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1[[quoteright:271:https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/sp01222009-doorknob_2427.gif]]
2[[caption-width-right:271:[[TheRant ...now I want pie.]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/justifiable/ Damn it.]]]]
3
4->'''Jason''': Do you wake up every morning and say, "Today, I'm going to find someone's dream that's come true and put an end to it"?\
5'''Davan''': I look at it like this: the holiday season may have a phenomenally high suicide rate, but we can't hope to maintain that level of excellence if everyone doesn't do their part.
6-->-- [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/jason-s-dream/ November 21, 2006]]
7
8''[[http://www.somethingpositive.net/ Something*Positive]]'' is a SliceOfLife webcomic by Randal Keith "R.K." Milholland based on the life and trials of Davan [=MacIntire=], a put-upon, misanthropic author stand-in, and his best friends Aubrey Chorde, Pee-Jee Shou, and Jason Pratchett, who originated as caricatures of [[LifeEmbellished Milholland's real-life friends]]. The supporting cast includes Davan's acerbic but loving family, African-American Wiccan Kim Anansie, Pee-Jee's long-time gay man-crush [[StraightGay Jhim Midgett]], "pint-sized bisexual" [[{{Keet}} T-Bob]], reformed [[FanDumb obsessive geek]] Mike Dowden, vain waste-of-space Kharisma Valetti, and Davan's hairless, amorphous cat Choo-Choo Bear. The cast is enormous, and various members [[OutOfFocus pop in and out]] over the years.
9
10Most of the comic's humor is incredibly dark and cynical, with glee for [[DudeNotFunny potential offense]]; few demographics have avoided skewering by the author's [[StrawCharacter strawman constructs]] -- it is remarkably fair and balanced in that approach. However, moments of sympathy sometimes rise to the surface, as the characters may be jerks (an admitted fact by Milholland himself), but they ''do'' love each other deeply, and go out of their way to help one another. Common elements include the stupidity of the common man, geek culture, tabletop gaming, and Davan's seemingly endless parade of psychotic girlfriends.
11
12Expect a lot of TakeThat. To fans of the comic (particularly stupid e-mails are almost ''always'' revealed to the fans on the comic's web page, [[DearNegativeReader or even in actual comics]]), to fans of certain shows or genres, and ''especially'' to Milholland himself, as well as his comic. It's equal-opportunity cruelty at its finest and most vulgar.
13
14The title was created when the real Aubrey told Milholland to "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/clarine-s-birthday/ shut up and do something positive for once]]."
15
16Connects to the Webcomic/{{Walkyverse}} in a number of ways: Choo Choo Bear's offspring with [[Webcomic/GirlsWithSlingshots Sprinkles]] have found their way into several strips, and Davan is also friends with GWS's Candy and ''Webcomic/QueenOfWands''' Kestrel. Milholland has also done some guest strips for ''Webcomic/QuestionableContent'' that may or may not be canon; Jeph Jacques isn't telling.
17
18----
19!!''Something*Positive'' contains examples of:
20[[foldercontrol]]
21[[folder:Tropes A to H]]
22* AbortedArc: Bian, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/unfamiliar-faces-pt-1/ a new character with no connection to the existing story]], was introduced with hints from Milholland that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/unfamiliar-faces-pt-5/ she would eventually meet the main cast]]. She hasn't appeared since a bit panel [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/family-s-a-gamble-pt-6/ in 2013]].
23* 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.
24* AbusiveParents: It would almost be easier to list the parents - especially fathers - who ''aren't'' somehow abusive.
25** [[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]].
26** [[spoiler:Avogadro is just as abusive, just in a different way. Avogadro never beat Ollie physically, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-iii-pt-1/ but he abused the boy emotionally]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-more-things-change/ and sexually]]. Davan theorizes that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-business-pt-7/ Ollie was so grateful to escape one abuse]] that he happily accepted another form instead.]]
27** On the emotionally abusive side is Jason's father. The man is described as using his psychology skills to get under his family's skin, and Jason's anecdotes about him are [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-family-way-pt-5/ pretty disturbing.]]
28** Monette's biological father. Even when trying to be nice, the best he manages to achieve is trying to send her a "I never thought you would achieve anything" card.
29** Davan's father is shown to be loving, but has his moments; apparently when Davan was six, his father tried to "mathematically prove to him that the Vietnam War was his fault" and recalls with a friend how they both tied their boys to the car's bumper when they wouldn't settle down. "They were tough sons of guns too! It was four miles before they started screaming!"
30** Rory's biological father refused to have anything to do with his son. When Rory sent a letter to him in an attempt to reach out, the jerk responded with a letter full of profanity. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-letter/ Rory keeps it as a reminder]] of who he never wants to become when he grows up.
31** Kharisma's parents were [[ParentalNeglect largely neglectful]], but [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/seventh-bullet/ her question about where babies come from]] was answered with "[[AMistakeIsBorn Sometimes mistakes just happen]]".
32** Vanessa's entire family tree is... [[WhiteSheep 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.
33** Gris's father constantly misgenders and deadnames them, and both parents are so negligent of their emotional needs that they send them away for the summer [[spoiler:just so that they can get divorced without Gris's knowledge]]. Unsurprisingly, after Gris finds out, they stay with Rory because he and his parents actually respect them, and even before this they had planned to move out the moment they graduated high school.
34* AccidentalMurder: Davan's father, Fred, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/when-father-was-a-son-of-a-pt-4/ pulled this off when he was a kid]]. Then again [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-great-lion-hunt-of-49-pt-5/ with the family dog]] at 14.
35* AcquiredPoisonImmunity: Turns out Avogadro [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/additives/ came by this after scores of actors had tried killing him]]. He grew to actually ''enjoy'' the taste of cyanide, using it to season his toast each morning.
36* ActionSurvivor: Spoiled BrainlessBeauty Kharisma, of all people, is becoming one, best exemplified [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/lost-and-found/ here]].
37* ActuallyPrettyFunny: Davan tells a whiny little girl that he's going to buy the cake she wants her mother to buy, just to spite her. This earned him a glare from his dad... [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/let-them-wear-cake/ then the girl ran and told her mother about it]].
38* AdultAdoptee: Davan's parents adopt his acquaintance Monette after she moves in with them following a bad breakup.
39* AdviceBackfire: Fred's attempts to dissuade Scotty's parents from getting a divorce [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/supper-pt-5/ are well-intentioned, but hilariously misguided]].
40* AerosolFlamethrower: [[TooDumbToLive "OH GOD! MY BEAUTY!]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kharismatic-pt-3/ MY HORRIBLY FLAMMABLE BEAUTY!"]]
41* AgeCut: Davan digs out an old notebook where his friend Scotty would write up RPG stats for their toys. The last panel on [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-games-pt-2/ this comic]] shows a page from the book, and the first page from the next one is [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-games-pt-3/ the same page]], over twenty years earlier.
42* AllGirlsLikePonies: "Customers being stupid?" "That's like asking me if ponies are still being awesome. Duh!"
43* AllPartOfTheShow: What Jason attempts [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kawaii-of-the-damned-pt-12/ to quell the Catgirl rampage]] - [[spoiler: it works out surprisingly well for them]].
44* AltText: The below-comic comment [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-new-girl-pt-1/ started here]] after the first lengthy FourthWallMailSlot series.
45* AlwaysAChildToParent: Donna's first attempt to give Rory TheTalk... [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/first-attempt/ did not go well]].
46* AmbiguouslyBrown: Cora was called "too Hispanic" for a role by Ollie, and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/usurping-pt-1/ the same strip has her mention she's Hawaiian]].
47* AmicableExes:
48** Davan and Branwen, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/all-i-can-ask-for/ much to Vanessa's awkwardness]].
49--->'''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.]]
50** Also, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-xiii-pt-4/ Scotty's parents]] divorced amicably after his death.
51* AndThatsTerrible: Davan's reaction to the script for "Cancer - The Heartbreak That Is" has him complaining about [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-birth-of-a-disaster-pt-2/ how he'd never know cancer was bad if not for that play]].
52-->'''Davan''': Because, y'know, the first four plays we got [[AwardBait that were about cancer]] didn't get that across.
53* 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]]."
54* AnswerCut: Jason has vague misgivings over adopting a child:
55--> '''Jason:''' For some reason there's something that bothers me when I think of parenting. I just can't put a face on it. ''[opens the door]'' \
56'''Jason's father:''' Hello, son. Long time no see.
57* AntiClimax: It was only teased for a few months, but [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/still-miss-them/ opening the time capsule from their childhood]] revealed that Scotty had swiped everything out of there to pawn off so he could pay his rent.
58* ArbitrarySkepticism: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/there-s-been-confusion/ Choo-Choo discusses it in a Reader Q&A]].
59* ArtEvolution:
60** After ''nine years'', Randy started... shading.
61** After ''fourteen years'', Randy started drawing everything digitally.
62* ArtShift: He also has a penchant for watercolor, which he mostly uses on his comic ''Rhymes With Witch'', and once had [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/homecoming-of-elemental-awful-pt-1/ an entire D&D arc done in the style]] "because I'm an idiot."
63* AscendedExtra:
64** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/new-friend/ Fluffmodeus started here.]] Now he's a part of Kharisma's life. (TheRant below the comic reads "I am seriously tempted to put the little blue thing into the main comic unless ransom demands are met." Presumably, they were not.)
65** Branwen was supposed to be a brief encounter before Davan drove her away, but someone close to Randy told him "You know, you could [[ThrowTheDogABone let Davan catch a break]] once in a while." She was with him for about a year, her influence lasted longer, and she's remembered as "the good one" among a string of crazy and faithless romantic mistakes. (Until Vanessa appeared.)
66** Kwispie, a penguin with bacon for arms that was part of a few gag strips in 2011 became the mascot at Mike's new BurgerFool position.
67* AshesToCrashes:
68** [=PeeJee=] accidentally spills [[spoiler: Faye]]'s ashes [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/misplaced-pt-2/ down her panties]].
69** Vanessa and Davan replaced "'til death do you part" with "love each other forever", [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/death-prep/ and she plans on keeping that promise]].
70* AssholeVictim: Some, but not all include...
71** Mike had a series of humiliations and painful encounters, which he generally brought upon himself through thoughtless, stupid and hostile behavior.
72** Pepito acted like a jerk to everyone after he [[spoiler:inherited Avogadro's fortune]], and when he returned to the spotlight at a convention he was [[spoiler:torn apart by rampaging catgirls because he was dressed as their favorite character. He was later seen in Hell, once again Avogadro's sex toy.]]
73** Kyle repeatedly lied and cheated to one of the main cast, and when caught was beaten and hospitalised.
74** [=PeeJee=] had a coworker who threatened to charge her with sexual harassment when [=PeeJee=] rebuffed her advances. She was [[spoiler: suddenly eaten by a trap-door alligator [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-a-word-pt-2/ that struck from the air conditioning]]]].
75** Kharisma was a RichBitch and BrainlessBeauty who ''really'' pushed this with her treatment of others, then scarred her face, tried to get Avogardo's fortune and was convicted of murder, went to prison and risked being killed, was broken out (and was still at risk of death) and lives a semi-criminal life putting her through a lot of CharacterDevelopment.
76** Kharisma's quasi-boyfriend, Gregory, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-x-pt-2/ inflicted an ironic punishment on a fellow inmate]].
77* AuthorAvatar: Davan was based on Randy five years before the comic started. His character moved away from being similar to Randy, but sometimes remains his mouthpiece. Rory is based on Randy's childhood (One of the tags on a Rory-centred comic reads "'This seems... familiar' -- My father").
78* AuthorGuestSpot
79* AwesomeMcCoolname:
80** 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.
81** Vanessa researches Davan's family history, and learns he had a great-great-grandmother named [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/best-name/ Dicey Justice Graves]] - Davan insists they make a baby ''right that second'' to name her that.
82* AwfulTruth: Rory has to have TheTalk, which leads him to a [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/afterbirth-afterthought/ horrible realization]] of why his mother thought Davan was his father.
83* AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther: Aubrey and Jason, exemplified [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-birthday-girl-pt-6/ here]].
84* BadassAdorable: Vanessa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/dangerous-boredom/ tries to perfectly combine cuteness and threat]] by cladding Choo-Choo Bear in armor - this effort later expands [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/amassing-troops/ to the entire neighborhood]].
85-->'''Vanessa''': Behold! Complete adorabrutality!
86* BadassBoast: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/home-on-the-ranged-attack-pt-3/ Jason makes a henchmen beg]] in a tabletop RPG.
87* BadBoss: Davan's boss at Medicaid billing, to the point that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/right-into-a-wall/ he got depressed when]] he ''couldn't'' crush Davan's spirit.
88* BadNewsInAGoodWay: Fred's cardiologist [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/stuffing-more-than-stockings/ tries this method]].
89-->'''Fred''': Do you know anything about how to deliver bad news?!\
90'''Doctor''': I know you don't sing it...[-now-].
91* BaitAndSwitch: This is Fred's preferred method of humor, as evidenced [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/words-can-hurt/ when he pretends to be outraged over a joke PeeJee made]] - only to tell her that it was ActuallyPrettyFunny after she started crying in remorse.
92* BeardOfSorrow: Davan, after [[spoiler:Faye dies.]]
93* BeCarefulWhatYouWishFor: Sanderson appoints Davan to write a deliberately awful play for someone he hates to Direct - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/taking-credit/ unaware that Davan had once written a play so awful it caused a riot]].
94** Nick runs afoul of this when he encourages Sherri's character - a [[{{Pun}} Fairy Dogmother]] - to be a JerkassGenie.
95--->'''Fairy Dogmother''': Just when I thought magic couldn't be cooler, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/learning-to-use-magic/ I learn the true magic]] of [[LiteralGenie technicalities]].
96* BenevolentBoss:
97** Sanderson, mostly after hiring Davan to manage his theatre interests. He's a bit selfish and stubborn about his whims, but he genuinely likes Davan.
98** Mike's boss, Eric, at the Kwispy Burger also counts -- right away, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/orientation/ he lets Mike know]] that nope, the customer's ''not'' always right, and minimum-wage employees still deserve at least some respect. When the restraunt is attacked by arsonists, forcing it to be closed down, Eric makes sure to give all the employees severance pay with their last paychecks (Even adding two months worth of pay to Mike's paycheck to thank him for a decade of work) and tells Mike that if he opens up another restaurant, he'll give Mike a job if he hasn't found another job by then.
99* BerserkButton:
100** [[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]]...
101** Also, believing in something without doing even the most cursory of research, as evidenced in his trip to Salem and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/before-we-part-ways-pt-3/ this encounter]] with a Goth who idolizes [[{{UsefulNotes/Anarchism}} Anarchy]]. Then again, he was already on-edge before that, and the comment was more TheLastStraw.
102* BestialityIsDepraved: Monette's koala incident.
103-->'''Davan''': Before I post your bail, tell me: Was it at least a ''female'' koala you had sex with?
104* BestServedCold: Playfully, but [=PeeJee=] admits that Davan probably has a list for [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/backfire/ why she deserved getting tricked into going into a puppet theater]].
105* BewareTheQuietOnes: Sherri, one of Rory's original gaming group, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/game-makers-pt-3/ causes Davan to predict she'll be "a walking doom" when she gets older]].
106* BewareTheSillyOnes:
107** Even if he is probably just a hallucination, and a initially benevolent one at that, Fluffmodeus can be pretty scary.
108---> '''Fluffmodeus''': [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/overslept/ YOU'RE GONNA DIIIIIIIIE]]!
109** The "benevolent" facade has been pretty much dropped as of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bad-morning-pt-5/ this strip]] - and prior to that, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-gentle-reminder-kharisma-realizes/ this one]].
110* BeYourself:
111** In an awkward moment, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/scotty-s-last-crush-pt-2/ Davan tries to apply this advice]]. Unfortunately, his self is too blunt and tactless for the situation.
112** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/before-it-all-went-down/ The next time]] he suggests it, Jason shoots down the idea as the last thing they want.
