it's in storage.

-->'''Creator/WilWheaton''': I was on ''Franchise/StarTrek''. I'm familiar with crazy fans. This is a fan revolt. The result of years of being jacked about by those they adored.
-->'''Jason''': [[LampshadeHanging Like when a webcomic intentionally dangles a plot but refuses to ever resolve it]]?
-->'''Davan''' [on phone]: You mean the world to me--
--> Wil [[[TheUnreveal covering Davan's]] [[SpeechBubbles Speech Bubble]]]: YES! Seriously, it doesn't get dickier than that shit!

* PassedInTheirSleep: [[spoiler:Faye]]

'''Shiba''': Meow.[[labelnote:Translation]]In Heaven, I will sing your praises, my sweet Angel of Mercy.
* PetTheDog: Kharisma for one, prior to {{character development}} when she worked with Davan in Medicaid billing. Most of the time on screen she spent being entirely self-absorbed, unfeeling, but when she left she had a moment where she was actually, intentionally, nice to Davan telling him to quit the job for his own good.
--> '''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/job-openings-pt-8/ Kharisma]]:''' I wouldn't wish this job on the worst person in the world. Or you, either. Take care. I'll be keeping good thoughts for you.

* PuppyDogEyes: "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/promises-promises/ So, what's the going rate on buying back promises from Kindergartners these days?]]" Rory also [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/use-what-ya-got/ spent some time practicing]] his "[[DisappearedDad I don't know my dad]]" face.

** And then there was the time Jhim was involved with a closeted man with girlfriend and son, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-down-side-to-infidelity-pt-5/ and the son answers the door]] sporting these and with some ObliviousGuiltSlinging mixed in for good measure.

* ARareSentence: Don expresses this sentiment when Vanessa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-bloody-mess-pt-2/ calls ghostly serial killers "childish"]].

* RealityEnsues: Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/trick-or-date/ applies this to children's songs]].

* RightThroughTheWall: Davan knocks on his neighbor's door [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/neighborly/ to complain about this]] - but he's more offended by the fact that the guy's wife is obviously ''faking'' the orgasm.

* RippedFromTheHeadlines: As an actor/writer of a sitcom, Monette [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp11132007.shtml joins the 2007 Writer's Strike]].

--> '''Off-stage Choo-Choo Bear:''' Wait a second. I was born because of a rush judgement and a lack of preparation and I exist only to take up space...Maybe I really ''am'' meant to embody Randy.

--> "Webcartoonists are feral beasts, and cons act as temporary zoos for them. Without them, they roam the land seeking food and shelter. You could find Randy, [[Webcomic/GirlsWithSlingshots Danielle Corsetto]] and [[Webcomic/QuestionableContent Jeph Jacques]] going through your garbage. If you're lucky."

--> There were a lot of really, really... '''really''' cute women there. And they all seemed to have the same "He's not nearly as hot as Davan" expression on their faces when they met me.
* SeriesContinuityError: Although Randy is exceptionally good about maintaining continuity (to the point where he will point out he did include a mention of an offscreen character three years previous when introducing them in person for the first time), he does slip up from time to time.
** For example, [[http://somethingpositive.net/sp09272005.shtml while Aubrey states they used to hide in Davan's parent's attic when they were kids]] later [[http://somethingpositive.net/sp05092007.shtml Davan claims to never have been up there.]]

* SexyWhateverOutfit: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/makes-sense/ PeeJee expresses a desire to mess with people]] by wearing a [[AttractiveBentGender sexy]] [[Franchise/TheSmurfs Gargamel]] costume.

* SkywardScream: Coupled with a BigNo -- given that [[spoiler: Jason had ''just'' turned down a threesome and accidentally woken their infant while doing so]], it's fully understandable.
* SophisticatedAsHell: How [[Webcomic/{{SaturdayMorningBreakfastCereal Zach Weiner]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/guest-strip-by-zach-weiner/ views Randy]].

* SpeakNowOrForeverHoldYourPeace: The reason [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/planning-disasters-ahead/ Kim didn't attend Jason and Aubrey's wedding]] - she had enough reasons to object that [[UpToEleven she made an entire PowerPoint presentation]].

* StalkerWithACrush: Claire had a habit of turning guys she'd had sex with into this, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-little-piece-of-claire-pt-1/ and boy howdy do they become obsessed]].

