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** Early in his career Schtein was found shoving kittens into the [[VideoGame/{{Fallout}} Forced Evolutionary Virus]] injection chamber.
to:
** Early in his career Schtein was found shoving kittens into the [[VideoGame/{{Fallout}} [[Franchise/{{Fallout}} Forced Evolutionary Virus]] injection chamber.
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* TechnicolorMagic: Active PsychicPowers cause tendrils of light to float around the psychic and the target. Some characters have distinctive colours: Abel, the most powerful and experienced, has {{purple|IsPowerful}}, whereas [[spoiler:Schtein]]'s are blood-red.
Changed line(s) 110 (click to see context) from:
%%* YoungerThanTheyLook: Schtein is thirty-four.
to:
%%* YoungerThanTheyLook: Schtein is thirty-four.thirty-four.
----
----
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Hot Scientist is no longer a trope
Deleted line(s) 66 (click to see context) :
* HotScientist: Osgood. Schtein for some.
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Changed line(s) 106 (click to see context) from:
* TeleportactionWithDrawbacks: Schtein (and Langstrom's rival division) is trying to build a functioning matter teleportation device. So far he has gone through a lot of guinea pigs.
to:
* TeleportactionWithDrawbacks: TeleportationWithDrawbacks: Schtein (and Langstrom's rival division) is trying to build a functioning matter teleportation device. So far he has gone through a lot of guinea pigs.
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More accurate.
Changed line(s) 106,107 (click to see context) from:
* TeleportersAndTransporters: Schtein (and Langstrom's rival division) is trying to build a functioning matter teleportation device. So far he has gone through a lot of guinea pigs.
** Later we find out that [[spoiler: several [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-62/ functioning]] [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-67/ teleporters]] have been built, it was just the scale of the one's Schtein and Langstrom are working on that is giving them trouble.]]
** Later we find out that [[spoiler: several [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-62/ functioning]] [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-67/ teleporters]] have been built, it was just the scale of the one's Schtein and Langstrom are working on that is giving them trouble.]]
to:
* TeleportersAndTransporters: TeleportactionWithDrawbacks: Schtein (and Langstrom's rival division) is trying to build a functioning matter teleportation device. So far he has gone through a lot of guinea pigs.
** Later we find out that[[spoiler: several [[spoiler:several [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-62/ functioning]] [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-67/ teleporters]] have been built, it was just the scale of the one's Schtein and Langstrom are working on that is giving them trouble.]]
** Later we find out that
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Changed line(s) 20 (click to see context) from:
* AbsentMindedProfessor: Osgood, somewhat.
to:
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* TheAlcoholic: One of Schtein's many, many problems.
to:
Deleted line(s) 71 (click to see context) :
* [[PoliticallyIncorrectHero Licensed Sexist]]: Schtein.
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* MixAndMatchCritters: The man-kitties.
to:
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* NoSenseOfPersonalSpace: Osgood.
to:
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-->'''Orville von Schtein''': "You did not speak until you were sechs... oder sieben? Ja, I believe you had just become seven."
* PrisonRape: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-five-2/ Narrowly avoided, to Schtein's relief.]]
* PrisonRape: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-five-2/ Narrowly avoided, to Schtein's relief.]]
to:
-->'''Orville von Schtein''': "You Schtein:''' You did not speak until you were sechs... oder sieben? Ja, I believe you had just become seven."
*seven.
%%* PoliticallyIncorrectHero: Schtein.
%%* PrisonRape: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-five-2/ Narrowly avoided, to Schtein's relief.]]
*
%%* PoliticallyIncorrectHero: Schtein.
%%* PrisonRape: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-five-2/ Narrowly avoided, to Schtein's relief.]]
Changed line(s) 86,90 (click to see context) from:
* ProtagonistJourneyToVillain: What the comic is all about.
* PsychicPowers: A result of some of Orville von Schtein's experiments.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: The irises of Schtein's new eyes. Foreshadowing?
* RightHandCat: Marcus.
* TheRival: Langstrom, to Schtein.