113* BeyondTheImpossible:
114** During a night of playing various tabletop games, Mike manages to die in ''{{TabletopGame/Toon}}'', which explicitly states that characters ''[[CartoonPhysics cannot die]]''.
115--->'''Bat!Davan''': [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/game-night-pt-5/ I'm as impressed as you are]].
116** Avogadro complains about [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-vi-pt-3/ the lack of tortures in the "travel brochure" in Hell]] - and the Devil is baffled as to how Pompey keeps finding Bibles ''in Hell''.
117* BitchInSheepsClothing: Ollie has a very sugary demeanor, but he also has no compunctions [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/usurping-pt-1/ with saying someone ELSE was saying mean things as a way to get what he wants]]. Then it turns out [[spoiler: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/when-to-walk-away-pt-1/ he'd never actually gotten the rights to the production]], and kept deliberately ignoring the Cease & Desist orders until a lawyer finally approaches Davan in-person to deliver a lawsuit]].
118* BlackComedy: Just how dark the humour gets varies from story to story, but the comic has no qualms about "going there" and includes DeadBabyComedy, {{Undignified Death}}s, BlackComedyRape, general crushing of people's spirits and bright spots of hope and love.
119** The first strip features an at-home abortion joke, setting the stage for things to come. Anyone who's read Something Positive has nothing to complain about: [[EstablishingSeriesMoment This strip is completely up-front with how offensive it is from the word go]].
120** As another example, Jason once bought Davan a sex doll as a joke gift - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/better-off-untitled/ except the "doll" turned out to be a modified corpse]].
121--->'''Jason''': (''While reporting it to the police'') Davan, I really didn't mean to give you a dead girl to unleash your seed at.\
122'''Davan''': I wish I could believe you this time, Jason.
123** Especially, perhaps, but certainly not ''exclusively'', as can be seen in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/emergency-support/ this 2010 strip]]:
124--->'''Nancy''': Davan, wake up. I have a problem. \
125'''Davan''': You live on the fifth floor; you've got a long stairwell that'll fix it for you.
126** Then there's his Halloween tradition of ''The Last Of The Trick-or-Treaters'' comics, which feature various supernatural monsters murdering trick-or-treating kids.
127* BlackComedyRape:
128** Kim [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/las-chicas-del-s-p-fight-pt-4/ has a fetish for unconscious men]] (and yes, [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Somnophilia it is an actual thing]]). Which the others didn't know when they asked her to look after Davan while he was whacked out on medication, and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/advantage-pt-3/ she takes advantage of him]]
129** Mike and the Redneck Trees. Initially, nothing actually happens to Mike. DeepImmersionGaming is a visual device, not something that actually affects the characters. It's not shown how graphically it was described to him, although based on his reaction, probably "very".
130*** Then, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/jack-in-jerk-off-pt-5/ thanks to Davan's good memory]], it was reenacted. And he was actually almost publicly sodomized by a man in a tree costume. But since he was an unsympathetic {{Jerkass}}, it was played for laughs, though [=PeeJee=] disagreed and intervened.
131*** [[BrickJoke Years later]], Mike's girlfriend [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/worse-than-black-ice/ had one in a cyberpunk game]], triggered by a request for "[[IncrediblyLamePun Root access]]."
132** Then it happened ''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/sadie-hawkins-that-bitch-pt-7/ again]]'' when Davan and Scotty thought Aubrey's boyfriend was cheating on her.
133** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/softer-rejection/ The rejection letter Davan sends]] to the writer of a bad play claims that "A better title for your play would be 'Rape-Rape: A Tale of Rapening'. Also, your next play should have a little less rape in it."
134* BodyHorror: Odds are that any scene that includes Choo-Choo Bear will also include some horrible, horrible cat-related BodyHorror.
135* BouquetToss: [[spoiler:The whole catching part is pointedly [[DefiedTrope defied]] at [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-wedding-album-pt-4/ Davan and Vanessa's wedding]].]]
136* BrainBleach:
137** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-strip-club/ Low-rent strippers]]. "Take me home so I can claw my eyes out in privacy, please."
138** "I'm not sure her psyche was prepared for the horror that is [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/reactions/ role-playing geeks]]"
139** [[https://somethingpositive.net/wp-content/uploads/2002/09/sp09032002.gif "Leave us in our secret shame and sin!"]]''.
140** Jhim tries desperately in to invoke it: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/coffee-crimes/ "Must fight visual! Must... fight... visual!"]]
141** 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!")
142** Kegel balls and ''Franchise/{{Pokemon}}'', [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/there-will-be-no-apologies-for-this-comic/ "You're not allowed to talk any more. Like, ever."]].
143** Lipstick, nipple rings and [[spoiler:Franchise/{{Popeye}}]]. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/silence-of-the-yams/ Makes you scream "Milholland!"]]
144** Monette inflicts this on Gaspar [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/unexpected-pt-2/ by quipping that his daughter also came out of her]].
145* BreadEggsBreadedEggs: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-quiet-night/ "What should we do first?]] Strip club? M.M.A.? The zoo? Stripper M.M.A. cage matches at the zoo?"
146* BreadEggsMilkSquick: Jason tries talking to a theater owner about needing fake blood for a show, but [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/another-tragedy-pt-4/ only gets so far as saying "we need to use a lot of blood for this show"]] before Hank steps in and asks "Do you prefer pig, [[DisposableSexWorker hooker]], or one month old orphan?"
147* BrickJoke:
148** 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.
149--->'''Gia's Daughter''' He bought every box, mom. How did you know?\
150'''Gia''': [[OldShame Guilt]] has deep pockets.
151** Prior to that, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/finding-eggs/ this strip]] serves as one [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/screams-in-pastel/ to this one]].
152** The man Rory uppercut to the groin? He started wearing a cup, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/happy-consequence/ which came in VERY handy when an adult kicked him in the crotch with steel-toed boots]].
153* BringMyBrownPants:
154** Rory's coworker at the haunted house [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/why-d-i-ever-leave/ managed to literally scare a kid shitless]].
155** Grant is so petrified at the idea of a bar pet [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bar-pets-revisited-pt-4/ that his "cup runneth over" - into his pant leg]].
156* BrutalHonesty:
157** [=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.]]"
158** During the 2020 quarantine, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/quarantine/ PamJee tells her mother she's kind of sick of her face]], only to be shocked that she said it back and goes to complain to Jason.
159--->'''Jason''': You go and tell her it's ''my'' turn to not-like you!\
160'''[=PamJee=]''': ...this must be that "[[MiseryBuildsCharacter building character]]" crap [[HonoraryUncle Uncle Davan]] talks about 'cuz it's really pissing me off.
161* BSideComics: ''S* P 1937'', ''Life with Rippy'' and to a lesser extent, ''Webcomic/SuperStupor''.
162* ButchLesbian: Lisa developed into one after moving away with Monette.
163* CallBack:
164** [[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".
165** The network running Monette's sitcom revises Monette's "Koala incident". Officially, [[BlatantLies It never happened]] -- [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/rising-star-pt-3/ she slept with an aspiring screenwriter]]. It's [[WritersSuck not much better.]]
166* TheCameo:
167** RPG creator [[http://www.sjgames.com/ Steve Jackson]], playing ''TabletopGame/BunniesAndBurrows'' at a convention with Aubrey and [=PeeJee=].
168** ''Webcomic/TheDevilsPanties'' AuthorAvatar and main character Jennie Breeden chats with Davan by IRC.
169** Creator/WilWheaton appears at the convention and flees the catgirl rampage with Davan and Jason.
170* 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.
171* CanonImmigrant: Kestrel came from ''Webcomic/QueenOfWands'', and Helen from ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'' .
172* CashCowFranchise: Action figures? Pedestrian. Try ''TabletopGame/{{GURPS}}'' [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-new-girl-pt-2/ SODA]]. A 2019 strip featured [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/coworkers/ a GURPS candy bar]].
173* CassandraTruth:
174** 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.
175** Rory reads the rulebook for ''TabletopGame/Cyberpunk2020'', thinking it's way off on the tech. His mother [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-future-predicted/ asks him to look at the politics, police-state, and corporations section]].
176--->'''Rory''': Nevermind. This is some UsefulNotes/{{Nostradamus}} shit.\
177'''Donna''': When no one pays heed [[LampshadeHanging it's Cassandra shit]].
178* CatapultNightmare:
179** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/late-night-chats-pt-9/ The dream about Rose.]]
180** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-xi-pt-5/ The dream about his family]].
181* TheCatCameBack: Davan and Fred try to release IRS so that he'll be at home in the wild when Fred passes away - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/direction-sense/ the crow actually beat them back home]]. It turns out that Davan's tried this before several times but IRS always came back. Many years later, he tries again after [[spoiler:Fred passes away]], just for IRS to fly straight inside to keep waiting for Fred. [[spoiler:IRS later flies away unprompted after the house is sold off and Davan and Vanessa move out.]]
182* CatGirl: The tween {{cosplay}}ers who infest some conventions and are the audience for Jason and Davan's webcomic. From the cast page:
183--> Catgirls are a prime example of what happens when [[AttentionWhore a severe need for attention]] mingles with the worst part of {{anime}} {{fandom}} and "tween" culture. Telltale signs your child is now a catgirl: cheap plush cat ears on head, possibly a tail pinned to their pants/skirt, communicates in broken Japanese and squeals, and [[BreadEggsMilkSquick might have killed four classmates]] for saying her ''[[Literature/TheTwilightSaga Twilight]]'' {{fanfic}} where Edward turns into a glittering undead catboy needed some work.
184* CatsAreMean: Davan believes so, [[HypocriticalHumor despite being a cat owner]], and holds up a [[Franchise/FridayThe13th hockey-mask wearing Choo-Choo]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bad-luck/ as evidence of feline evil]].
185** The "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kitty-kwiz-2/ Kitty Kwiz]]" two years prior has Woogie ask readers which action (rubbing your leg, bringing you a "gift", showing their belly, or sending notes) was a cat expressing its love for you. The answer - none of the above!
186--->'''Woogie''': Cats are soulless monsters [[LackOfEmpathy incapable of feelings]]. Forged in Hell's hate furnace... all cats exist to make humans accept abuse as a form of love. After years of hate and evil, when a human needs our abuse to be happy, we commit our greatest cruelty. We die! (''Plays with a ball of yarn'')
187* CerebusSyndrome: Davan's best friend Scotty kills himself at the tail end of the first year of the strip, setting off sadness, depression and nostalgic looks to the past being a major point of the comic thereafter. (Which makes this a rare case of Cerebus Syndrome in which the work... doesn't actually become any [[DarkerAndEdgier darker]].)
188* CharacterDevelopment:
189** 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.
190** Kharisma. She shredded most of her RichBitch[=/=]AlphaBitch attitude while in jail, and got one of the most exciting subplots in the comic.
191* ChewbaccaDefense: Aubrey reveals her philosophy of life at the end of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/positively-scandalous-pt-4/ this crossover strip]].
192* ChewToy: Mike and Kharisma.
193* 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.
194* CigaretteOfAnxiety: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/dungeons-dumbasses-part-9/ Aubrey at the end of "Dungeons & Dumbasses"]], due to Mike.
195* ClassReunion: "Class of Eighty-Bore". Doubles as Nancy's introduction.
196* CleanPrettyChildbirth: Rory is convinced that it's this trope - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/movie-night/ his mom and Vanessa disabuse him of that notion]], leading to his GroinAttack on Davan.
197* ClingyJealousGirl: Eva.
198* CoitusUninterruptus: A [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/no-magic-underwear-jokes-at-least/ rare solo example]]
199* ComedicSociopathy: Mostly ''[[SadistShow made of it]]'' -- try to find one recurring character ''without'' a JerkAss streak or something.
200* ComicallyMissingThePoint:
201** "Do you even know what gay bashing is?" "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/terminology/ How can I? You bastards never invite me.]]"
202** Later, Hugh's coworker [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/unsolicited/ brags about sending a dick pic]], and the resulting reply is... a miniature [[GroinAttack guillotine]]. He's excited at the idea of trying bondage.
203* ComicallySmallBribe: Not "bribe", per se, but Sanderson thinks [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/crafting-the-offer/ $10,000 for the stage-production rights]] to ''Franchise/{{Batman}}'' is a fair offer.
204-->'''Davan''': Can my Christmas bonus be getting to listen in on this phone call? I don't think money could buy me half as much joy.
205* CompositeCharacter: A few members of the cast are based off of more than one person Milholland has met, merged into one being. Lisa and Monette in particular, as well as Mike and Eva (both of whom were based off of one good person, and one bad one -- with the characters branching into one or the other).
206* ConeOfShame: Worn by the catgirl in the "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/beware-beware/ Spay your catgirl]]" poster.
207* ContinuityNod: "I lava you".
208--> '''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/stress-reliever/ Kim:]]''' You're doing something different this time. What is it? \
209'''Davan:''' [[BlackComedyRape Consenting]].
210* CorruptCop: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/opened-doors-greased-palms/ Though his bribes are only half of the old one's.]]
211* CosmicPlaything: The [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/who-we-are-pt-4/ entire MacIntire clan can be described as such]].
212* CountryMatters: Despite the ClusterFBomb he's rather notorious for, Randy is ''very'' antsy about this word, so far only using it twice, once when Mike (when he was still a full-blown {{Jerkass}}) is very annoyed with [=PeeJee=], and [[EveryoneHasStandards even he stammers a bit]], and once indirectly when Davan's GirlOfTheWeek, trying to justify her cheating (by framing it as exploring an Open Relationship), asks if she's "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-experiment/ being too blunt]]," and Davan replies she's "[[RhymesWithWitch in the rhyming neighborhood]]." Apparently, a woman walked out of a panel discussion when he said it in RealLife.
213* CovertPervert: ''[[TheCutie Vanessa]]'', the most innocent and easily embarrassed member of the cast. She really likes "curvy girls" and she's always up for visiting strip clubs -- "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-strip-club-of-infinite-despair-pt-1/ I wanna see tiiiitties]]!"
214* CrapsackWorld
215* CrazyCatLady: With dogs, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/new-pup/ but the effect with PeeJee is much the same]]. She also [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/find-a-way/ adopts dogs as a way to cope with quarantine]].
216* CreepyChild: [=PamJee=] is every bit her parents' daughter [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/work-up-a-routine/ and then some]].
217* CreepyStalkerVan: Rory [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/good-deal/ comes across one being sold]] while looking for his first car. It's cash-only, but it comes with duct tape and plastic bags!
218* CriminalMindGames: PlayedForLaughs. When asked how she and [=PeeJee=] never seem to get arrested for their frequent outbursts of ComedicSociopathy, Aubrey explains that the trick is to [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/positively-scandalous-pt-4/ commit crimes so confusing that the cops feel stupid writing reports about them]].
219* CurseCutShort:
220** Given the GroinAttack he'd just suffered, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/jingle-hell-pt-4/ Jason's willpower is admirable]].
221** [=PamJee=] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/burning-lessons/ bites Davan]]:
222---> '''Davan: MOTHERFU--''' \
223'''Aubrey:''' Guess how many segments I'll break you into into if she learns even one swear word from you. \
224'''Davan:''' --untime puppy dreams and and cookies!
225* CuteKitten: Choo-Choo-Bear and friends. Sometimes bluntly deconstructed, which on one occasion has resulted in death threats against the author (see InternetJerk entry below).
226* CutenessProximity: Utilized [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/watching-over-peejee-pt-3/ as a means to keep PeeJee from finally snapping]] over her boss' girlfriend's racist "jokes".
227* CutHimselfShaving: After a BaitAndSwitch strip on Valentine's day in which Randy asked his girlfriend if she... would do the dishes, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/that-s-that/ he reappears with a black eye]] acquired from a doorknob.
228* CutHisHeartOutWithASpoon. Used for gags quite often.
229* TheCutie: Kestrel, by virtue of coming from [[Webcomic/QueenOfWands a less cynical webcomic]], and Vanessa is described on the cast page as "probably the cast's last true innocent".