* StealthPun: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/yo-ho/ This strip]] has Jason begging Aubrey to take part in the ''Franchise/PiratesOfTheCaribbean'' {{MMORPG}}, to which she'll be doing something to Jason's rear-end. The pun? Aubrey's [[spoiler: a Butt Pirate]]. More than that -- she'd also be [[spoiler: [[IncrediblyLamePun plundering his booty]]]].

* [[StrawCharacter Strawman Political]]: Arguably the most frequent criticism of the strip. Many a random passerby or lesser castmember has touted some weakly-held opinion that Milholland or the cast views as idiotic, and is then berated for it.
* StrictlyFormula: Monette's writing team [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/t-v-wasteland/ hits every overused cliche in the book during brainstorming]], including AFoolAndHisNewMoneyAreSoonParted, a TwoTimerDate plot, and Monette sarcastically quips about CousinOliver and JumpingTheShark on the date.
** A later strip [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/late-night-chats-pt-1/ had them suggest a complete retooling of the show]].

* StrawFeminist: The Womyn's Front group on Anna's college campus [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/anna-s-assault-pt-4/ lied to men willing to have their picture taken for a sexual safety campaign]] and instead used their images for a [[ScareEmStraight scare campaign]] about how any man could be a sexual predator. Agnes, though, takes the cake.
-->'''Agnes''': My only responsibility is to keep people informed and safe.\\

* SustainedMisunderstanding: Teenage [=PeeJee=] has an argument with her father, and a bystander [[http://somethingpositive.net/sp02122003.shtml gets the wrong idea]]:
-->'''Some Guy:''' Man I hope you've got a hell of a way to apologize to your girlfriend, or she going to dump your ass.\\

* TakeThatAudience: The mailbag spots and occasional author appearances are usually to say how stupid some of the comic's fans are, amid comments about the author being [[SelfDeprecation a talentless hack]].

* TheUnfairSex: As Aubrey puts it, "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/women-studies-101/ It's how women are, and even when we're wrong, you're the one who's wrong.]]"
** One woman [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/guest-strip-by-randy-milh-oh-wait/ blamed Davan for her husband of 10 years cheating on her]] because he "should have pursued me harder" when they went on dates before she'd even married.
--->'''Sanderson''': So the one in the [[{{Kaiju}} giant lizard costume]] is the most normal woman you've been with?
* UnknownRival: Ollie for Davan, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-freak-out/ as highlighted here]].
-->'''Ollie''': What do I have to do to make you feel hate for me?!\\
'''Davan''': Stop making me feel sad for you.\\
'''AltText''': Is there anything more enraging [[DontYouDarePityMe than pity]]?
* TheUnReveal: [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp11252008.shtml While Davan confessing his love for an as yet unrevealed person]] does not fully qualify for this trope, later [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp03112009.shtml Choo-choo Bear sets up the perfect UnReveal when the name of the person Davan called was about to be shown.]] [[spoiler: Considering the time period and his then relationship status with the rest of the cast, it was most likely Branwen,]] though almost ten years later and Randy still hasn't named who exactly.
* TheUnsmile: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/how-the-other-half-live-pt-6/ Davan sports a manic one]] upon hearing about "Otakukin", UsefulNotes/{{Otherkin}} who believe themselves reincarnations of ''fictional'' characters.
** Monette [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/ha/ tries putting on a smile]] [[StepfordSmiler to hide her depression over unemployment]].
* TheSomethingSong:
--> "Meth Song, Meth Song,
--> This is the song I sing [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/delivery/ when I'm about to get meth]]."

* TitleDrop: In [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp03152002.shtml this]] early comic.
--> "Davan, this has to stop, okay? You're always so negative and angry, and it really worries me. You're not nearly the bad person you think you are, and things WILL get better. You've got to go do something positive with your life. I say this as a friend who cares about you."

* ToThePain: See Jason's BadassBoast.

* UnstoppableRage: Jason telling [[PowderKegCrowd the catgirl fans]] of their webcomic it isn't ''that'' important was [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp11172008.shtml not a clever move]].