* PsychicPowers: A result of some of Orville von Schtein's experiments.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: The irises of Schtein's new eyes. Foreshadowing?
* RightHandCat: Marcus.
* TheRival: Langstrom, to Schtein.
to:
Changed line(s) 95 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Schtein''': How, exactly, are you contacting them? Telepathic waves? Cloned messenger pigeons? Secret phone in your shoe?
to:
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* SinisterSchnoz: Schtein.
* SlasherSmile: Mostly used by Phineas.
** [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-thirtyseven-2/ "Remember that time I drove a bunch of nails into your legs?"]]
* SlasherSmile: Mostly used by Phineas.
** [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-thirtyseven-2/ "Remember that time I drove a bunch of nails into your legs?"]]
to:
Changed line(s) 104,105 (click to see context) from:
* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-fiftyeight/ First panel.]]
* TalkingAnimal: Marcus, the result of a genetic engineering experiment.
* TalkingAnimal: Marcus, the result of a genetic engineering experiment.
to:
Changed line(s) 109,111 (click to see context) from:
* TruthSerum: Dr Auditore, the prison psychiatrist, tries it on Dr Schtein. It [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-thirtytwo/ backfires]].
* VillainProtagonist: Schtein.
* YoungerThanTheyLook: Schtein is thirty-four.
* VillainProtagonist: Schtein.
* YoungerThanTheyLook: Schtein is thirty-four.
to:
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Changed line(s) 22 (click to see context) from:
--> '''Marcus''': Hey, did you know Dr. Schtein can dislocate his shoulder really easily? It's 'cause his mom pulled his arm out of its socket so many times!
to:
--> '''Marcus''': '''Marcus:''' Hey, did you know Dr. Schtein can dislocate his shoulder really easily? It's 'cause his mom pulled his arm out of its socket so many times!
Changed line(s) 27,28 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Delia''': Ben, how are you doing?
-->'''Ben''': Well, I'm a gnarled, slimy torso now, I feel like I'm still on fire, and I can only see out of one eye. \
-->'''Ben''': Well, I'm a gnarled, slimy torso now, I feel like I'm still on fire, and I can only see out of one eye. \
to:
-->'''Ben''':
'''Ben:''' Well, I'm a gnarled, slimy torso now, I feel like I'm still on fire, and I can only see out of one eye. \
Changed line(s) 34,36 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Schtein''': "You can't be serious! I refuse! You couldn't '''pay''' me to go in there!"
-->'''Abel''': <opens a briefcase full of money>
-->'''Schtein''': "Or, perhaps you could."
-->'''Abel''': <opens a briefcase full of money>
-->'''Schtein''': "Or, perhaps you could."
to:
-->'''Abel''': <opens
'''Abel:''' ''[opens a briefcase full of
-->'''Schtein''': "Or,
'''Schtein:''' Or, perhaps you could.
Changed line(s) 57 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Schtein''': "Uh, yeah, I don't know if you guys noticed, but we're '''already''' in a horror movie. I'm [[TheProtagonist the stalwart hero]], destined to face his [[NaziGrandpa scary, estranged grandfather]]. You are the [[SlasherMovie stupid teens]] [[OutWithABang destined to die while making out or whatever]]. So, sweetie, you may as well go ahead and take your top off. We're pretty much [[FanService guaranteed to see your tits]]."
to:
Changed line(s) 59 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Schtein''': There, see, [[TemptingFate right on time]]. You're all "[[ItsQuietTooQuiet It's too quiet]], guys." Instant weird shit."
to:
Changed line(s) 61,62 (click to see context) from:
-->'''John''': "I'm impressed, Doc. You keep your cool pretty well. Had you pegged for a total crybaby."
-->'''Schtein''': "Oh, gosh, thanks. I'm just not worried. Like I said earlier, I'm [[TheProtagonist the main character]] in this little horror show. I've got [[PlotArmor plot armor]]."