230* 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.
231* DarkerAndEdgier: ''Franchise/MyLittlePony'' [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/pony-struggles/ made awesome]].
232* DawnOfAnEra:
233** 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.
234** Not long after, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/useful-rage-pt-3/ Davan meets Mr. Sanderson]], a wealthy producer [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/when-to-walk-away-pt-4/ who takes a liking to him]] and eventually [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-visitor-pt-1/ offers him a job]].
235* DeadBabyComedy: Quite literally, as the first strip [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fatherly-laments/ and this one]] show.
236* DeadFic: ''[[http://www.midnightmacabre.com/index.html Midnight Macabre]]'' and ''New Gold Dream''. At first, Randy said he would be updating them a few times a week but between life being busy and personal circumstances that left him less inclined to work on them, both went on "indefinite hiatus". [[http://www.superstupor.com/ Super Stupor]] has not been updated since 2012.
237* DeadPersonConversation: Davan occasionally has lucid dreams where he speaks to dead people, from those who were important to him ([[spoiler:Faye]], Rose), to relatives that have long passed (grandparents and great-grandparents), to people he disliked when they were alive ([[spoiler:Pepito]]), and even to people he's never actually met (his cousin-twice-removed [[DeadGuyJunior Davan]]). Seeing dead people usually tips him off right away that it's just a dream, but it doesn't lessen the emotional impact, especially when they start talking about unresolved feelings or someone hints to Davan that something bad is about to happen to him (such as the dreams he has in 2019 and 2020 that seem to foreshadow [[spoiler:Fred's death]]).
238* DeadpanSnarker: Most of the main cast.
239* DeathOfTheAuthor:
240** [[invoked]] Referenced in the catgirls arc. This trope appears to be something of a sore spot with the author.
241** Discussed and deconstructed InUniverse when Shazam sees that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/separate-the-work/ Mike is getting rid of his books written]] by Creator/OrsonScottCard and Creator/JKRowling, as well as all related memorabilia, because he doesn't want to support those authors anymore after their homophobic and transphobic comments, despite still loving the stories they wrote.
242---> '''Shazam:''' Can't you just separate the work from the author?\
243'''Mike:''' Some people probably can, and I’ve sure tried. \
244'''Shazam:''' What changed?\
245'''Mike:''' I realized “separate the work from the author” is easy for me to say when I’m not one of the people they dehumanize.
246** 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]].
247--->'''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.
248* 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).
249* DeliberatelyMonochrome: ''S* P 1937'' and some {{flashback}}s.
250* DemonicPossession: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-xiv-pt-3/ Twitchy-hug seemingly making a return of sorts, the AxCrazy tendancies and color-shifting have been passed from his ashtray-slash-remnants to the son of Davan's former landlord.]] Maybe not Demonic, but Possession nonetheless.
251* DepravedBisexual: Monette, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/responsible-roles/ by her own admission]], but in the midst of rejecting a role that centers on this trope.
252* DescriptionCut:
253** [=PeeJee=] tries to talk Davan's family into [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-watching-hour-pt-3/ playing an role-playing game]], choosing a setting of UsefulNotes/TheGoldenAgeOfComicBooks to appeal to Fred:
254--->'''Dahlia:''' Right. I don't know what lies my brother's spread about this family, but there's no way you're gonna rope us in playing one of those stupid games! Right, Dad? \
255''[Cut to Fred imagining himself as a superhero]'' \
256'''Dahlia:''' Dad?
257** The following:
258---> '''Mike:''' And that's the great thing about [=PeeJee=]. She's got this soothing voice and calm demeanor that just makes you want to open up. \
259'''[=PeeJee=]:''' ...or a sock full of wood screws. So, yes, it is in fact ''quite'' plausible for me to beat a pregnant woman nearly to death and not be arrested.
260** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/how-the-other-half-live-pt-2/ Nancy with her boyfriend]]:
261---> '''Nancy:''' [thinking] ...I can't imagine anything ruining this moment.
262---> '''Lon:''' I'm going to slip into something more comfortable. You aren't allergic to cat hair, are you?
263** Mike declares "I must be the only person who's haunted day and night by his own nagging stupidity." Next panel: Kharisma in her prison cell with her scarred face, being bothered by Fluffmodeus.
264** Mike is fleeing an [[ItMakesSenseInContext an armed blogger]] but still [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/innocents-lost/ wants to help the cat that was abducted for the trap]], thinking it's scared to death.
265--->'''Cat's Thought-bubble''': (''As the cat is pulling on the blogger's eyelids'') I am your God and your pain is my altar. Now, '''worship'''!
266* DirtyOldMan:
267** Female version: "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/always-open-to-a-hug/ Y'know Davan, some of us Grandmas are good at more than baking cookies]]."
268** 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 masturbating [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-sids-train-pt-4/ while sitting in plain view]].
269* 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.]]
270* 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]].
271* TheDitz: Monette, especially at first.
272-->'''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bad-morning-pt-2/ Kharisma]]:''' I don't know! I don't know anything! I swear! It's a life choice!
273* DontSneakUpOnMeLikeThat: Discovering [=PeeJee=] has a fear of puppets, Aubrey sneaks up behind her with a handpuppet and gets her hand broken with a hammer when [=PeeJee=] reacts instinctively.
274* DoubleStandardAbuseFemaleOnMale:
275** Most of the cast engages in {{slapstick}} violence regardless of sex, but the women are generally more likely to threaten violence, and more likely to commit it.
276** Aubrey and [=PeeJee=] are both rather hot-headed and prone to impulsive violence when people anger them (especially boyfriends), or upset their friends, or when it sounds like fun. Davan makes a good punching bag when no other is available, although this alluded to in the past (Aubrey has been beating on him since their childhood). An early strip involves the two of them inviting several unsuspecting guys out to a remote location on a date, and then jumping out of hiding and beating them with baseball bats. They intended to sell the videotape of doing so as a comedy ("When Rabid Asian Girls Attack"), and the strip treats it as just some of their "wacky hijinks". To some degree, they mostly grow out of it, or at least become more controlled about it.
277** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/avast/ This strip]] wouldn't be half as funny if the genders were reversed. (Though in a large part, because the jokes wouldn't work.)
278* 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".
279* DoYouWantToCopulate: Vanessa bluntly asks "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/sounded-better/ Who wants coitus?]]" and immediately admits it sounded better in her head than out loud.
280* DressedToPlunder: As seen on [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/talk-like-a-pirate-day-2007/ Talk Like a Pirate Day]].
281* DrowningMySorrows: Davan calls another cat "just the cutest kitty I've ever seen" - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-cutest-kitty/ in front of Choo-Choo Bear]].
282* DudeShesLikeInAComa: Or rather "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/advantage-pt-3/ Gal, He's Like Drugged Unconscious]]" -- Kim while left caring for a medicated Davan.
283* DungeonmastersGirlfriend:
284** 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!"
285** Defied by Tamara [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/worse-than-black-ice/ here]], however.
286* DyingAlone: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/yeah-thats-why/ Davan's old boss at the insurance company]] seems likely to meet this fate.
287* DynamicEntry: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/no-more-waiting/ Aubrey demonstrates the technique.]]
288* DysfunctionJunction: And ''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/nailed-rehearsals-pt-6/ acknowledges]]'' it.
289* EatTheRich: Name-dropped [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/company-for-dinner/ when Kharisma shares her fire]] with a RichInDollarsPoorInSense couple who think "roughing it" is having to eat at a Waffle House.
290* TheEeyore: Davan.
291* EmbarrassingBrowserHistory:
292** 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.
293--->'''Sanderson''': ...the check's amount should have five zeros. Seven if I get the first working model.
294** Vanessa finds a bunch of Pudding Cat tabs open on the computer, and Davan claims he was looking into donating to a rescue - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/tabs-of-cats/ only to scold Choo-Choo Bear to be more careful with his porn]].
295* EnfantTerrible:
296** The {{catgirl}}s, especially in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/day-two-pt-4/ the grip of]] FanDisillusionment.
297---> "The laws of catgirldom are swift and merciless. Dishonor and the uncute must not be suffered to live -- for all our sakes." \
298"The [[{{UsefulNotes/Kawaisa}} kawaii]]...is life."
299** 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.
300* EroticAsphyxiation: It comes up surprisingly often, including [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/special-edition/ this one featuring]] "Breath play [[Franchise/StarWars Jabba]]".
301* EstablishingSeriesMoment: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/enter-davan-and-peejee/ The first strip]] has Davan send a coat-hanger as a gift for a baby shower, establishing [[BlackComedy the tone]] right out of the gate.
302* EthicalSlut: Sanderson and his wife are quite open about their cheating on each other, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/close-quarters/ to the point that Sanderson will actually set her up on dates]].
303* EvenEvilHasStandards:
304** 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]].
305** A supervillain [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/my-enemy-s-enemy/ talked a blogger out of harming a cat beyond tying it up]], saying "I'm evil but not a dick" as rationale.
306* EvenNerdsHaveStandards: Rather often with different sub-fandoms, but an InUniverse example [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/pecking-order/ here]] when Davan wins a Geek-off by explaining how he and his friends would play ''TabletopGame/GammaWorld'' and ''VideoGame/{{Wasteland}}'' ''simultaneously'' on weekends.
307* EveryoneHasStandards
308** As much of a miserable JerkAss as Mike was in the early strips, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/mike-s-dread-date-pt-5/ PeeJee felt compelled to intervene]] after seeing his disastrous "date" with [[RichBitch Kharisma]]. Naturally, [[ComplainingAboutRescuesTheyDontLike he called her an "interloping bitch" and ran after Kharisma]].
309** After the infamous [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-haunting-we-will-go/ Hell House Arc]], Randy points out he actually had to ''censor'' most of what he researched about actual Hell Houses because they were too disgustingly horrible even for him.
310** Davan runs afoul of this when [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/homecoming-of-elemental-awful-pt-5/ his bugbear character is revealed to engage]] in SelfHarm as a means of stress relief.
311--->'''Davan''': Well, see, he does have the whole "Series/AfterschoolSpecial" flaw set on his character sheet and -- '''Don't you judge me!'''
312** Chirag defends a guy with an awful sense of humor - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/sense-of-humor/ until Yamile mentions how he's made fun of her prosthetic leg]]. And then the ass [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/gimme-a-second/ makes such a comment in front of Chirag]].
313** After the below incident, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/cooler-heads/ the mayor declares that "party lines be damned"]], and that every one of them should endorse the car-fucker to get Taylor out of office.
314* EvilIsPetty: After winning reelection, the Councilman that had tried to leverage the Pythagorean's fame for his own benefit tried outlawing "masked vigilantes" - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/censure/ thankfully, his colleagues call him out on his bullshit]].
315-->'''Taylor''': Oh, I see how it goes. I want to use the system to get a little revenge and I'm being petty. But back in March you used the system for the same reason and it was all okay, right?\
316'''Ward''': My son was shot. My wife and I pressed charges. That's different.\
317'''Taylor''': Agreed. See, I know society is better off without ugly kids around.
318* ExactWords:
319** When [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/heat-rising/ Davan's boss makes a request]], [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/following-orders/ Davan makes it happen]].
320** Prior to this, Davan takes advantage of Aubrey's [[ClingyJealousGirl Clingy Jealous Guy]]'s FreakOut to [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/aubrey-meet-eva-pt-5/ casually inform him]] that he'd seen Aubrey naked ''many'' times, and even offers to show him pictures, prompting the guy to run out of the bar cursing her and her friends.
321--->'''Aubrey''': I noticed you neglected to tell him we were both toddlers when that happened.\
322'''Davan''': I didn't want to make the situation awkward.
323** Vanessa's father [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/family-s-a-gamble-pt-7/ pulls this]] when saying that his marriages ended because someone cheats.
324--->'''Vanessa''': His marriages end because he's '''always''' the one who cheats.\
325'''Vanessa's Dad''': "Always" is different from "usually"! Being technically right means I'm still right!
326** Vanessa is told "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-a-suggestion/ I'm not saying you should dress up like you would for a wedding]], but it wouldn't hurt" - the poor fool didn't realize [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-wedding-album-pt-1/ how she'd dressed for her own wedding]].
327--->'''Vanessa''': So, ignore the syllabus. Today we're going over the philosophy of [[BotheringByTheBook following instructions in the most petty way possible]].
328* EyeScream:
329** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/down-the-chimney/ PamJee's first meeting with a mall santa]] resulted in this. Thankfully, his insurance covers retinal scratching.
330** A wrestling heel [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/lowspot-2/ plans on making a kid cry to increase their heel appeal]]. The kid spits a mix of hot sauce and jalapeno juice into her eyes.
331* FagHag: Pee-Jee and her crushes on gay men, or men that came out later.
332* FamilyOfChoice: The [=MacIntires=] are often at the center of this, with all the siblings and children they've gathered over the years. This includes Davan being LikeBrotherAndSister to Aubrey and thus an uncle to [=PamJee=], Fred considering [=PeeJee=] a daughter to the point where [[spoiler:he names her in his will as one of his children]], and Davan becoming a father to Rory in place of his absent, abusive biological father. Fred and Faye also saw Monette as a daughter, though unlike the other cases they made it legally binding and adopted her.
333* FanArt: There is a ''[[http://somethingpositivemovie.geekinthebox.org/ fan movie]]'' encompassing some of the earlier strips.
334* FanDisservice: If you're a ''Franchise/{{Superman}}'' fan, [[FetishRetardant don't read]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/am-number-one/ this]].
335** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/darkness-rising/ Also]], naked Avogadro.
336** A one-off strip of ComicStrip/MaryWorth... [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/from-the-depths-of-the-hard-drive-pt-4/ as a prostitute]].
337** Davan's neighbor is offended at Rory not accepting a hug from him, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/normal-affection/ so Davan and his father show just how uncomfortable it could be]] - with the AltText saying "Panel Four is for the people who wish I did more {{Fanservice}}."
338** And to plug upcoming convention appearances, Randy [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/come-hither-eyes/ decided to publish]] a [[SexSells pin-up calendar]]... featuring himself.
339--->'''Rippy''': I hate how comfortable you are with your body.\
340'''Randy''': I'm also comfortable with how uncomfortable you are, so that's really nice.
341* FanDumb: In-universe examples. Mike acts like this on a regular basis, while other...creatures encountered at conventions and gaming shops represent the unpleasant side of {{geek}}ery. There are also the {{catgirl}} {{cosplay}}ers, who embody the worst aspects of annoying pre-teen {{otaku}}.
342* FandomHeresy: Mike defends Creator/JoelSchumacher over ''Film/TheLostBoys'', [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/geekly-faux-pas/ and has a crisis of conscience over it]].
343* {{Fanservice}}:
344** Aubrey and [=PeeJee=] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/opportunities/ get sexy]] to mess with Jason's head.
345** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/randy-s-cracked-out-on-pain-killers-filler-art-pt-1/ This filler art]] which depicts [=PeeJee=] as a bunny girl, Aubrey as a French maid ("...someone dies for this"), and Claire as Creator/ElviraMistressOfTheDark.
346* FelonyMisdemeanor: Apparently, [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/sp09012011.shtml Davan's and Vanessa's opinions of Hard Lemonade fall into this trope]].
347* {{Foreshadowing}}: Jason and Davan's webcomic ''Neko-Neko Holy-Chan'' was teased for ''years'', with Jason frequently begging Davan to start up a webcomic with him. Monette also teased cast members about her "Big Secret" for months before revealing she was starring in a TV Show.
348* FourthWallMailSlot: "Reader Q&A" comics hosted by Choo-Choo Bear in a smoking jacket, or sometimes by Randy himself.
349* FramingTheGuiltyParty
350* FreudianSlipperySlope: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/easy/ Poor Vanessa.]]
351* FromTheMouthsOfBabes:
352** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/jingle-hell-pt-5/ When Jason plays Santa.]]