* WebcomicTime: Which bounces back and forth: events generally keep up with the dates on which they take place, albeit a few days before and after.
** And addressed with a TakeThatAudience [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-return-of-q-a-pt-2/ when Choo-Choo Bear throttles the plot]] ''even slower'' out of spite for someone saying they "can't wait" for a plot point's resolution.

* WhatHappenedToTheMouse: A few subplots have been dropped over the years, as different parts of character's lives get ignored (or just not focused on). Davan and Jason were initially supposed to be producing ''Titus Andronicus'' (even auditioning for it), but it got dropped when he moved to Texas. Later strips involve a play Davan re-wrote instead. Certain subplots ''seem'' to have been dropped, only to reappear later on (such as Monette's "Big Secret" -- which turned out to be her TV show, and Davan and Jason's work on ''Neko-Neko Holy-Chan''). New character Bian was introduced, but then went several months before actually ''meeting'' any of the recurring cast.
** The most epic (and possibly deliberate) use was Monette's baby -- she had a big pregnancy storyline, and then one strip showed her sad while somebody mentioned that she "lost her baby". It was done either really clumsily, or very {{Magnificent Bastard}}ly by Randy, to the point where fans re-scoured recent Archival updates to find out when the baby ''really'' died. Turns out, that was the first time it was mentioned.

* ThisIsWrongOnSoManyLevels: Davan doesn't want to leave Choo-Choo Bear behind when he goes with Kim to Salem, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/trolling-for-goths-pt-2/ so he dresses him up appropriately]] as "[[Film/AClockworkOrange Droog-Droog Bear, A Clockwork Pussy]]." Apparently, Choo-Choo's a big fan of the movie.
-->'''Kim''': Oh... Davan, that is so not good on so many not-good levels.

* YaoiFangirl: Aubrey encourages [=PeeJee=] to become one to get over her crush on Jhim. Also, [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp09192003.shtml this]], and Branwen is confused but pleased when Jason angrily describes Davan as a "master cocksucker".

* YourMakeupIsRunning: [[http://somethingpositive.net/sp09152003.shtml Weeping isn't a great look for Monette]].

* ZanyScheme: Aubrey. Her friends realise they can only ride the wave until she loses interest or it all falls apart -- until one of them works.
** Later on, when said zany scheme is self-sustaining enough, she gets tired of it and goes back to her old notebooks to see if she can try again on some of her old ideas...only to discover that they all suck.

** Lipstick, nipple rings and [[spoiler:{{Popeye}}]]. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/silence-of-the-yams/ Makes you scream "Milholland!"]]

-->'''Gia's Daughter''' He bought every box, mom. How did you know?
-->'''Gia''': [[OldShame Guilt]] has deep pockets.

* KilledOffForReal: [[spoiler: Fred ends up passing away from old age on Halloween 2020, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/another-november-morning/ with Davan finding his body the next morning]]]].

* KilledOffForReal: [[spoiler:Faye]]

--->'''Vanessa''': So, ignore the syllabus. Today we're going over the philosophy of following instructions in the most petty way possible.

** Monette's entire family tree is... troubled, but her father [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/family-s-a-gamble-pt-1/ gave her birthday present to his new girlfriend's daughter]] as a means to impress her.

* BadassAdorable: A one-off strip has Vanessa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/amassing-troops/ put armor on a bunch of neighborhood animals]].

* AmbiguouslyBrown: Cora was called "too [[LatinoIsBrown Hispanic]]" for a role by Ollie, and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/usurping-pt-1/ the same strip has her mention she's Hawaiian]].

** Then it happened ''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/sadie-hawkins-that-bitch-pt-7/ again]]'' when Davan and Scotty thought Aubrey's boyfriend [[YourCheatingHeart was cheating on her]].

--->'''Vanessa''': His marriages end because he's '''always''' [[YourCheatingHeart the one who cheats]].\\

* CatsAreMean: Davan believes so, [[HypocriticalHumor despite being a cat owner]], and holds up a [[Franchise/FridayTheThirteenth hockey-mask wearing Choo-Choo]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bad-luck/ as evidence of feline evil]].

** Fred's own declining health, and the impact it has on his family, is another source of this. Several comics have shown him momentarily mistaking a loved one for someone long dead (Monette for Rose, Rory for Scotty), or acknowledging his mortality and limitations. Often it's played for dark humor, but some times it's played completely straight.