-->'''Schtein''': "Oh, gosh, thanks. I'm just not worried. Like I said earlier, I'm [[TheProtagonist the main character]] in this little horror show. I've got [[PlotArmor plot armor]]."
to:
-->'''Schtein''': "Oh,
'''Schtein:''' Oh, gosh, thanks. I'm just not worried. Like I said earlier, I'm [[TheProtagonist the main character]] in this little horror show. I've got
Changed line(s) 74,75 (click to see context) from:
-->'''Phineas''': No, no, no. Don't. Be. Dense. I know you, Dr. Herville Albert Schtein.
-->'''Schtein''': Oh God. You've got a weird crush on me, don't you?
-->'''Schtein''': Oh God. You've got a weird crush on me, don't you?
to:
-->'''Schtein''':
'''Schtein:''' Oh God. You've got a weird crush on me, don't you?
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[[caption-width-right:250:[-Villain protagonist Dr. Herville Schtein-]]]
to:
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Now has [[Characters/StringTheory a character page.]]
to:
Now has [[Characters/StringTheory [[Characters/StringTheory2009 a character page.]]
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[[quoteright:230:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/docbiopage1_3472.png]]
[[caption-width-right:250:[-Villain protagonist Dr. Herville Schtein-]]]
->''"The disastrous rise of a supervillain superstar."''
''[[http://stringtheorycomic.com/ String Theory]]'' is a webcomic about the life of Dr. Herville Schtein, an abnormal scientist who descends into a life of supervillainy. Think if a StartOfDarkness was the first book in a series that you read, and it starred someone who was a JerkassWoobie scientist, and you've got the right idea.
Set in an alternate timeline in the 2057-2060s where the Cuban missile crisis was never averted, the world in String Theory is recovering from a major war which split the world between capitalist and communist superpowers--with the scale tipped a little in the USSR's favor.
Also, while ''String Theory'' is not R-rated, it nevertheless contains adult concepts and is written for adult sensibilities.
Now has [[Characters/StringTheory a character page.]]
Not the same as the ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}}'' OC-insert fanfiction by the [[Fanfic/{{StringTheory}} same name]].
----
!!This webcomic provides examples of:
* AbsentMindedProfessor: Osgood, somewhat.
* AbusiveParents: Schtein's mother, both mentally and physically. She believed showing your children affection gave them unrealistic expectations of the adult world. Might not be so far from the truth considering [[CrapsackWorld what kind of world]] they live in.
--> '''Marcus''': Hey, did you know Dr. Schtein can dislocate his shoulder really easily? It's 'cause his mom pulled his arm out of its socket so many times!
* TheAlcoholic: One of Schtein's many, many problems.
* AllThereInTheManual: Schtein has a formspring account (now inactive), where he discusses a lot of his past including [[spoiler: his divorce with Janet and relationship with Alice]], weeks before it was really talked about in the main comic.
* ArtEvolution: Of an unusually dramatic kind as the creator gets better. It starts off as [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapterone/pageone/ zero background unshaded outlines]] and ends up as [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-07/ full color scenery porn]].
* AskAStupidQuestion: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-30/ Delia Osgood to Ben Langstrom in the hospital]]:
-->'''Delia''': Ben, how are you doing?
-->'''Ben''': Well, I'm a gnarled, slimy torso now, I feel like I'm still on fire, and I can only see out of one eye. \
So I guess I'd say I'm doing '''JUST PEACHY'''.
* BlackEyesOfCrazy: Actually, they're just prosthetics. Foreshadowing though, maybe?
* BodyHorror: The last three panels of [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-11/ this page]].
* BreakoutCharacter: Marcus was first intended to be one-time-only, but fans liked him so much the artist decided to make him a recurring character.
* BriefcaseFullOfMoney: How Schtein is convinced to [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-five/chp5-page-5/ visit Chicago]].
-->'''Schtein''': "You can't be serious! I refuse! You couldn't '''pay''' me to go in there!"
-->'''Abel''': <opens a briefcase full of money>
-->'''Schtein''': "Or, perhaps you could."
* BuffySpeak: Schtein, surprisingly enough, is quite prone to this when excited or [[{{Angrish}} upset]].