353** And again, after Davan receives "The Talk"... [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/reader-q-a-week-ish-pt-4/ as a kindergartner]], due to his finding a copy of ''Our Bodies Our Selves''.
354--->'''Kid!Davan''': I still say it isn't fair. Teacher asked if we'd learned anything over the weekend. Why'd she get so mad that I knew where the clit'ris is?\
355'''Young!Fred''': Son, I love you, but there's no way I can explain this without ending up divorced and maybe arrested.
356** Rory often says things like this, such as...
357*** Thinking "Get lucky" [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/vague-understanding/ means a girl will let you touch her pot of gold]].
358*** Asking [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-question/ what a climax is]]... because he'd heard about [[EroticAsphyxiation a guy hanging himself to achieve his]]. Fred even treats Davan to a glass of "[[BrickJoke Your Old Man's Been Waiting Thirty Years For This Revenge]]".
359*** Talking about learning the "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/practice/ hyman" maneuver]] - thankfully he'd ''meant'' to say Heimlich. But the punchline veers back into this.
360*** [[FalseReassurance Promising Davan that he'd "act like an adult"]] if Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/rory-s-first-haunt-pt-1/ takes him to a Haunted House.]]
361---->'''Davan''': You realize acting like an adult doesn't mean "It's okay if I tell someone what I want to hear even if I know it's a lie," right?\
362'''Rory''': Davan, tell me again how Santa Claus is real.\
363'''Davan''': Well, he -- oh. [[DumbassHasAPoint Oh]].
364*** Sanderson [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/polite-company/ fails to heed Davan's advice]] about [[NotInFrontOfTheKid swearing in front of Rory]], earning him ''and'' Rory a time-out.
365*** Rory wants [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/home-life/ his mom, Davan, Vanessa, and PeeJee to all be a family]] - and since he considers [=PeeJee=] the best of the bunch, he'd like his mom to "be lesbians" with her and get married. Donna is overjoyed at having such a humiliating story to add to the scrapbook.
366*** We get a ''very'' [[TheToothHurts literal]] [[DIYDentistry version]] when a girl [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/withdrawal/ wants Rory to take her on a date]], and since neither of them have money, she asks how much the Tooth Fairy leaves him.
367*** Rory is ecstatic at hearing Vanessa and Davan are getting married, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/wink/ because he wants a little sister]] - and is also convinced that "all the girl juice is in the left ball". Vanessa agrees [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/an-arrangment/ if Rory is present for each birth]], which he's convinced is CleanPrettyChildbirth.
368* FullNameUltimatum: Used in the AltText of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/home-again-home-again-pt-3/ this strip]], in which Randy's mother is trying to get him to draw a nice picture of Jesus for his grandmother.
369* TheFunInFuneral:
370** 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]].
371** Another comes [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/ashes-to-ashes-pt-1/ after Avogadro's death]], in which Kharisma is wearing a fanservice outfit, and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/ashes-to-ashes-pt-2/ Mr. Sanderson pooped in Avogadro's casket]] to pay his LastDisrespects.
372* GargleBlaster: A whiskey flask that Davan doesn't realize has been mixed with [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-damned-long-day-pts-7/ Everclear, moonshine and absinthe]].
373* {{Gaydar}}:
374** 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.
375--->'''Davan''': It's so nice to see the fine art of stereotyping is alive and well in the gay community.\
376'''Jhim''': See? Cattiness! You're just a few eyelashes away from being a Creator/JudyGarland impersonator.
377** It continues with a [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/what-s-the-frequency-davan-pt-2/ different gay friend]] who also notes that Davan sets his Gaydar off something fierce, and who'd assumed that Davan's bitchiness was just due to being closeted.
378* GeekyTurnOn: Tamara's method of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/saves/ reassuring Mike after she gets a birth control implant]] is to point out that she's technically a cyborg now.
379-->'''Mike''': You couldn't be more sexy to me if your uterus passed twenty-sided dice once a month.
380* GenreSavvy:
381** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-little-more-mike-pt-1/ Pee-Jee is.]] She knows that happy people proclaiming their joy [[TemptingFate are just asking for it.]]
382** Similarly, during the Catgirl rampage, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kawaii-of-the-damned-pt-6/ the group Jason and Davan find themselves in realize they wouldn't survive an actual horror movie]], but it needs one more element to be complete... and then Roger pulls a (possible) DyingDeclarationOfLove, so the entire group gets mad at him for effectively dooming them.
383%%* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: Please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.
384* GilliganCut: Randy [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/buffer/ decides to get ahead]] with a buffer of premade comics:
385--> '''Randy:''' I'm gonna start off year eleven right. I'm set to work and nothing's gonna distract me. \
386''Six goddamn minutes later...'' \
387'''Randy:''' ''[looking in the mirror]'' I thought I'd look scarier in clown make-up.
388* GirlOnGirlIsHot: Jason has drawn Aubrey/[=PeeJee=] yuri.
389** And just when you think [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/opportunities/ 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.
390** Also mentioned [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/rising-star-pt-2/ here]]
391** God Himself thinks so, too. In fact, He came up with the "being gay is a sin" thing as part of a BatmanGambit to get lesbians to have sex in order to spite Him, which He gets to watch and is even notified about when it happens due to them invoking His name.
392* GoodAngelBadAngel: Aubrey and [=PeeJee=] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/heaven-and-hell/ find a use]] for old theatre costumes.
393* GrammarNazi: Roundly mocked [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/birth-of-a-sentence/ in this strip]], as well as deconstructing the idea of anyone ''wanting'' to be a Nazi by introducing "The Komma-Klansman".
394* GratuitousJapanese: The catgirls pepper their speech with it trying to be as anime as they can.
395* GratuitousRape: Davan rejects a proposed play because of this trope, and gives us this gem in his rejection letter:
396-->''"A better title for your play would be 'Rape-Rape: A Tale of Rapening.' Also, your next play should have a little less rape in it."''
397* GratuitousSpanish: Pepito before [[spoiler: Davan discovered that he spoke perfect English]]. Not only his Spanish was gratuitous, it was grammatically disastrous; WordOfGod says that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/how-pepito-got-his-groove/ Milholland hated Pepito as a character]], so he never bothered with good Spanish for Pepito even when his readers offered to do so for him. Predictably, Milholland [[spoiler: killed him as gruesomely as he could fathom.]]
398* GriefInducedSplit: Scotty's parents [[AmicableExes divorced amicably]] after his death, remaining friends even after starting new relationships.
399* GrievousBottleyHarm: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/valencrime-s-day-pt-3/ Considered]] as a fetish but [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/valencrime-s-day-pt-4/ done]] accidentally.
400* GrievousHarmWithABody: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-new-game-to-play/ Let's play space marine!]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/las-chicas-del-s-p-fight-pt-3/ Who's daddy's favourite weapon, huh? Is it Choo Choo? Is it Choo Choo? Yes it is! Such a good hand to hand weapon you are!]]
401* GroinAttack:
402** Jason [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/jingle-hell-pt-4/ suffers one]] whilst being a mall Santa, at the hands (or tap shoe-clad feet) of a little girl.
403** 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]].
404** Rory [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/rory-s-first-haunt-pt-10/ gives one to a haunted house worker]] (dressed as a chainsaw murderer a la Leatherface) trying to stop him running away. Said worker didn't change out of his costume before the pursuit and had recently had a vasectomy. Blood ensued.
405** 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]].
406** [=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]].
407* TheGrotesque: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/mike-s-kid-pt-2/ Mike and Tamara's son]], at least when he was a baby. 2020 [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/separate-the-work/ showed that he didn't turn out that way as a teen]].
408* GrotesqueCute:
409** Fluffmodeus, a.k.a. the Little Blue Thing, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-commonwealth-vs-kharisma-valetti-pt-6/ who appears to Kharisma from her time in prison]] onward.
410** Choo-Choo Bear as well, to some extent.
411** The pre-pubescent {{catgirl}} fans of Jason and Davan's webcomic, even before they turn a FanConvention into a bloodthirsty rampage.
412* HalfWittedHillbilly: One strip set in the 1930s [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/hettie-s-guest-pt-1/ has a redneck dump her grandson on the (black) midwife]] on the grounds that it's ''the midwife's'' fault [[ChocolateBaby the baby came out black]].
413-->'''Hettie''': That's stupid even for you! You know exactly how this baby happened!\
414'''Hillbilly''': [[SelectiveObliviousness No I don't]]! I wasn't there.\
415'''Hettie''': Yeah, [[ParentalNeglect that's half the problem]], you inbred swamp urchin!
416* HappilyMarried: Davan's parents. Later, Aubrey and Jason. [[spoiler: And Davan and Vanessa.]]
417* HarsherInHindsight:
418** 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.]]
419** Another one in "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-future-predicted/ The Future Predicted]]" has Rory reading the gamebook for TabletopGame/{{Cyberpunk}} and at first not believing that the game's version of the year 2020 having cyberjacks and running in cyberspace lined up with the real year until his mother pointed out the part about "politics, police states and corporations."
420* TheHeckler:
421** 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.
422** A wrestling fan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/lowspot-1/ uses his own fanfic as material]].
423* HeelFaceTurn: A number of characters have gone up (and down) the scale from annoying to sympathetic, Mike being perhaps the most notable.
424* HeelRealization: Nancy calls Davan to gripe about how much of a self-centered bitch Kharisma is, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kharismatic-pt-6/ and Davan inadvertently inflicts this on Nancy]] as she wasn't concerned about him whatsoever during the call.
425* AHellOfATime: Fire, demons poking the damned and a "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/holy-ghost-stories-pt-3/ ferret rave]]".
426* HelplessKicking: When PeeJee's female HR manager gets yanked into a hole in the ceiling by a trapdoor alligator, the last we ever see of her are her legs weakly kicking as she's Eaten Alive.
427* HeroicBSOD: [[spoiler: After Fred suddenly dies on Halloween Night 2020 of old age, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-last-trick-or-treater/ Davan silently watches the ambulance]] that's transporting his father's body to the morgue drive away]].
428* HilariouslyAbusiveChildhood: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/christmas-memories Monette]] in particular.
429* HolierThanThou: Given a pagan spin when one of Kim's Wiccan associates sports a "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/problematic-pt-3/ Brighter Blessed Than Thee]]" shirt.
430-->'''Wiccan''': I know about persecution, Kim. I'm like tenth-generation Wiccan.\
431'''Kim''': Wow. Ten generations of your family were a religion that's fifty years old. I guess you're one of those time-travel pagans I've heard so much about.
432* HollywoodJehovahsWitness: Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/no-magic-underwear-jokes-at-least/ greets one on his doorstep naked]], and proceeds to try to continue his masturbation schedule while they talk.
433* HollywoodNewEngland: Set in Boston with frequent sidetrips to Texas since two of the three main protagonists hail from there. The stereotype itself pops up [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/our-book-pt-4/ here]], and Rory encounters it [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/boston/ thirteen years later]]..
434* HypocriticalHeartwarming:
435** Fred [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-few-changes/ provides a decent example]].
436** And Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/basis/ has one later on]], basing a villain in a musical on Fred... because Fred is the most interesting person he knows, and the villain has to be the most interesting character in the show.
437** And Davan gets Fred again [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/an-awkward-call/ later on as payback]] for Fred telling him "You're the dumbest thing that ever came out of me" due to Davan's momentary {{Sarcasm Blind}}ness.
438--->'''AltText''': Family trees are watered with spite.
439** And Fred gets his ''own'' payback [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/travel-time/ later on]].
440** Davan and Rory [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/for-a-father/ also have this dynamic]].
441* HypocriticalHumor:
442** 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.
443** Davan gets one when shouting at Rory for [[Film/TheWizardOfOz dumping water on a witch while scared]], [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/rory-s-first-haunt-pt-6/ and PeeJee points out he'd done the same to a witch in Kim's coven]].
444--->'''Davan''': It's not hypocrisy if I'm right!
445[[/folder]]
446
447[[folder:Tropes I to P]]
448* IdealizedSex: Davan's life involves plenty of nasty aversion to cement the ChewToy / ButtMonkey aspect of his character. Most frequently mentioned is a girl biting down the first time he received oral sex.
449* IdenticalStranger: In the 'Strip Club of the Damned' storyline, all the patrons there are somehow horrified by an aspect of the club. While it's not entirely clear what ''they'' see, all the strippers who Davan's introduced to are incredibly similar to his exes, so much that he even calls Ivy 'Rose' by mistake.
450* ILoveTheDead: One D&D strip has the group enter the neighbor of the necromancer, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/raise-the-dead/ the necro-romancer]].
451* 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"]]
452* 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]].
453* IncompatibleOrientation: [=Peejee=] to Jhim, best highlighted [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/peejee-dragons-pt-1/ here]].
454-->'''Peejee''': And besides, you know how you sometimes get strange cravings for stuff you usually hate? Who's to say Jhim won't suddenly crave a slice of Peejee cobbler?\
455'''Davan''': It's a frail, sad line between optimism and delusion, my little Canadian.
456* IncompetenceInc: The medical insurance company Davan used to work for was horribly abusive, and would address issues such as asbestos and sexual harassment by [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-caring-employer/ holding workshops "encouraging" employees to sit down and shut up if they know what's good for them]].
457* INeedAFreakingDrink:
458** Fred [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fred-s-personal-hell/ after a full day of scrapbooking with Monette]].
459** Davan is volunteered to run a game for Rory and his friends, and the usual Parent DM tells Davan he's going to need Patience, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kind-of-games/ a specialty drink he'd created to cope with the stress]].
460* InformedDeformity:
461** Shazam Wil-Wheaton Dowden. [[TakeOurWordForIt Not seen 'on camera,']] for a long time, but everyone except his parents are aghast at the sight of him. Eventually, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-xi-pt-1/ it turns out]] he isn't so bad.
462** Also Davan, a fairly ordinary-looking guy who is initially considered unutterably hideous by a remarkable number of people.
463* InstantTurnOff: Davan and his bisexual girlfriend Vanessa visit a strip club. Vanessa gets a private dance... and it turns out the owner thought a gynecologist's chair went well with stripping. Vanessa emerges horrified.
464* InsultBackfire:
465** For example, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/home-sweet-fuck-pt-2/ this one]].
466** Mike gets one after his CharacterDevelopment when one of his former friends [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/not-turning-back/ berates him and tells him they no longer think he's cool]].
467** 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]].
468* IntelligibleUnintelligible: Both Davan and [=PeeJee=] talk to Choo-Choo Bear as if they know what he's saying. Of course, all cat owners do this, but they do seem to talk as if he's giving them intelligible replies to what they say.
469* IntercontinuityCrossover: Many. ''Something Positive'' seems to be a sort of hub-world for webcomics.
470** The first was with ''Webcomic/QueenOfWands'', to the point where Kestrel entered S* P after ''Queen of Wands'' ended. A more in-depth explanation can be found [[http://www.somethingpositive.net/vlog01192010.shtml here.]]
471** There was also a crossover with ''ScandalSheet''. And cameo appearances by Jay from ''Webcomic/FLEMComics'', Jennie from ''Webcomic/TheDevilsPanties'' and ''ThePetProfessional''. One comic also mentioned that Aubrey used to own [[Webcomic/SluggyFreelance a mini-lop with a fondness for sharp objects]], but her mother gave it to a pet shop.
472** Davan and Nancy also [[http://www.questionablecontent.net/view.php?comic=511 had a cameo]] in ''Webcomic/QuestionableContent''.
473** The Teddy Bear Liberation Front also showed up in some Milholland-written ''Webcomic/PunchAnPie'' guest strips.
474** There was a crossover with ''Webcomic/GirlsWithSlingshots'', as Davan attends the wedding of two minor characters from that strip. Choo-Choo Bear is the father of kittens with Sprinkles from ''GWS'', one of whom has been adopted by Leslie from ''Webcomic/{{Shortpacked}}''.
475** Don, the protagonist of ''[[http://www.derangedcomics.com/ Deranged]]'', is frequently seen as a player in Davan's RPG sessions.
