Line #9 Webcomic/LeveL


1	[[quoteright:350:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/level.png]]
2
3	''Level'', stylized ''leveL'', is a webcomic by Nate Swineheart.
4
5	The first iteration focused on Cael, an apparently-normal boy living in the massive futuristic metropolis of Level. Plagued by strange dreams, he decides one day to take home a school computer to research the possible causes. His plans are stymied, however, by his violent cousin Reagan, who shows up to take him shopping and then to a game of Gravball, on the suggestion of Cael's mother.
6
7	From there, everything goes [[MindScrew quite insane]]. ''leveL'' went on a big hiatus from July 2010, then [[ContinuityReboot rebooted]] on [[http://www.levelthecomic.com/teal-gold/welcome/ August 1, 2013]] on [[http://www.levelthecomic.com/ a brand-new website]] (you can still read the old version under "Extras").
8
9	The reboot explores the dystopic city of [=LeveL=] more, a sprawling metropolitan utopia, technologically advanced and socially just. Three years after the Holopaque Storm, a mysterious event that shook up the city of [=LeveL=], triggering a war between the Tiern and [=UnTiern=], the only eyewitness of the Storm, Cael Dalton, is being assigned a new therapist. At the same time, an equally mysterious optimist Rain has a package to deliver.
10	----
11	%%!! The old ''leveL'' contains examples of:
12	%%* ArtEvolution: To a remarkable degree.
13	%%* GovernmentConspiracy: With several levels.
14	%%* MajorInjuryUnderreaction: Emory was just as creepy then as she is now. Possibly more. The underreaction made her seem nearly ''undead''.
15	%%* MindScrew
16
17	!! The ContinuityReboot has:
18	%% * ActionGirl: Emory, though she's not very girly. [[{{Determinator}} Tal]].
19	%% * AffectionatePickpocket: Tal. [[spoiler: Rain's GenreSavvy, though, and doesn't fall for her cute act]].
20	%% * AllTherapistsAreMuggles: Reagan's a therapist and, [[BrutalHonesty surprisingly]], not ''completely'' horrible at it.
21	* AllThereInTheManual: [[http://www.levelthecomic.com/extras/ Here]] you can find information on the Tiers.
22	* TheAntiNihilist: Rain tells it beautifully:
23	--> '''Rain''': We're more than the awful things we endure. Just because the world around me is awful doesn't mean I have to be.
24	%% * AxCrazy: Emory gives off a decidedly psychopathic vibe.
25	%% * BewareTheNiceOnes: Rain is friendly, goofy and moral. Doesn't mean he can't handle whatever the WretchedHive throws at him.
26	%% * CatapultNightmare: Cael, which convinces him to [[spoiler: put the panacea bracers on]].
27	* CombatParkour: Rain's style of fighting, awfully flashy and heavy on {{Three Point Landing}}s, but gets the job done.
28	%% * CuteAndPsycho: [[spoiler: Miss Tal's]] true colours.
29	%% * DeadpanSnarker: Reagan is viciously snarky. Others get into action, too, but Reagan is the snarkmaster of the cast.
30	%% * {{Determinator}}: Tal. Does. '''Not'''. Give. Up.
31	%% * TheEmpath: '''Not''' a power to be envied. Will drive you mad, then catatonic, sooner or later.
32	%% * FantasticCasteSystem: Nine castes, or "Tiers", plus the [=UnTiern=].
33	* FlashbackCut: [[TheEmpath Empaths]] induce these when [[TouchTelepathy touching you]]. May be used as a distraction, although sometimes AMindIsATerribleThingToRead.
34	%% * HardLight: Loads. Makes for shiny special effects.
35	%% * HollywoodAutism: InformedAttribute of Cael.
36	%% * HumanWeapon: Cael's fate if general Erato has his way. At least he softens the blow by framing it as an offer.
37	%% * IdeaBulb: Rain has them.
38	* LayeredMetropolis: Level, partially built of HardLight on higher levels, with a [[UrbanSegregation slum]] nearer ground.
39	%% * MedicalHorror: The beginning of Chapter 1.
40	* NoMedicationForMe: Reagan leaves her patient the choice of whether he wants to be medicated or not. He chooses medication, but might soon regret it.
41	* NotSoImaginaryFriend: [[spoiler: Wryn's ghost? Or whatever the thing is?]] for Cael. Though he might be [[ImaginaryEnemy Not So Imaginary Enemy]] just as well.
42	* OddCouple: [[SensitiveGuyAndManlyMan Neurotic, artsy Cael and his best friend, rougish Wryn]].
43	%% * OurSloganIsTerrible: "Teddy's Tar - We'll stick by you!"
44	* PaintingTheMedium: The site layout colours change with the proceedings of the story.
45	%% * PersonOfMassDestruction: Quite possibly, Cael.
46	%% * PlayfulHacker: Wryn is learning.
47	* ThePollyanna: Rain. When we meet him in BadGuyBar, he avoids several mishaps and ends up with a beer bottle in his hands (which he promptly gives away):
48	-->'''Rain''': Free drink, how nice!
49	* PowerOfTrust: When they bond over music.
50	-->'''Cael''': If our spots were reversed [...] would you trust me?
51	-->'''Reagan''': [[spoiler: (releases his bounds)]] Play me the song.
52	* RecurringDreams: Cael has recurring [[DreamsOfFlying Nightmares of Flying]]. Whether they're psychic or DreamingTheTruth remains to be seen.
53	* RedOniBlueOni: The [[HotBlooded choleric]] Reagan and her [[TheStoic quietly optimistic]] assistant Jordan. They even wear tops [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience in their respective colours]].
54	%% * ReluctantPsycho: Cael isn't crazy. So he says.
55	* RoofHopping: The long ChaseScene starting [[http://www.levelthecomic.com/comics/01-02-37/ here]].
56	* TheScapegoat: The [=UnTiern=], for the Holopaque Storm. [[spoiler: This resulted in civil war, which is still raging at the time the story starts]].
57	%% * ShiningCity: The opening narration claims Level is this.
58	* TheTeetotaler: Rain "doesn't smoke and orders tea in a bar".
59	* ThouShaltNotKill: Rain avoids killing and calls [[AxCrazy Emory]] out on it.
60	* WrongSideOfTheTracks: Sprawl. Some sectors get [=UnTiern=] (cut of from the Tiers system), making them even [[WretchedHive more of that]].

Context Webcomic / LeveL