* CastOfSnowflakes: Even background characters have individual designs. Not to mention many characters can be identified by their hands alone.
* CrapsackWorld: Megacorporations run rampant, people living off the grid are hunted by the government and thrown in prison, much of the United States is a radioactive dust bowl, Chicago is a quarantine zone devoid of human life but filled with fungus zombies, the list goes on.
* DaysOfFuturePast: It's set in the 2050's, yet society is that of the 1950's.
* DirtyCommunists: How everyone views the USSR. We haven't actually seen any yet, but considering the above trope...
* DisappearedDad: [[spoiler:Dr. Schtein has an estranged daughter named Alice.]] Schtein's father also died soon after he was born.
* DividedStatesOfAmerica: The United States--flags only have less than half of its original 50 stars--had to consider radioactive territories as "disincorporated territories", which became fringe areas that are unihabitated except for private prisons and squatters.
* DrJerk: Schtein, though he's NotThatKindOfDoctor.
* DumbassNoMore: [[spoiler:Dr Schtein]] was born with some degree of mental retardation - his genius intelligence was a result of [[spoiler:his grandfather's experiments]].
* ElectronicEyes: Dr. Herville Schtein
* EvilGenius: Schtein's future. At the moment he's just on the 'genius' side.
* EyeScream: The comic starts shortly after an accident that resulted in Schtein's eyes ''melting out of his head''. Laurence had an eye gouged out by a so far unseen character.
* FlatWhat: Schtein's reaction when he's been told that he's been assigned to the garbage duty at the prison.
* ForeShadowing: Schtein slowly obtaining, by natural and unrelated events, the hallmarks of a stereotypical mad scientist. The gloves, through his phobia. The cat, through the stupidity. The eyes, through the accident. Also foreshadowed with his controversial political opinions.
** And on the opposite end of the spectrum, Langstrom seems to be becoming a super hero. Scientist who was severely injured in an accident caused by an antagonistic colleague. Miraculous survival. Sudden obtainment of strange powers.
* GeekyTurnOn: Schtein falls for Delia the moment she suggests a way to improve the station's plasma fusion generator.
* GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke:
** Parodied when a forced evolutionary virus creates "man-kitty-things" that get into everything. Schtein also keeps one as an adorable pet.
** Played entirely straight with the fate of Chicago.
* GenreSavvy: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-10/ Dr Schtein in Chicago]].
-->'''Schtein''': "Uh, yeah, I don't know if you guys noticed, but we're '''already''' in a horror movie. I'm [[TheProtagonist the stalwart hero]], destined to face his [[NaziGrandpa scary, estranged grandfather]]. You are the [[SlasherMovie stupid teens]] [[OutWithABang destined to die while making out or whatever]]. So, sweetie, you may as well go ahead and take your top off. We're pretty much [[FanService guaranteed to see your tits]]."
** [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-11/ And again...]]
-->'''Schtein''': There, see, [[TemptingFate right on time]]. You're all "[[ItsQuietTooQuiet It's too quiet]], guys." Instant weird shit."
** [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-13/ And again]]
-->'''John''': "I'm impressed, Doc. You keep your cool pretty well. Had you pegged for a total crybaby."
-->'''Schtein''': "Oh, gosh, thanks. I'm just not worried. Like I said earlier, I'm [[TheProtagonist the main character]] in this little horror show. I've got [[PlotArmor plot armor]]."
* [[BathroomStallOfOverheardInsults Hallway Of Overheard Insults]]: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapterone/page-thirty-nine/ Complete]] [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapterone/page-forty/ with]] EvilPlan {{Exposition}} via ExactEavesdropping.
* HatesBeingTouched: Schtein
* HiddenSupplies: Phineas gives Schtein a weapon to defend himself against the other prisoners, and tells Schtein to hide it inside his [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chaptertwo/page-fortytwo/ mattress]].
* HotScientist: Osgood. Schtein for some.
* InsufferableGenius: Schtein and Langstrom
* JerkAss: Benjamin Langstrom and Schtein.