476** Helen, a supporting character from ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'', has appeared for a storyline in which she's interviewing for a job (meaning she might stay).
477** [=PeeJee=] and Aubrey visit a shop named ''What's New'', with Creator/PhilFoglio visible behind the desk, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kiss-of-death/ here]].
478** Choo-Choo Bear also [[http://www.twolumps.net/d/20040726.html met up with Eben and Snooch]] from ''Webcomic/TwoLumps'' back in the day.
479** And two crossovers into the parallel universe of the ''Webcomic/{{Unshelved}}'' book club.
480** After Pintsize gets a humanoid chassis in ''Webcomic/QuestionableContent'', a SP strip shows us [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/pintsized-recycling/ what happened to the old one]].
481* InternetJerk:
482** 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.
483** 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''.
484--->'''Rory''': People online ruin everything.\
485'''Davan''': No, son. People online ''[[HumansAreBastards improve upon]]'' ruining everything.
486* IntimidatingRevenueService: Randy made stats for [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/crap/ an Infernal Tax Collector]].
487* 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''.
488* IResembleThatRemark: Rory is desperate to prove that he's mature enough to watch wrestling and not imitate what he sees - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/that-kid-pt-5/ his arm's in a sling by the next day]].
489* IronicEcho:
490** "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/choked-up-pt-1/ Bitchy comment, bitchy comment,]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/choked-up-pt-3/ dick joke.]]"
491** "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/showing-you-care/ I'd rather ram my hand]] into [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/show-of-hands/ a swarm of wolf spiders!]]"
492* {{Irony}}: The woman teaching [=PeeJee=]'s sexual harassment course [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/training-pt-3/ blatantly hits on PeeJee afterward]], [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-a-word-pt-1/ and continues to pester her weeks after]].
493* ItRunsInTheFamily: A consistent source of humor anytime something strange happens in Davan's family, but a resounding trait is that ''every'' member has some level of being a DeadpanSnarker, including Davan's father - a devout Christian - accompanying his tithe with "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/tasteless-traditions/ Here's my milk money for the week, Lord]]!"
494* IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: Davan, with Branwen.
495* IWasQuiteALooker: When volunteering at a nursing home in 2002, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/candystripin-pt-5/ the cast learn 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.
496* {{Jerkass}}: The entire cast, in one form or another. In fact, you can usually tell when someone's supposed to be considered a positively-viewed member of the cast when they change from StrawLoser {{Jerkass}} to DeadpanSnarker {{Jerkass}}. WordOfGod confirms that most characters are deliberately jerks, and that Davan is "an asshole, and a lot of the misery he's gone through, he brought on himself)."
497** Kestrel is one who mostly stays out of {{Jerkass}} territory, mostly because she was "adopted into" the comic.
498** Mike started out as a pure JerkAss, quickly became the ButtMonkey of the comic, and has recently become one of the nicest characters in the comic, comparatively speaking at least. Something somewhat similar has happened to Kharisma, maybe.
499** Nick seems to be from the Mike school of role-playing, holding up the game with his whining, {{Rules Lawyer}}ing, and killing another person's PC twice in a row (the first was on purpose to make sure his character wouldn't be overshadowed, the second accidental but [[ThrownToTheWolves still mean-spirited]]).
500* JerkWithAHeartOfGold: Many cast members, but particularly Davan. He might be a {{Jerkass}}, but he is ''always'' there for his friends and family, even when it's hard.
501* JumpingTheShark: An in-universe example. When Davan loses interest in [[ShowWithinAShow his online comic]], instead of just ending it he deliberately shark-jumps it to try and make everyone hate it. Considering that Davan is an AuthorAvatar for Randy Milholland, one has to wonder...
502* KaleidoscopeHair: For a long time, [=PeeJee=] would change her hair colour a lot, until Randy got tired of drawing it.
503* KarmaHoudini: Pretty much every major, and some of the minor, characters in the strip. They have all done and said some really nasty things and suffered few consequences for them. About the only one really suffering for her actions is Kharisma, except [[spoiler: she's in jail for a murder she ''didn't'' commit, but was trying to commit... and with the intended victim's blessing, at that]].
504* KarmaHoudiniWarranty: Coppertop, boss of the billing company that Davan and Kharisma used to work at, took pleasure in the misery of both his employees that he openly abused and the customers they wrung money from at the lowest moments of their lives. Even after facing a dose of LaserGuidedKarma[[note]]He fired all his employees during the holiday season with no severance pay, just to be fired by his own boss who then masturbated while Coppertop cried.[[/note]], Coppertop bounced back and started ruining students' lives as a guidance counselor. The warranty finally runs out for good in 2017 when Coppertop is diagnosed with a terminal disease and even his own doctor believes no one would miss him. This proves true in 2020 when he's in hospice with no one ever visiting him, with Randy noting this is probably his final appearance.
505* KarmicRape: Not everyone can pull off the above - [[spoiler: Pepito, for example, was pulled apart by rampaging Catgirls before finding himself in Hell... [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-wake-up-call/ with Avogadro overjoyed to see him again]].]]
506* 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.
507* {{Keet}}: T-Bob.
508* KilledOffForReal: [[spoiler:Faye, who dies of natural causes after one last happy day off spent with Fred.]]
509** [[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]]]].
510** Anyone seen in Hell -- [[spoiler: Pepito, Avogadro, 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.
511* KillItWithFire: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/i-tried/ PeeJee's reaction to her own puppet]].
512* LadyNotAppearingInThisGame: After one too many of these ads showed up on the site, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/if-only/ Randy did an entire strip mocking it]] and the kinds of men it would actually appeal to.
513* LamarckWasRight: Half of Choo-Choo's kitties are gooey and boneless like him, despite his condition being a result of chemotherapy. There's a later retcon on this, suggesting "pudding cats" are a recognised, but very rare, breed.
514* LampshadeHanging:
515** Davan's SpeechBubble is [[TheUnreveal covered up]] for a second time when he tells [=PeeJee=] who he called at the con (see PaintingTheMedium below), this time by Choo-Choo Bear bursting out of his ice cream. [=PeeJee=] reasonably says that this makes no sense:
516--->'''Davan''': [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/no-regrets/ 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?\
517'''[=PeeJee=]''': Even so, there's a point where reality dictates--\
518'''Davan''': How'd that woman in your job die again? [[note]]A [[RunningGag Canadian Trapdoor Alligator]] burst out of the air-conditioning vent [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-a-word-pt-2/ and ate her.]][[/note]]\
519'''[=PeeJee=]''': This ice cream could use sprinkles.
520** After years of teasing, we finally get to see the horrors of Shazam Wil-Wheaton Dowden's face. As Silas points out, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-xi-pt-1/ it's not that horrible.]]
521** The cast list say that Kestrel "never seems to remember to fill in her last name on forms". She's the only one non-nicknamed character without a full name, because she was inherited from another author who didn't give a surname.
522* LaserGuidedKarma:
523** Kharisma, who builds up a ''lot'' of bad feeling and worse behaviour, before it all comes back on her.
524** The Warden, who had it out for Kharisma as Avogadro was a former lover of his, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/what-happened-to/ finally got fired after her abduction]].
525* LastHetRomance:
526** Some time after breaking up with him, [=PeeJee=] discovers that Kyle has turned gay. Her friends don't fail to connect this to her habit of [[IncompatibleOrientation crushing on gay men]].
527** Monette seeks advice on becoming a lesbian:
528---> '''[=PeeJee=]:''' You could always have sex with Davan. \
529'''Aubrey:''' Plenty of his lovers switched teams afterwards. \
530'''Davan:''' Hey! Fuck you! That's only happened twice!
531* LawOfInversePaternity: Played with; Davan didn't ''want'' to be Rory's father, but was at least willing to step up if he was, unlike the other candidate. Davan wound up becoming his ParentalSubstitute even after finding out he wasn't the dad, and admits that in retrospect he wishes he had been the father after all.
532* LeaningOnTheFourthWall:
533-->'''Aubrey:''' "Woogie, where's all your stuff? It's like we're in a comic strip but the cartoonist is too goddamn lazy to draw our background like he normally does."
534** Panels 2 and 3 of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/stuck-on-friend-duty-pt-4/ this strip]], where a drunk guy complains about webcomic authors, reserving his greatest vitriol for [[TakeThatMe "that Milholland hack"]] and [[LampshadeHanging the predictable nature of his current storyline]]. (It doesn't quite turn out that way.)
535** Pee-Jee once asked the question, "Why does everything that happens around here revolve around sex?" Davan mumbles, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/aubrey-does-safety-pt-1/ "Bad writing."]] But, like the first example, he was reading a book and muttering to himself to justify the fourth wall breakage.
536** Multiple examples in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/still-here/ this strip]]. When Jason wonders where comic characters go after their strip ends, Aubrey suggests "the background of another [[TakeThatUs crappier]] comic", before they discuss Helen (inherited from ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'' which had just concluded) and mention Kestrel (inherited from ''Webcomic/QueenOfWands'' when it ended). Regarding Helen, Kim tells Aubrey that "She's well-meaning, but whenever she's around, people get really pissed for some reason." Any time she appeared in ''S*P'', Milholland would get angry emails from ''P&A'' fans upset about how he wrote her (more than for every other crossover combined, apparently.) Aubrey says she doesn't want her business to be a "dumping ground for other people's damaged goods." This refers to the reason ''[=P&A=]'' writer T. Campbell gave Helen's character to Milholland: he felt her problems now ran too deep for his own comic's setting and characters to help her out of them.
537** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/more-than-math/ Nancy quite possibly makes one of the most subtle]] variations of this trope after commenting that thousands of people would be looking up Pythagoras after Mike's superhero reveal.
538* 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.
539-->'''[=PamJee=]''': It's okay, daddy. Sometimes I want the fun answers, not the right ones.
540* LifeEmbellished
541* LifeImitatesArt: Randy was astounded when he got news that an actual SpearCounterpart to Hooters (named "Tallywackers") was opening in Oak Lawn, Texas, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/balls-deep/ which was where his fictional restaurant with similar theme was based]], and it opened just two weeks after his comic.
542* LifetimeMovieOfTheWeek:
543** Roundly mocked with [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/based-on-a-true-story-pt-1/ the eponymous network's portrayal of Kharisma]].
544--->'''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.\
545'''Jason''': "Lifetime": We just [[NetworkDecay fell into the doorknob of quality]]. Really.
546** A later strip has [=PeeJee=] find [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/online-gaming/ games on the channel's website]] that fall in the same vein.
547* LighterAndSofter: After hearing about a DarkerAndEdgier remake of ''WesternAnimation/TheTick'', [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/reimagined/ Jason says he'd prefer this trope]], with "Dream Dad", "[[ComicBook/SinCity My Yellow Bastard]]", and "{{ComicBook/Spawn}}'s Funtime Adventures".
548* LikeBrotherAndSister: Davan and Aubrey.
549* LikeFatherUnlikeSon: Subverted, over time, with Davan and Fred. Davan recently has been acting towards Rory like Fred did to him. All he has to do is call Rory "Cat" for the circle to be complete.
550* LikesOlderWomen: The doctor treating Hettie [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/hospital-stays/ has a thing for the elderly]].
551* LimitedWardrobe: [[AvertedTrope Averted]], as all the characters have relatively consistent but still rather varied clothing.)
552* LongRunners: The webcomic started in 2001 and as of this writing (2020) is still regularly updated - making the comic old enough to vote in the US.
553* LookBothWays: Kestrel and Silas.
554* LookingForLoveInAllTheWrongPlaces: Davan.
555* LoonyFan: The catgirls, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/their-target-audience/ full]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/day-two-pt-3/ stop]]. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fan-mail/ With one possible exception]].
556* LovingAShadow: When Bran was a teenager, she had the persona of "Strahd" in a Goth chat room, with women still holding out hope for "his" return ''years'' later, which Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/made-for-each-other-pt-5/ rightfully calls out]].
557* LuminescentBlush: Vanessa sports these often since she tends to be rather bashful.
558* MadeMyselfSad:
559** 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.
560** After Halloween 2020, during which [[spoiler: Fred passed away]], [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/its-not-real/ Monette and Dahlia joke about the situation]], subsequently making themselves sad.
561* ManChild: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/favorite-sketches/ Randy declares himself a bearded twelve-year-old.]]
562* MarshmallowHell: "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/listening-device/ It's a lot easier to listen to someone when your face is rammed in their rack.]]"
563* MathematiciansAnswer:
564** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/gather-no-moss-pt-2/ "First time to be rectally violated or first time to feel good about yourself?" "Yes."]]
565** Also from [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/worse-than-black-ice/ Mike]]: "Because I did that to your character or because I thought to put it in a game before you?" "Yes".
566** And in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/life-according-to-s-p-pt-3/ this]] strip's comment: "If you're wondering whether the argument or the lolcat was stupid, the answer is: yes."
567* MattressTagGag: Slipleg the Pirate (aka Choo-Choo Bear) gets an evil witch's attention by breaking into her house, smashing her things, setting her furnishings on fire... [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking and tearing the tag off a mattress]].
568* MaybeMagicMaybeMundane:
569** Kharisma has a magical friend only she can see called Fluffmodeus. Either it's a [[ImaginaryFriend hallucination]] who also voices all the survival instincts she's repressed in order to be the BrainlessBeauty she feels she should be, or it's a real creature that can and does give her company, advice, warnings of danger, and sometimes [[BreadEggsMilkSquick bracelets made from the teeth of her enemies]]
570** Davan often meets his deceased mother and other ancestors in his dreams. It's left very unclear whether or not these are really just dreams.
571** 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]].
572* MemeticBadass: [[invoked]] [[InUniverse Davan's]] (and, it seems, Randy's) view of Creator/AlanMoore (or perhaps that what he's really like in the comic's world). Even [[TheGrimReaper Death]] will [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/alan-moore/ fear him]].
573-->'''AltText''': Little known Alan Moore fact: he got his amazing writing skills from the Devil - not [[DealWithTheDevil by selling his soul]] but by beating Satan up daily for his lunch money until the Devil bribed Moore with genius just to leave him alone.
574--> '''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/who-watches/ Davan]]:''' I just know Alan Moore will come after me if he finds out I liked a movie based off his work -- shit! \
575\
576'''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/life-according-to-s-p-pt-6/ Randy]]:''' And don't forget! Today is [=AlanMooremas=]! Go see ''The Film/{{Watchmen}}''. Then put your ticket stub under your pillow. If you've been a good boy or girl, Alan Moore will leave copies of ''ComicBook/TopTen'' under your pillow. If you've been bad, he'll pull a coin out of your ear -- then fucking choke you with it. Actually, even if you've been good, he'll probably kill you because you went to see ''The Film/{{Watchmen}}'' movie. Seriously, I'm scared of Alan Moore. -R.
577* MemoryWipeExploitation: While watching over a conked-out Davan, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/advantage-pt-3/ Kim's fetish for completely passive partners takes over and she rapes him]], figuring he won't remember. When Davan finds out from Aubrey (who caught Kim in the act), he doesn't hold a grudge, and it even leads to a CallBack [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/stress-reliever/ during a later]] SexyDiscretionShot:
578-->'''Kim:''' Davan, you're doing something different than you did last time. What's it called?\
579'''Davan:''' Consenting.\
580'''Kim:''' Intriguing.
581* MercyKill:
582** 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."]].
583** 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.
584* MetaGuy: Silas, an old cowpoke and omniscient narrator for some recap strips. However, he actually exists in the comic's world, where everyone just thinks he's a rambling lunatic. He even gets reincarnated [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-viii-pt-7/ and keeps the Meta Guy status]].
585* MilhollandRelationshipMoment: The partial TropeNamer -- see ''Webcomic/QuestionableContent'', Blog/{{Websnark}}.
586* MisanthropeSupreme: Vanessa's sister, Stormy, got pregnant so that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/all-planned-out/ there'd finally be one person she wouldn't hate]].