** It should be noted that Langstrom was civil (even cloyingly ''nice'') to Schtein when they first met, until [[http://evilengine9.deviantart.com/art/Who-s-the-first-jerk-152399796 Schtein pissed him off]]. Schtein is definitely a JerkAss to everyone he meets; that's probably not the case for Langstrom.
** Drew [=MacManus=]. After pages of him beating and otherwise tormenting Schtein that lead up to [[spoiler:a very disturbing rape threat]], readers are actually rooting for Schtein to kill him.
* [[PoliticallyIncorrectHero Licensed Sexist]]: Schtein.
* LikableVillain: Schtein, though he hasn't reached the villain bit yet.
* MistakenForGay: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chaptertwo/page-fortyone/ Phineas]].
-->'''Phineas''': No, no, no. Don't. Be. Dense. I know you, Dr. Herville Albert Schtein.
-->'''Schtein''': Oh God. You've got a weird crush on me, don't you?
* MixAndMatchCritters: The man-kitties.
* TheMole: [[spoiler: [=JayJay=] tells the warden about the explosives in order to lighten his sentence.]]
* NoSenseOfPersonalSpace: Osgood.
* OhCrap: Schtein's face when he hears the name [[spoiler: Warden '''Langstrom.''']]
* PoliticallyIncorrectVillain: Osgood is horrified by Schtein's [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/pagetwentytwo/ opinions]].
* PoirotSpeak: Dr Orville von Schtein's speech is sprinkled with bits of German.
-->'''Orville von Schtein''': "You did not speak until you were sechs... oder sieben? Ja, I believe you had just become seven."
* PrisonRape: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-five-2/ Narrowly avoided, to Schtein's relief.]]
** Panel four is [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-three-2/ highly suggestive]] of rape.
* PuppyDogEyes: Schtein uses it on Krow, one of Drew's men. Krow [[DontLookAtMe doesn't react]] [[KickThemWhileTheyAreDown well]].
* ProtagonistJourneyToVillain: What the comic is all about.
* PsychicPowers: A result of some of Orville von Schtein's experiments.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: The irises of Schtein's new eyes. Foreshadowing?
* RightHandCat: Marcus.
* TheRival: Langstrom, to Schtein.
* RivalScienceTeams: The U.S. Government intentionally sets this up, thinking it will make the scientists work faster. It [[IncrediblyLamePun backfires]].
** Schtein's attempt to sabotage Langstrom's team jump-starts the plot.
* SceneryPorn: The artist really likes to go all out on backgrounds.
* ShoePhone: When Schtein sarcastically asks Phineas how he communicates with his employers.
-->'''Schtein''': How, exactly, are you contacting them? Telepathic waves? Cloned messenger pigeons? Secret phone in your shoe?
* ShoutOut:
** You can see [[Series/TheWalkingDead Andrea]] working as a prison guard and [[WesternAnimation/KimPossible Dr. Drakken]] in a prison outfit in the first panel of [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chaptertwo/page-fortyseven/ page 47]].
** Schtein has framed posters for [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/uncategorized/page-twenty-two/ Casablanca]] and [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/uncategorized/page-twenty-three/ Doctor Zhivago]] in his apartment.
** Early in his career Schtein was found shoving kittens into the [[VideoGame/{{Fallout}} Forced Evolutionary Virus]] injection chamber.
* SinisterSchnoz: Schtein.
* SlasherSmile: Mostly used by Phineas.
** [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-thirtyseven-2/ "Remember that time I drove a bunch of nails into your legs?"]]
* StartOfDarkness: The comic is billed as "The disastrous rise of a supervillain superstar," so this really shouldn't be a surprise.
* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-fiftyeight/ First panel.]]
* TalkingAnimal: Marcus, the result of a genetic engineering experiment.
* TeleportersAndTransporters: Schtein (and Langstrom's rival division) is trying to build a functioning matter teleportation device. So far he has gone through a lot of guinea pigs.
** Later we find out that [[spoiler: several [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-62/ functioning]] [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-67/ teleporters]] have been built, it was just the scale of the one's Schtein and Langstrom are working on that is giving them trouble.]]