587* MiseryPoker: Davan trumps Kestrel from ''Webcomic/QueenOfWands'' at this during [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kestrel-s-panties-don-t-live-here-anymore-pt-4/ a crossover]] - and most others, too, when he still worked in Medicaid billing.
588* MistakenForGay: Davan and [=PeeJee=], frequently, especially in the first few years. This does nothing to help with the Peejee/Vanessa shippers.
589* MonsterClown:
590** [[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]].
591** 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.
592* MoodWhiplash: Heartwarming moments tarnished by thoughtlessness or {{brutal honesty}}, the funny antics that lead to a awful consequence, terrible misfortune capped with a punchline and the odd MilhollandRelationshipMoment. It happens fairly often.
593** The biggest example is likely the strip after [[spoiler: Faye's death, in which Fred quietly states that if life was unfair, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fortunes/ it was unfair in his favor]] due to being HappilyMarried for nearly 40 years with her]]. Then we get the AltText.
594--->''My mother left me the most annoyed-sounding voicemail ever... [[SarcasmMode I wonder why]]?''
595** Chirag [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/mourning-ritual/ mourns the death of an online friend]] - by masturbating to every shirtless pic he'd received from him.
596--->'''AltText''': This started as a tribute to lost friends and took a turn.
597* MoralityPet: Rory for Davan.
598* MostCommonSuperpower: [[DiscussedTrope Discussed]] in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/up-up-and-away-pt-1/ this strip]].
599* MsFanservice: Claire's roles in the cast's theatre productions usually involve wearing very little or her outfit [[ClothingDamage being damaged]] and "spent most of her time as either the focus of pranks, stalking, or unbridled lechery." There is a reason for this:
600--> ''''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-v-pt-2/ Randy]]'' Josh, T-Bob, Claire, and another cast member named Duane volunteered to be in the strip as supporting cast -- the idea was apparently too good. So, as I'd asked my friend Jhim just two days before, I inquired about limits -- i.e. what can I not do to them in the strip. \
601\
602"Whatever you want," Claire said. \
603\
604Okay, here's a hint, ladies. If you're a sexy redhead, don't say this to a guy who draws a lot. \
605\
606"No, seriously," I said. "What are my limits?" \
607\
608"Do whatever you want," Claire replied. "I'm a whore for infamy." \
609\
610I'm betting she regrets that right about now.
611* MurderTheHypotenuse: When the [[WellIntentionedExtremist Teddy Bear Liberation Front]] returns, Meggie shows unrequited love for her partner in crime, Gregory. He seems oblivious and falls for [[spoiler: Kharisma through writing to her and visiting her in jail. When they break her out while being transported, Gregory nurses her back to health. Then Meggie tries to remove her.]]
612* MyEyesAreUpHere: Kyle gets [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/peejee-restarts-pt-2/ sidetracked]] while meeting [=PeeJee=] for a date. To his credit, he's got a fairly original response when she calls him on it.
613* MySignificanceSenseIsTingling: When Aubrey and Jason get together, the next panel cuts to [=PeeJee=] and Davan eating cake:
614--> '''[=PeeJee=]:''' [[Franchise/StarWars I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced]].\
615'''Davan:''' Fuck you! If you think you can bake a better chocolate cake, do it yourself and stop bitching!
616* NavelDeepNeckline: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bountiful-freedoms-or-the-rack-of-despair/ Monette celebrates Boobquake]] by wearing an outfit with a plunging neckline that goes down to her navel.
617* NerdsArePervs: In an early strip, [=PeeJee=] innocently wander into a game store where the resident nerds immediately start picturing her naked. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/reactions/ Cut to her washing and washing]], unable to get the feeling of creepiness off her skin.
618* NerdsSpeakKlingon: Kim tries to cheer [[TheEeyore Davan]] up about being at the gaming con, saying that the attendees are his "people". Just then, two very stereotypical nerds walk by and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/jack-in-jerk-off-pt-1/ one insults the other in Klingon]]. Davan is offended.
619* NeverMessWithGranny:
620** 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!"
621** Kharisma's landlord while she's on the run [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/errands/ is also a drug kingpin]].
622* NeverMyFault:
623** Mike had an ''awful'' case of this [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/mike-s-game-pt-4/ early on]], but has since experienced CharacterDevelopment.
624** 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.
625* NewFirstComics: Averted. If you think the first strip is funny, nothing in the rest of the comic will throw you.
626* NewParentNomenclatureProblem: Rory decides to start calling Davan "Dad" in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/more-than-blood/ this strip]]. Davan isn't anything "official" in regard to Rory, but he's been a ParentalSubstitute for the kid's entire life.
627* 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.
628* NiceGuy: 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).
629** Davan himself [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/unlearning-nice-pt-3/ was once susceptible to this mindset]], but his sister [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/unlearning-nice-pt-4/ quickly set]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/unlearning-nice-pt-5/ him straight]].
630** On the more sincere end of the trope, Gregory is this to Kharisma, as he's genuinely supportive and loving, to the point of breaking her out of prison and nursing her back to help. He's ''also'' [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/getting-the-facts-pt-4/ a violent psychopath]], but the key phrase is ''more'' sincere.
631* NiceToTheWaiter:
632** 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]].
633** Vanessa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/ratings/ calls a student out for a vague threat]] by pointing out that the waiter likely spits in her food with that kind of attitude.
634* NightmareFetishist: Aubrey, as seen [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/pet-care/ here]].
635-->'''Jason''':''Lemme back track to where you were s'posed to be freaked out.''
636-->'''Aubrey''':''We'll need a big pot, but I'm sure we can get one on the way to the animal shelter.''
637* NoBisexuals:
638** Vanessa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/finally-learned/ had to put up with this mindset from an ex-girlfriend]].
639** Rory [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/browsing-history/ went online to research pansexuality]], running into this type of mindset coupled with DepravedBisexual.
640* NoGoodDeedGoesUnpunished: Davan, so very much. Nearly every instance of him trying to behave altruistically comes back to bite him in the worst possible way.
641* NoJustNoReaction: In an end-of-year strip involving storylines suggested by convention-goers, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/rejected-story-suggestions/ Randy refused to even draw a reaction]] to "Davan learns Fred beat Faye."
642* NonIronicClown:
643** "Frolickin' Frank" is a DepravedKidsShowHost who genuinely tries to be this - but only around kids.
644** 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.
645* NoodleImplements: Averted most times, as we get to see the resulting carnage from the characters' schemes.
646* NoodleIncident:
647** Whatever Mike did to get Tamara to leave him at that Nerdrotica Christmas Party, an unusual departure from ShowDontTell.
648** And whatever happened to Davan's namesake [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/namesake-pt-12/ involved a "very confused vampire hunter" and a flaming wheat thresher]].
649** Vanessa apparently has ''multiple'' incidents [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/i-wanna-play/ involving TTRPGs, including one]] "intentional grease fire".
650** The reason Grant is so scared of animals [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bar-pets-revisited-pt-9/ is related to chinchillas and servals]], but we're never told ''why''.
651* NotDisabledInVR: Davan introduces his family to role-playing games (specifically a superheroic one). His sister, who's a wheelchair user, spends the session describing her character dancing around.
652* NotIfTheyEnjoyedItRationalization: After trying to have sex with Davan when he was incoherent from pain medication, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/advantage-pt-5/ Kim drops the grandpappy of them]].
653-->'''Kim''': Seriously, what's the big deal? So we had a little sex! He's wanted to fuck me since he met me a year ago. I mean, it's obvious he totally wants it. [[UsefulNotes/VictimBlaming And look how he dressed]], all... er I mean... uh. [[HeelRealization I can't believe those just came out of my mouth]].\
654'''Aubrey''': Better those words than those teeth.
655* TheNotLoveInterest: Davan and [=PeeJee=].
656* NotQuiteDead: Kestrel, who is knocked down by a car and not seen again for months, before joining Nerdrotica.
657* NotSoStoic: The death of Martin Nodell, creator of the ComicBook/GreenLantern upsets Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/green-lights-dimming/ more than he admits]].
658* NotTheIntendedUse: Rory's gaming group [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/improvise/ finds another purpose for the cursed "Bag of Devouring"]].
659* ObfuscatingStupidity: ''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 [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/thanksgrieving-pt-3/ plays it for laughs]].
660* ObligatoryJoke:
661** 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.
662--->'''Jason''': It took every muscle in my body.
663** Happens again later when [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/ornamental-pt-1/ Aubrey volunteers to be a nutcracker for their RPG]].
664* ObliviousToHisOwnDescription: Davan tells [=PeeJee=] he used to have a crush on a girl, but she didn't return the sentiment. They became really good friends and it ended up being for the best. [=PeeJee=] insults the girl for not realizing Davan's great, he replies that, no, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/calling-home-pt-8/ she's one of his favorite people]]. He says goodbye and hangs up. [=PeeJee=] catches on and blushes.
665* ObliviousToLove:
666** 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.
667** 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]].
668** Gregory [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/love-from-afar/ is completely oblivious to his co-"Liberator"'s obvious crush on him]].
669* OffendedByAnEnemysIndifference: Ollie is furious that his attempts to antagonize Davan (like sleeping with Davan's ex) don't actually piss Davan off since Davan got over her long ago.
670* OfficialCouple: Jason/Aubrey.
671* OffingTheOffspring: Something of a RunningGag, as Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fins-and-gills/ made the Wikipedia article about filial cannibalism]] his homepage ''months'' ago.
672* OnceDoneNeverForgotten: Monette sleeping with [[BestialityIsDepraved a koala]] and Kim raping a [[DudeShesLikeInAComa nigh-comatose Davan]].
673* OneOfTheBoys: Monette's girlfriend Lisa attended Jason's bachelor party at a strip club.
674* OnePersonBirthdayParty: Not quite, but [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/baby-shower/ Vanessa's mother had a habit of grabbing the first balloon she found]], sticking a candle into leftovers, then spending the entire time [[NeverMyFault blaming her ex-husband for her miserable life]] whenever her children had a birthday.
675* OutOfFocus: With the numerous characters, 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.
676* PaedoHunt:
677** 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.
678** Later, Kharisma's life is endangered after the [[WardensAreEvil warden at her prison]] started claiming she was in for child molestation, a claim [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-damned-long-day-pts-17/ Nancy Grace happily ran with for ratings]].
679** Aubrey [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/aubreys-writing/ once wrote a 'zine article]] entitled "Boners At Half Mast: A List of the Creepy Men at Anime Cons Who Stopped Hitting On Me Because I Turned Eighteen."
680* PaintingTheMedium:
681** 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.
682** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kawaii-of-the-damned-pt-8/ In this strip]], fearing he's about to [[ItMakesSenseInContext killed by rampaging]] {{catgirl}}s, Davan phones one of his friends and admits he loves them, but will deny saying it if he lives, while in the foreground:
683--->'''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.\
684'''Jason''': [[LampshadeHanging Like when a webcomic intentionally dangles a plot but refuses to ever resolve it]]?\
685'''Davan''' [on phone]: You mean the world to me--\
686'''Wil''' [[[TheUnreveal covering Davan's]] [[SpeechBubbles Speech Bubble]]]: YES! Seriously, it doesn't get dickier than that shit!
687* ParallelPornTitles: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/word-choice/ PeeJee laments the decline of the artform]] in favor of "<Original>: The XXX Parody!"
688* {{Parody}}:
689** Occasional parodies of long-established cartoons like ''ComicStrip/{{Garfield}}''.
690** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/life-according-to-s-p-pt-6/ This one]] is kind of a cross between ''Garfield'' and ''Franchise/ConanTheBarbarian''. "By Crom's beard, I HATE MONDAYS!"
691** Disney buying Marvel (at the time this was posted, they was just planning it) leads to one of ''ComicBook/SpiderMan''[='=]s big storylines recast with Disney characters: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/zip-a-dee-doo-damn/ The Squeaktackular Spider-Mouse]] in ''[[ComicBook/TheNightGwenStacyDied The Night Goof Stacy Died!]]''
692** Google Chrome? Try Google [[Franchise/ConanTheBarbarian Crom]] -- [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/faith-in-beta/ "After installation, he broods from his throne, sitting in judgement on your every action."]]
693* ParodyProductPlacement: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/up-up-and-away-pt-4/ Featured in a roleplaying game]], of the Advertising/DeliciousFruitPies variety - Davan's players ''hate'' him for it.
694* PassedInTheirSleep: [[spoiler:Faye.]]
695* PasteEater:
696** Monette ate crayons until she was in her early twenties, and Davan made reference to turning the habit into a fetish by finding a girl willing to "make herself an off shade of green and tattoo 'Crayola' on her ass."
697** Rory, according to [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/odious-odorous/ this comic]].
698* PedophilePriest: Roundly mocked [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/xxx-live-naughty-halflings-xxx/ here]], when Aubrey's Halfling character distracts the evil Priest by offering to show him her panties for a penny. Since an adult Halfling is the same size as a human child, Peejee can't argue with the logic.
699* PercussiveMaintenance: Davan's father practices it regularly -- Choo-Choo's [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kitty-see-kitty-do/ attempt to imitate this]] was not well-received.
700* PerpSweating: After Monette [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/golden-age-pt-2/ inadvertently cuts up some of Fred's antique comics]], ''everyone'' in the family [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/golden-age-pt-4/ lets her know that he will be beyond angry]]. It instead leads to a MilhollandRelationshipMoment.
701* PetDressUp: Davan brings Choo-Choo Bear [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/square-1-pt-6/ into a pet store for a toy]], only for ''both'' to be horrified at the clerk having dressed her own cat up as a dog. It culminates in the cats being left alone, with Choo-Choo about to MercyKill Shiba.
702-->'''Choo-Choo Bear''': Meh meh murfle meh.[[labelnote:Translation]]Don't worry. Just [[NeckSnap one sharp twist of your neck]] and all the suffering ends.[[/labelnote]]\
703'''Shiba''': Meow.[[labelnote:Translation]]In Heaven, I will sing your praises, my sweet Angel of Mercy.[[/labelnote]]
704* PetTheDog:
705** Kharisma for one, prior to CharacterDevelopment 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.
706---> '''[[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.
707** Interestingly, for a group of self-centered cynics, Davan and company seem surprisingly prone to charitable behavior (usually towards people who either haven't done them any actual wrong, or who are too outright pathetic to justify kicking around, but still).
708* ThePigpen: Jeremiah Kinsley, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/odious-odorous/ apparently]].
709-->'''Rory''': And he's always so dirty he's kinda shiny.\
710'''[=PeeJee=]''': You can '''get''' that dirty?!\
711'''Rory''': Well, I can't. I have self-respect.\
712'''[=PeeJee=]''': [[PasteEater You eat glue]].\
713'''Rory''': Yeah... yeah I do. Think about '''[[EveryoneHasStandards that]]'''.
714* PlatonicLifePartners: Davan and Pee-Jee. Pee-Jee even refers to herself as Davan's "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-nerd-s-tv-lament/ Platonic Life Mate]]" and once [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/peejee-s-proposal-pt-1/ tried to convince him to make it official]].
715* PreciousPuppies: Invoked [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/cuddlesome/ in the midst of a depressing arc]] due to reader complaint - which is followed by the punchline of all the puppies being taxidermied.
716* PregnancyMakesYouCrazy: Mike's attempts to [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-womb-of-insanity/ cheer up Tamara while she's pregnant]] are... not very well-received. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/assigning-blame/ PeeJee eventually gets called in to help]], and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/eyes-open/ she sets Tamara straight on it]].
717* PreMortemOneLiner: Sherri gets an excellent one [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/all-comes-down-to-this/ against Nick's racist prince character]]. Even Nick [[ActuallyPrettyFunny admitted it was pretty awesome]].
718-->'''Fairy Dogmother''': You said you hated the [[PluckyComicRelief comic relief]]. I think I know why. It's hard to like comedy... (''stomps on Prince Loving's hand to drop him into the pit'') when you're always the joke.
719* PrimaDonnaDirector: Avogadro. Such is his flamboyance that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-family-affair/ even being bedridden does nothing to his hamminess.]]
720* PrisonRape: Mike is offered the option between this [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-perils-of-elf-girls-pt-7/ and owing Aubrey a life-debt]] - since his ass is "owned either way", he opts for Aubrey.
721* ProtagonistCenteredMorality: From an objective point of view, the protagonists are not just as bad as many of the people the comic considers antagonists... they're worse. The majority of behaviors that are often decried in the more serious moments... emotional abuse, dishonesty, disrespect, hurling insults, assault... are things that the main characters do for ''fun'' the rest of the time. Because being rude to people in your gaming group is terrible, but convincing random children that their parents don't love them is ''hilarious''.
722* PsychoLesbian: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/all-i-can-ask-for/ One of Vanessa's exes shows shades.]]
723* PuddleCoveringChivalry: Davan distracts himself from his job by drawing a picture of a [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/hard-at-work/ mouse putting his cape across a puddle for an elephant]]. ItMakesJustAsMuchSenseInContext.
724* {{Pun}}:
725** Rory's friend makes "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-labor-for-good/ The Obstetrician]]" in a superhero game - naturally, [[spoiler: she ''delivers'' justice]].
726** 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]].
727* PunnyName: In ''Super Stupor'', the teenage superheroine Sola's name functions as a BilingualBonus GratuitousSpanish double pun. First there's "Sol-a" (Sun-a), related to her sun-fueled powers, and second, there's "Sola" (alone) due to the fact that she's an orphan living in a facility.
728* PuppyDogEyes:
729** "[[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.
730** Choo-Choo Bear, despite being a cat, has PuppyDogEyes at all times.
731** 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.
732--->'''Jhim''': (''Thinking'') Which is worse? That I'm dating a guy who won't come out of the closet, or that I'm his five year old's bitch?
733* PutOnABus: PlayedForLaughs with [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/q-a/ the first strip]] featuring a FourthWallMailSlot.
734[[/folder]]
735[[folder:Tropes Q to Z]]
736* ARareSentence:
737** Don expresses this sentiment when Vanessa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-bloody-mess-pt-2/ calls ghostly serial killers "childish"]].
738** Davan says this about [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/core-curriculum/ Vanessa's "I can't wait to get back to Bedford" comment.]]
739** After [[spoiler: Fred's funeral]], Davan says that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/honored-remains/ he's shipped a third of the remains to Monette]], and immediately comments that "...that was a weird fucking sentence to say."
740%%* Reality Ensues: Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/trick-or-date/ applies this to children's songs]].
741* RealLifeWritesThePlot:
742** Milholland has confirmed that at least one character has left the strip for a while for 're-tooling', as the real-life friend the character was based off of had 'betrayed' him, and he felt he couldn't write the character the same way. Spin-off strip "Midnight Macabre" was put on hold for the same reason -- implying that Lisa was the character in question.
743** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/game-makers-pt-5/ The strip for March 20 2013]] ends with a flashforward panel of a teenaged Rory and Nick talking at school. Unfortunately, the date given is "April 23 2020". When that date rolled around, in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic, Randy had to establish that yes, Rory and his friends really are [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/sneaky/ breaking lockdown and meeting up at the school]].
744* ReallySeventeenYearsOld: Helen tries to get a job at Nerdrotica, though she's underage. Nancy catches her out because of her crappy fake ID.
745* RedShirt: Referenced [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/up-up-and-away-pt-3/ here]].
746* RelationshipReboot: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/treated-pt-9/ Halloween 2004]].
747-->"Hello, I'm Pee-Jee." \
748"Hi, I'm Mike. Sometimes I'm an asshole." \
749"That's fine by me. The interesting people always are."
750* RelationshipUpgrade: Aubrey and Jason.
751* ReversePsychology: When they were teens, Rose pulled the old "'Leave' means 'stay'!" bit with Davan - thus Aubrey concluded that [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/infectious/ her saying she wanted a nail sterilized before doing a home piercing meant she did NOT want the nail sterilized]].
752* RichBitch: Kharisma eventually lost the money but kept the uselessness. She got some CharacterDevelopment when she's in jail.
753* RichInDollarsPoorInSense: The wealthy couple [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/intruders/ Kharisma meets during the pandemic]], who are convinced that Holy Water that costs $250 per crystal bottle will "repulse poverty goblins".
754-->'''Kharisma''': ...okay, I'm only giving you this 'cuz "repulse" has multiple meanings.
755* RidiculousCounterRequest: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/organized-labor/ In a D&D game]], Rory's character orders NPC goblin henchman named Grundle to pick up a potentially trapped item. The DM gives Grundle a sarcastic attitude due to being overworked and underpaid:
756-->'''Rory's elf:''' Grundle, I want you to grab the ruby eye for me.\
757'''Grundle:''' And I want you to choke on my goblin balls. We all got wants.
758* RightThroughTheWall:
759** 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.
760** Davan and Vanessa [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/somewhere/ are audible through the vent system]] - apparently Fred and [=PeeJee=] narrate them like wildlife specials.
761* RippedFromTheHeadlines:
762** As an actor/writer of a sitcom, Monette [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/strike/ joins the 2007 Writer's Strike]].
763** In a more comedic vein, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/homecoming-of-elemental-awful-pt-7/ their D&D group isn't great with social issues involved in the game]].
764--->'''Davan''': Hey! If a woman is sexually assaulted [[DoubleStandardRapeDivineOnMortal from a god's golden rain storm]] she has the right to make whatever choice that's best for her.\
765'''Donna''': Life begins at rainfall!
766** And during the quarantine, we get a list of "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/roll-for-initiative/ 2020 Specific D&D classes]]", including: "Zoommancer", "The Recorded Bigot", "The Self-Martyr", and "The Plague Rat".
767* RocksFallEveryoneDies: TropeNamer, though by no means the actual origin.
768* RosesAreRedVioletsAreBlue: Or as Fred puts it [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/love-tumble-pt-5/ when offering a poem]] for Lisa to apologize to Monette - "Roses are red, Green is the grass, Sorry I hurt you, I'm a horse's ass."
769* RuleOfFunny: A player in an RPG Davan ran [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-daring-rescue/ made a Minotaur princess]] simply because Randy wanted to draw one.
770* SadistShow: Virtually every single recurring character enjoys causing duress or pain to others- often physical. A few settle for mere humiliation.
771* SandInMyEyes:
772** Choo-Choo Bear gets "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/reader-q-a-week-ish-pt-3/ a bit of forgotten childhood]]" stuck in his eye during a Q&A session.
773** Davan proves to Jason [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9kT1xIpZ4E that a song can make him cry.]]
774---> '''[=PeeJee=]''': [[OOCIsSeriousBusiness Holy shit!]] Are you crying too? \
775'''Davan:''' [weeping] [[BlatantLies N-no!]] I've just got a little bit of [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/neighborly/ backfired plan]] in my eyes.
776* SarcasmFailure: Davan hearing about "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Charlie_challenge Charlie, Charlie]]" - or rather, the MoralGuardians' reaction to it - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/charlie-charlie/ caused his brain to lock up briefly]].
777* ScatterbrainedSenior: PlayedForDrama, as Davan's father Fred was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2005, and in 2007 [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-watching-hour-pt-7/ he started to show the symptoms]]. In late 2014, Fred's bouts of confusion start to become more serious, which scares both him and his family.
778--> "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-future/ Son... I got lost.]]"
779%%* SceneryCensor: Kharisma, in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/bad-timing/ this strip]]. ZCE
780* SeductionAsOneUpmanship: Ollie sleeps with several of Davan's ex-girlfriends to get back at him, but Davan genuinely doesn't care which only pisses Ollie off further.
781* SelfDeprecation: A major source of humour, and something that keeps Davan from being a CanonSue at times. He's as critical of himself as anybody, probably even more so. When Davan stops being Milholland's avatar, he also stops being the ugliest thing in Boston.
782** There are plenty of filler strips, comments below the comic and even comments within the comic where Randy mocks his appearance, his temper and his artistic, organisational and social skills.
783** Occasional FourthWallMailSlot strips never miss an opportunity to have Choo-Choo Bear describe his creator as a lazy hack.
784---> '''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.
785** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/crisis-of-the-infinite-aubreys/ Aubrey]]: "From what few cartoonists I've met, lazy seems to be a job requirement."
786** The off-stage Choo-Choo Bear explains why the comic promotes [[FanConvention conventions]] so much:
787---> "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."
788** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/life-according-to-s-p-pt-5/ A comic]] that's a screenshot of the previous day's comic, because "We were worried a worried a week of [[ScheduleSlip almost regular updates]] was scaring you."
789** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/investing-in-tomorrow-pt-2/ "Comic artists live awful lives of malnutrition in dark rooms."]]
790** Before visiting a casino, Randy's sister Rhonda explains to him "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/because-mom-said-to/ Mom will give you a small amount of money.]] Very small -- since you're a cartoonist, we don't want you getting used to large bills."
791** Filler art summing up a lecture on webcomics at MIT: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/last-filler-sketch-for-a-while/ "OH MY GOD! Randy Milholland's uglier than I ever dreamed!"]]
792---> 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.
793* ScrubbingOffTheTrauma: After [=PeeJee=] innocently wanders into a game store where the resident nerds immediately start picturing her naked, the comic hard cuts to her in a bath, washing and washing trying to get the feeling of creepiness [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/reactions/ off her skin]].
794* 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, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/serial-killers-pt-2/ while Aubrey states they used to hide in Davan's parent's attic when they were kids]] later [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/namesake-pt-2/ Davan claims to never have been up there.]]
795* 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. This had some ramifications for Bran.
796* SexSells: "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/cluck-cluck/ Cluck Me Harder Family Restaurant]]." ''Family''. Restaurant.
797* SexyWhateverOutfit:
798** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/makes-sense/ PeeJee expresses a desire to mess with people]] by wearing a [[AttractiveBentGender sexy]] [[Franchise/TheSmurfs Gargamel]] costume.
799** Yamile [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/seasonal-research/ tracks these as a hobby]].
800* ShipperOnDeck:
801** [=PeeJee=] ships Davan/Vanessa.
802** Helen ships Davan/Nancy. Vanessa was not amused.
803** Jhim ships [=Davan/PeeJee=]. ''Davan'' was not amused.
804* ShipTease: WordOfGod is that the sweet moments between Davan and [=PeeJee=] are just the author deciding to taunt fans who were hoping for a relationship between them. Lampshaded splendidly [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/dreams-continued-pt-3/ here.]]
805* ShooOutTheNewGuy: A mild example. Linzie, a tattooed goth-girl character, shows up as a female partner for Davan (they have sex periodically), and appears to be added to the cast in a semi-major manner. But then she suddenly gets an actual boyfriend and vanishes completely from the strip. Very rare, in that almost all the other characters at least have "Old Familiar Faces" comics about where they've been.
806* ShoutOut:
807** To WesternAnimation/{{Daria}} in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/graveside-respect/ this strip,]] where Aubrey is dressed as Daria and [=PeeJee=] is wearing a red jacket like Jane's while they talk in a graveyard.
808** To ''Webcomic/PennyArcade'':
809*** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/games-fathers-play/ In this strip]], Davan and his father wear some possibly familiar-looking shirts and discuss ''VideoGame/GrandTheftAutoIV''. The tagline on the comic reads: "This comic couldn't be a crappier rip-off of ''Penny Arcade'' if you dressed them in the same clothes!" "Oh, a challenge!"
810*** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/guilt-by-association-pt-6/ In the background]] is a store named "Gabe's Toys and more" with the Fruit Fucker in the window.
811** To Creator/PhilFoglio:
812*** In [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kiss-of-death/ this comic]] Aubrey and [=PeeJee=] shop in a store named "What's New," run by Creator/PhilFoglio. All of the shirts in the last panel are references either to ''ComicStrip/WhatsNewWithPhilAndDixie'' or ''Webcomic/GirlGenius''.
813*** The eyewear [=PeeJee=] is trying on [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/alcoholic-s-dream-pt-3/ here]] is labelled "Goggles by Phil & Kaja -- Look like a Webcomic/GirlGenius".
814*** Another strip [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/with-great-power/ had a park named after them]].
815** Reader question: what would the cast look if [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/reader-q-a-week-ish-pt-2/ they were furries?]] Probably like the cast of ''Webcomic/VGCats''. [[spoiler: And they would kill themselves.]]
816** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-damned-long-day-pts-12-and-13/ This strip]] features Nancy Grace's new book... the cover of which is a mock-up of "[[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn_Devouring_His_Son Saturn Devouring His Son]]"
817** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/every-day-is-halloween/ Hilariously inappropriate]] shout-out to ''Literature/NineteenEightyFour'' (scroll down for comic, the new site layout is still having issues).
818** The ''S*P'' cast [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/randy-s-in-pain-filler-art-pt-2/ depicted as]] the cast of Creator/NeilGaiman's ''ComicBook/TheSandman''.
819** ''Webcomic/TheDevilsPanties'' (by Jennie Breeden): There's a "Breeden Sisters Comix" shop in the background of one panel.
820** There was one to ''Series/PressYourLuck'', of all things, where a girl that Davan slept with talked about "being happy with [him] for a long time" - and Davan promptly says, "No BABY No BABY No BABY, STOP!", [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/nipped-in-the-bud/ whacking her stomach at the end]].
821** After a strip aimed at congratulating ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'''s authors for their full run, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/finders-keppers/ we get this one]] with a ''slew'' of other online comic characters.
822** When Rory and his friends want to play a ''Webcomic/DungeonsAndDragons'' game where they're evil monsters, Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/cast-revealed/ makes them all]] into Creator/HannaBarbera versions of D&D monsters: [[WesternAnimation/TheFlintstones Fred Flintstone]] as a cyclops, [[WesternAnimation/HuckleberryHound Huckleberry Hellhound]], [[WesternAnimation/YogiBear Yogi Owlbear and Boo-Boo Goblin]], and [[WesternAnimation/MagillaGorilla Magilla Ogre]].
823* ShrugOfGod: Even Randy isn't sure [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/amnesty/ if Fluffmodeus is real or a figment of Kharisma's imagination]].
824* ShuttingUpNow: When Vanessa brings [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/another-rocky-start/ a blank character sheet to her first game with Davan]], requesting he fill it out for her, he says "I love you."
825-->'''Vanessa''': I know, honey!\
826'''Davan''': I wasn't reminding [=yooooooouWho=] wants cookies?
827* SickeninglySweet: The tag to the [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fresh-off-the-bus-a-perfect-rock/ "Lizard Happy"]] strip (A reaction from someone who knows the author) says "Stop trying to give your readers diabetes".
828* SingleTargetLaw: A city official gets humiliated when his attempt to hijack Mike's RealLifeSuperhero persona for PR purposes backfires in public. When next seen he's trying to pass a law to ban those activities (and making no effort to disguise that it's solely to get back at Mike, calling it the [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/serving-the-people/ "Who's laughing now, jerk" ordinance]]).
829* SingleTear: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-sids-train-pt-6/ Silas sheds one]] when Jason hits his RageBreakingPoint.
830-->'''AltText''': Ha ha! [[ComedicSociopathy It's funny because his soul is crushed]].
831* SinkOrSwimMentor: Naturally, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-new-addition/ this is Aubrey's approach to parenting]] - "Creator/TheBrothersGrimm School of Parenting", as Davan put it.
832* 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.
833* SleepingTheirWayToTheTop: Monette's coworker [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/teaching-old-nitwits-new-tricks/ is convinced this was Monette's method]].
834-->'''Darlene''': Come on, Monette. I know how you really got that promotion. But, hey, being on your back so much did wonders for your posture.\
835'''Monette''': [[PassiveAggressiveCombat Well, since your attempts have given you little more than bad knees and rancid breath, I figured I'd go a different route]].
836* TheSomethingSong:
837--> "Meth Song, Meth Song,
838--> This is the song I sing [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/delivery/ when I'm about to get meth]]."