* TerrifiedOfGerms: Schtein is severely mysophobic and wears gloves all the time except when he's eating.
* TruthSerum: Dr Auditore, the prison psychiatrist, tries it on Dr Schtein. It [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-thirtytwo/ backfires]].
* VillainProtagonist: Schtein.
* YoungerThanTheyLook: Schtein is thirty-four.
[[caption-width-right:250:[-Villain protagonist Dr. Herville Schtein-]]]
->''"The disastrous rise of a supervillain superstar."''
''[[http://stringtheorycomic.com/ String Theory]]'' is a webcomic about the life of Dr. Herville Schtein, an abnormal scientist who descends into a life of supervillainy. Think if a StartOfDarkness was the first book in a series that you read, and it starred someone who was a JerkassWoobie scientist, and you've got the right idea.
Set in an alternate timeline in the 2057-2060s where the Cuban missile crisis was never averted, the world in String Theory is recovering from a major war which split the world between capitalist and communist superpowers--with the scale tipped a little in the USSR's favor.
Also, while ''String Theory'' is not R-rated, it nevertheless contains adult concepts and is written for adult sensibilities.
Now has [[Characters/StringTheory a character page.]]
Not the same as the ''Franchise/{{Danganronpa}}'' OC-insert fanfiction by the [[Fanfic/{{StringTheory}} same name]].
----
!!This webcomic provides examples of:
* AbsentMindedProfessor: Osgood, somewhat.
* AbusiveParents: Schtein's mother, both mentally and physically. She believed showing your children affection gave them unrealistic expectations of the adult world. Might not be so far from the truth considering [[CrapsackWorld what kind of world]] they live in.
--> '''Marcus''': Hey, did you know Dr. Schtein can dislocate his shoulder really easily? It's 'cause his mom pulled his arm out of its socket so many times!
* TheAlcoholic: One of Schtein's many, many problems.
* AllThereInTheManual: Schtein has a formspring account (now inactive), where he discusses a lot of his past including [[spoiler: his divorce with Janet and relationship with Alice]], weeks before it was really talked about in the main comic.
* ArtEvolution: Of an unusually dramatic kind as the creator gets better. It starts off as [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapterone/pageone/ zero background unshaded outlines]] and ends up as [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-07/ full color scenery porn]].
* AskAStupidQuestion: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-30/ Delia Osgood to Ben Langstrom in the hospital]]:
-->'''Delia''': Ben, how are you doing?
-->'''Ben''': Well, I'm a gnarled, slimy torso now, I feel like I'm still on fire, and I can only see out of one eye. \
So I guess I'd say I'm doing '''JUST PEACHY'''.
* BlackEyesOfCrazy: Actually, they're just prosthetics. Foreshadowing though, maybe?
* BodyHorror: The last three panels of [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-11/ this page]].
* BreakoutCharacter: Marcus was first intended to be one-time-only, but fans liked him so much the artist decided to make him a recurring character.
* BriefcaseFullOfMoney: How Schtein is convinced to [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-five/chp5-page-5/ visit Chicago]].
-->'''Schtein''': "You can't be serious! I refuse! You couldn't '''pay''' me to go in there!"
-->'''Abel''': <opens a briefcase full of money>
-->'''Schtein''': "Or, perhaps you could."
* BuffySpeak: Schtein, surprisingly enough, is quite prone to this when excited or [[{{Angrish}} upset]].
* CastOfSnowflakes: Even background characters have individual designs. Not to mention many characters can be identified by their hands alone.
* CrapsackWorld: Megacorporations run rampant, people living off the grid are hunted by the government and thrown in prison, much of the United States is a radioactive dust bowl, Chicago is a quarantine zone devoid of human life but filled with fungus zombies, the list goes on.
* DaysOfFuturePast: It's set in the 2050's, yet society is that of the 1950's.
* DirtyCommunists: How everyone views the USSR. We haven't actually seen any yet, but considering the above trope...
* DisappearedDad: [[spoiler:Dr. Schtein has an estranged daughter named Alice.]] Schtein's father also died soon after he was born.
* DividedStatesOfAmerica: The United States--flags only have less than half of its original 50 stars--had to consider radioactive territories as "disincorporated territories", which became fringe areas that are unihabitated except for private prisons and squatters.
* DrJerk: Schtein, though he's NotThatKindOfDoctor.
* DumbassNoMore: [[spoiler:Dr Schtein]] was born with some degree of mental retardation - his genius intelligence was a result of [[spoiler:his grandfather's experiments]].
* ElectronicEyes: Dr. Herville Schtein
* EvilGenius: Schtein's future. At the moment he's just on the 'genius' side.
* EyeScream: The comic starts shortly after an accident that resulted in Schtein's eyes ''melting out of his head''. Laurence had an eye gouged out by a so far unseen character.
* FlatWhat: Schtein's reaction when he's been told that he's been assigned to the garbage duty at the prison.
* ForeShadowing: Schtein slowly obtaining, by natural and unrelated events, the hallmarks of a stereotypical mad scientist. The gloves, through his phobia. The cat, through the stupidity. The eyes, through the accident. Also foreshadowed with his controversial political opinions.
** And on the opposite end of the spectrum, Langstrom seems to be becoming a super hero. Scientist who was severely injured in an accident caused by an antagonistic colleague. Miraculous survival. Sudden obtainment of strange powers.
* GeekyTurnOn: Schtein falls for Delia the moment she suggests a way to improve the station's plasma fusion generator.
* GeneticEngineeringIsTheNewNuke:
** Parodied when a forced evolutionary virus creates "man-kitty-things" that get into everything. Schtein also keeps one as an adorable pet.
** Played entirely straight with the fate of Chicago.
* GenreSavvy: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-10/ Dr Schtein in Chicago]].
-->'''Schtein''': "Uh, yeah, I don't know if you guys noticed, but we're '''already''' in a horror movie. I'm [[TheProtagonist the stalwart hero]], destined to face his [[NaziGrandpa scary, estranged grandfather]]. You are the [[SlasherMovie stupid teens]] [[OutWithABang destined to die while making out or whatever]]. So, sweetie, you may as well go ahead and take your top off. We're pretty much [[FanService guaranteed to see your tits]]."
** [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-11/ And again...]]
-->'''Schtein''': There, see, [[TemptingFate right on time]]. You're all "[[ItsQuietTooQuiet It's too quiet]], guys." Instant weird shit."
** [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-six/chp6-page-13/ And again]]
-->'''John''': "I'm impressed, Doc. You keep your cool pretty well. Had you pegged for a total crybaby."
-->'''Schtein''': "Oh, gosh, thanks. I'm just not worried. Like I said earlier, I'm [[TheProtagonist the main character]] in this little horror show. I've got [[PlotArmor plot armor]]."
* [[BathroomStallOfOverheardInsults Hallway Of Overheard Insults]]: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapterone/page-thirty-nine/ Complete]] [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapterone/page-forty/ with]] EvilPlan {{Exposition}} via ExactEavesdropping.
* HatesBeingTouched: Schtein
* HiddenSupplies: Phineas gives Schtein a weapon to defend himself against the other prisoners, and tells Schtein to hide it inside his [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chaptertwo/page-fortytwo/ mattress]].
* HotScientist: Osgood. Schtein for some.
* InsufferableGenius: Schtein and Langstrom
* JerkAss: Benjamin Langstrom and Schtein.
** It should be noted that Langstrom was civil (even cloyingly ''nice'') to Schtein when they first met, until [[http://evilengine9.deviantart.com/art/Who-s-the-first-jerk-152399796 Schtein pissed him off]]. Schtein is definitely a JerkAss to everyone he meets; that's probably not the case for Langstrom.
** Drew [=MacManus=]. After pages of him beating and otherwise tormenting Schtein that lead up to [[spoiler:a very disturbing rape threat]], readers are actually rooting for Schtein to kill him.
* [[PoliticallyIncorrectHero Licensed Sexist]]: Schtein.
* LikableVillain: Schtein, though he hasn't reached the villain bit yet.
* MistakenForGay: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chaptertwo/page-fortyone/ Phineas]].
-->'''Phineas''': No, no, no. Don't. Be. Dense. I know you, Dr. Herville Albert Schtein.
-->'''Schtein''': Oh God. You've got a weird crush on me, don't you?
* MixAndMatchCritters: The man-kitties.
* TheMole: [[spoiler: [=JayJay=] tells the warden about the explosives in order to lighten his sentence.]]
* NoSenseOfPersonalSpace: Osgood.
* OhCrap: Schtein's face when he hears the name [[spoiler: Warden '''Langstrom.''']]
* PoliticallyIncorrectVillain: Osgood is horrified by Schtein's [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/pagetwentytwo/ opinions]].
* PoirotSpeak: Dr Orville von Schtein's speech is sprinkled with bits of German.
-->'''Orville von Schtein''': "You did not speak until you were sechs... oder sieben? Ja, I believe you had just become seven."
* PrisonRape: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-five-2/ Narrowly avoided, to Schtein's relief.]]
** Panel four is [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-three-2/ highly suggestive]] of rape.
* PuppyDogEyes: Schtein uses it on Krow, one of Drew's men. Krow [[DontLookAtMe doesn't react]] [[KickThemWhileTheyAreDown well]].
* ProtagonistJourneyToVillain: What the comic is all about.
* PsychicPowers: A result of some of Orville von Schtein's experiments.
* RedEyesTakeWarning: The irises of Schtein's new eyes. Foreshadowing?
* RightHandCat: Marcus.
* TheRival: Langstrom, to Schtein.
* RivalScienceTeams: The U.S. Government intentionally sets this up, thinking it will make the scientists work faster. It [[IncrediblyLamePun backfires]].
** Schtein's attempt to sabotage Langstrom's team jump-starts the plot.
* SceneryPorn: The artist really likes to go all out on backgrounds.
* ShoePhone: When Schtein sarcastically asks Phineas how he communicates with his employers.
-->'''Schtein''': How, exactly, are you contacting them? Telepathic waves? Cloned messenger pigeons? Secret phone in your shoe?
* ShoutOut:
** You can see [[Series/TheWalkingDead Andrea]] working as a prison guard and [[WesternAnimation/KimPossible Dr. Drakken]] in a prison outfit in the first panel of [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chaptertwo/page-fortyseven/ page 47]].
** Schtein has framed posters for [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/uncategorized/page-twenty-two/ Casablanca]] and [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/uncategorized/page-twenty-three/ Doctor Zhivago]] in his apartment.
** Early in his career Schtein was found shoving kittens into the [[VideoGame/{{Fallout}} Forced Evolutionary Virus]] injection chamber.
* SinisterSchnoz: Schtein.
* SlasherSmile: Mostly used by Phineas.
** [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-thirtyseven-2/ "Remember that time I drove a bunch of nails into your legs?"]]
* StartOfDarkness: The comic is billed as "The disastrous rise of a supervillain superstar," so this really shouldn't be a surprise.
* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-fiftyeight/ First panel.]]
* TalkingAnimal: Marcus, the result of a genetic engineering experiment.
* TeleportersAndTransporters: Schtein (and Langstrom's rival division) is trying to build a functioning matter teleportation device. So far he has gone through a lot of guinea pigs.
** Later we find out that [[spoiler: several [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-62/ functioning]] [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-seven/chp7-page-67/ teleporters]] have been built, it was just the scale of the one's Schtein and Langstrom are working on that is giving them trouble.]]
* TerrifiedOfGerms: Schtein is severely mysophobic and wears gloves all the time except when he's eating.
* TruthSerum: Dr Auditore, the prison psychiatrist, tries it on Dr Schtein. It [[http://www.stringtheorycomic.com/comics/chapter-three/page-thirtytwo/ backfires]].
* VillainProtagonist: Schtein.
* YoungerThanTheyLook: Schtein is thirty-four.