839* SophisticatedAsHell: How [[Webcomic/SaturdayMorningBreakfastCereal Zach Weiner]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/guest-strip-by-zach-weiner/ views Randy]].
840* SoulCrushingDeskJob: Nothing more soul-crushing than [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/serving-the-community-a-bill/ Medicaid Billing]].
841-->'''Kharisma''': Um, yeah. I have a question. What do we do to remove any overwhelming pangs of grinding financial salt into the emotional wounds of the unfortunate?
842* SpeakNowOrForeverHoldYourPeace:
843** 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 she made an entire [=PowerPoint=] presentation.
844** At the wedding itself, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/texas-marriage-massacre-pt-12/ the officiate insists on waiting for someone to speak up]], and the absence of this has her quip that God is dead before making their marriage official.
845* {{Squick}}: [[invoked]]
846--> '''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/coffee-crimes/ Aubrey]]:''' "I could MENSTRUATE a better cup of coffee than that!"\
847'''Jhim:''' Must fight visual! Must... fight... visual!
848** [=PeeJee=]'s [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-last-shred-of-innocence/ reaction]] to [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/misery-demands-company/ learning]] about [[UsefulNotes/FurryFandom furries]].
849** And [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/reactions/ her first encounter]] with socially and hygienically inept roleplaying geeks.
850--> '''[=PeeJee=]:''' I wash and I wash but I can still feel their stares on my skin...
851** Assorted characters reactions to a number of sex-tinged fandoms.
852* StalkerWithACrush:
853** 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]].
854** Davan manages to terrify [=PeeJee=] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/every-time-i-turn-around/ with his crush on]] Creator/SoleilMoonFrye.
855* StealthInsult: Fred delivers a good one [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/texas-state-fair-pt-7/ here]], by reassuring Monette that the boogeyman already told the cannibal rodeo clowns she'd had a nightmare about that she had no brains to eat.
856* 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: [[{{Pun}} plundering his booty]]]].
857* StepfordSmiler: Ollie [[spoiler:appears to be justifiably miserable behind his cheerful front, but turns out to be unstable and hateful]].
858* StraightGay: Jhim, or [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/hold-me-closer-tiny-jhim-pt-2/ as he puts it]]...
859-->'''Jhim''': Freda, did you know that liking dick isn't synonymous with being a pussy?
860* StrawFan: The {{catgirl}}s.
861* StrawCharacter: 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.
862* 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]].
863* StopBeingStereotypical: Quite often when it comes to gaming geeks, as evidenced [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/jack-in-jerk-off-pt-1/ here]].
864* StrawFeminist:
865** 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.
866--->'''Agnes''': My only responsibility is to keep people informed and safe.\
867'''Anna''': Last I heard, men count as people.\
868'''Agnes''': Don't worry, sweetie. It's a common mistake.
869** Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/experimental-theatre/ has to watch a play that runs with this trope]] as part of his job under Mr. Sanderson.
870* SuccessThroughSexAccusation: An ugly old coworker of Monette's spitefully tells her "all that lying on your back must be great for your posture", Monette jabs right back explaining that since said coworker's approach gave her bad breath and gangly knees she'd try a different one.
871* SuicideDare: PlayedForLaughs. Davan tells a group of diehard ''[[Film/TheRockyHorrorPictureShow Rocky Horror]]'' fans that by protesting his ''Film/ShockTreatment'' stage adaptation, they're only helping to create more publicity for the production. When one of the protesters says it hurts to hear that, Davan offers him "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/first-rehearsal-pt-6/ a little something to ease the pain]]." It's a poster of the Rippy the Razor mascot, showing how to slit one's wrists properly.
872* SuicideIsShameful: Davan tries to insult his friend Scotty out of his overdose-induced coma. Scotty flatlined. At the open casket funeral, Davan is so furious that Scotty committed suicide instead of coming to his friends and family with his problems that he ''throttles'' Scotty's corpse.
873* SureLetsGoWithThat: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/before-we-part-ways-pt-7/ With a side helping of]] ChangeTheUncomfortableSubject when Davan tries prompting Aubrey and [=PeeJee=] that they'd give up a fling in favor of their friendship.
874* SustainedMisunderstanding:
875** Teenage [=PeeJee=] has an argument with her father, and a bystander [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/daddy-s-little-girl-pt-5/ gets the wrong idea]]:
876--->'''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.\
877'''Mr. Shou:''' She's my daughter, idiot! \
878'''Some Guy:''' Then maybe it's best you two break up, anyway.
879** And again when Mike is [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/dragonlanced-pt-1/ raving about a possible]] ''Literature/{{Dragonlance}}'' movie - Davan informs him that he's never read the novels, but Mike is convinced that he means he hasn't ''re''read them, then that he hasn't read any that day.
880* Film/SyfyChannelOriginalMovie: Monette is overjoyed at being asked for ''by name'' to star in a movie - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/old-familiar-faces-vii-pt-1/ until she learns it's one of these]].
881* TakeOurWordForIt: Mike's kid's appearance and the terrible shows the cast get involved in, especially the one Aubrey made that was so bad that the State of Massachusetts gave her a restraining order to keep her away from TV and film production gear.
882* TakeThat:
883** Used ''a lot'', for very many groups and fandoms -- Catholics, ''TabletopGame/{{Warhammer}}'', old-school ''D&D'' dorks and the comic's own fans.
884** Not to mention TV Tropes itself at least once (on ''Webcomic/SuperStupor'', rather than ''S* P''). "I was busy [[JustForFun/TVTropesWillRuinYourLife quoting from TV Tropes instead of forming my own opinions]]", in response to being accused of BlackComedyRape by a Livejournal responder)
885** Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/steve-gerber/ makes care packages for various comic creators]] - Creator/RobLiefeld's is [[SuicideDare a razor blade with instructions]], only because Davan used all the cat shit and rat poison on Creator/JoeQuesada's "{{Retcon}} Yourself" gift.
886** And a rather [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-damned-long-day-pts-12-and-13/ long]]-[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-damned-long-day-pts-17/ running]] [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-damned-long-day-pts-20-and-21/ one]] against NancyGrace.
887** 2019 brought us [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/research/ PamJee's presentation]] of: "My bullies all make fun of me [[AdoptionDiss for being adopted]] and 'unwanted' but my parents get me vaccinated and theirs don't. Who's really unwanted? A report."
888--->'''Todd''': Uh, Miss Campbell?\
889'''Ms. Campbell''': No, no, Todd. [[JerkassHasAPoint I think she's on to something]].
890* TakeThatAudience:
891** 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]].
892** Assorted logic failures and other dumbness [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/wait-what/ said to Randy at conventions]].
893* TakeThatMe: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/stuck-on-friend-duty-pt-4/ Here.]]
894* TheTalk: Sanderson gives it to Rory while staying over as a guest. HilarityEnsues [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/information-retention/ when Rory realizes]] why his mom thought at one point that Davan might be his dad. And it only gets better from there.
895-->'''Rory''': Mr. Sanderson explained it all to me! You put your penis in her vulva and then she... ejaculated uterine linin' after you... you shed your X chromosomes. Then her placenta was born and you both thought it was a baby and you both thought that baby was me but it wasn't! Didn't you?!
896-->'''Davan''': ''[to Sanderson]'' I don't know if I should punch you for telling him I had sex with his mom or for how bad a job you did explaining what that means.
897** Davan had to give [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/honest-nervous-answers/ another one]] when Rory asks about his RagingStiffie, which goes well... and then Rory asks about masturbation.
898** Davan, [[CallBack years later]], [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/you-may-have-noticed/ starts to give Rory an "official" one]], to their mutual discomfort. Subverted [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/responsibility/ in the next strip]], which explains that this version is about the responsibilities sexual activity comes with, rather than the actual mechanics of it, enlisting Vanessa's aid to ease the awkwardness. It culminates in a ''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/and-it-goes-on/ four hour]]'' talk.
899** Rory gets one more from Davan's friend Jhim, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/rory-s-q-a/ this time specifically for questions related to dating other guys]]. He proceeds to spend two hours trolling Jhim with deliberately awful questions before getting into his ''real'' concerns.
900* TalkingToTheDead: Davan occasionally visits Scotty's grave, talking to him about events going on in life and trying to come to terms with his feelings about his death and everything preceding it. He's also done the same with Rose a few times. On some occasions, he's accompanied by a friend or sends one in his stead while he's out of state. Similarly, he visits Branwen's father and Monette's son in their stead, though visits with the latter aren't shown.
901* TearJerker: In-universe example. Davan pulled out [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na-xvlYMGck this video]] to make Jason cry when he said he didn't cry over songs, because that was stupid and over-emotional. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/sad-songs-pt-2/ It worked]] maybe a bit too well.
902* TeenyWeenie: After one customer gets belligerent and mean-spirited, and ''then'' sends in a dick pic, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/tips/ Aubrey figures out a solution in this vein]]. The picture of Kharisma in the background and hairstyle on the customer suggests it's Ollie.
903* TellHimImNotSpeakingToHim: Happens in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/las-chicas-del-s-p-fight-pt-3/ this]] strip.
904* TemptingFate:
905** Kharisma... [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/gloating/ Right here.]] And it ties in with a GenreSavvy moment, to boot.
906** Randy lampshades it [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/late-night-chats-pt-6/ with this comic]], saying "I love that I can just have Davan and Vanessa being nice and readers begin to panic."
907** [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/wishes/ Mike hopes that he'll be done working a fast-food job soon]]. [[spoiler: When he gets to the Kwispy Burger, he discovers it's being shut down thanks to an arsonist attack]].
908---> '''Mike''': Somewhere [[JerkassGenie there's a genie with his middle fingers permanently up at me]].
909** One of [=PeeJee=]'s employees [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/upsetting/ attempts to freak her out]] with a ShockSite. She doesn't react because "You've gotta work to find something to freak me out." [[VitriolicBestBuds Cue Davan]] accepting her challenge, giving her nightmares in the process.
910--->'''Davan''': Don't issue a challenge if you don't want it answered.
911** Not long after, Chirag encounters a customer who was dissatisfied with "Have a nice day", instead wanting to hear "Have a blessed day" - [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/blessed/ Chirag obliges in a way that makes the customer regret not accepting "nice"]].
912** Jason, during the 2020 quarantine, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/the-future-is-now-2/ complains about how oddly boring]] the real-life Sci-Fi has become.
913--->'''Aubrey''': I'm pretty sure daring 2020 to be more exciting is grounds for divorce.
914* ThatCameOutWrong: Vanessa is rather prone to this, as shown [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/easy/ on her first date with Davan]].
915* ThermometerGag: Davan demands his doctor take his temperature orally during a checkup, to which the doctor [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/medical-methods/ responds]] "Fine, but you're the first person to ask me to stick a rectal thermometer in his mouth."
916* ThisExplainsSoMuch:
917** 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.
918** A later strip shows [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/how-things-have-changed/ Eva's conversation with Davan's parents]], who were full of HypocriticalHeartwarming at the time.
919** And another [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/funeral-invitation/ explain's Ollie's behavior]] when Davan is told that Avogadro was his uncle.
920* 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.
921-->'''Kim''': Oh... Davan, that is so not good on so many not-good levels.
922* TimeCapsule: Back in elementary school, Davan, Aubrey, and their childhood friends buried one in their old hangout in the woods. The original plan was to open it once they all hit retirement age. In 2011 the woods are cleared out to make room for new housing, so Davan digs up the capsule and, with permission from what remains of their old group, opens it. [[spoiler:The box is empty except for an I.O.U. -- Scotty dug it up back in 1997 and sold everything for rent money.]]
923* TitleDrop:
924** In [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/putting-things-in-perspective/ this]] early comic.
925---> "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."
926** According to the commentary, a conversation like this is the actual source of the comic's title.
927* TooDumbToLive: Several, but special mention to Kharisma, who openly bragged about a murder bet she made with Avagadro...which bites her right square in the ass when she's convicted of his murder, even though he died of natural causes.
928* TooMuchInformation: Vanessa's mouth sometimes runs away with her, and ends up in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/club-wear/ terrible places]].
929--> '''[=PeeJee=]:''' Stop...talking. \
930'''Vanessa:''' '''I DON'T KNOW HOW.'''
931* TookTheWifesName: Jason takes Aubrey's last name, Chorde, when they marry, at least in part as a slight against his father.
932* ToThePain: See Jason's BadassBoast.
933* TranquilFury: Kim enters one [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kim-meet-eva-pt-1/ when Jason tells her about Davan's new girlfriend]] - unfortunately, Jason [[AnArmAndALeg doesn't notice]].
934-->'''[=PeeJee=]''': Jason, lemme share a secret with you, okay? When a woman talks perfectly through clenched teeth like that, think of it as a rattlesnake's rattle sound.
935* TransparentCloset: A couple of cases:
936** Lisa was never fooling her family for a second, though she thought she was and was deathly embarrassed of her orientation. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/always-sorta-known/ Even from the time she was a kid]], it was pretty blatant - as her father put it, "The nicest closets have glass doors."
937** The minor character Chirag is both very obviously gay and very determined that it doesn't get out. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/out-and-about/ He's not operating off the usual reasons]], though -- he thinks [[AmazinglyEmbarrassingParents his parents would be a bit TOO supportive]], and [[IWantGrandkids isn't prepared to settle down with just the one guy yet]]. When the truth comes out, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/all-a-mother-wants/ he's proven right]].
938** Rory's attempts to ask [=PeeJee=] about her new boyfriend [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/just-curious/ tip her off easily]].
939* {{Treants}}: During a ''D&D'' game, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/peejee-dragons-pt-4/ Peejee conjures up]] some [[HillbillyHorrors hillbilly rapist treemen]]. This gets their AssholeVictim to quit the roleplaying group, for which the other members send the GM thank-you notes. Randy [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/redneck-trees-for-your-d-d-game/ later made a stat-block for them]]
940* TroublingUnchildlikeBehavior: By Aubrey's own admission, practically ''everything'' [=PamJee=] does [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/loving-in-her-own-way/ runs on this trope]].
941-->'''Neighbor''': Is all of her affection that threatening?\
942'''Aubrey''': Hearing your kid say "I can hear your heart beat" during a hug should be sweet, but there's always that little ring of disappointment.
943** Her kitten [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/mew/ fits her personality rather well]].
944** Prior to this was a one-off strip where Davan [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/influencing-kids/ was playing an abusive father]], but the kid creeped ''him'' out - mainly by being way too interested in [[EroticAsphyxiation the choking]].
945--->'''[=PeeJee=]''': Congrats. You introduced that kid to his first fetish. In a few years, when he tries his first autoerotic asphyxiation experiment, his lungs will cry out for air but his heart will cry only for you.\
946'''Davan''': '''Shut that hate hole, you harpy'''
947* TrueCompanions: Davan, [=PeeJee=], Aubrey and Jason compose the core of the circle, with something like a dozen other characters forming the periphery. Lots and lots of snarking and bitching, but they've demonstrated a willingness -- nay, an eagerness -- to commit felonies on behalf of one another, though they aren't above [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/home-sweet-fuck-pt-4/ more traditional means of showing affection]].
948* UndignifiedDeath: Aside from Davan's namesake (as mentioned under NoodleIncident), [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/making-a-guest-list/ Vanessa's family has a habit of these]], including two cousins that had died since their wedding - one in a "feral pig incident" and another who got drunk and ''punched a moose''.
949-->'''Vanessa''': Maybe it's a good thing Stormy's having a kid. We're runnin' out of Cubbinses.\
950'''Dee''': I know, right? Without us, who will give coroners fun stories to tell?
951* UnfortunateNames: Mike's kid [[spoiler:Shazam Wil-Wheaton Dowden]] and the Santa actor [[spoiler:[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-santa-by-any-other-name/ Shirley Koklik]]]]. To some extent, Davan himself, as nobody knows how to pronounce it (it's Dah-van, not Dave-N).
952--> '''[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/daddy-s-little-girl-pt-1/ PeeJee]]:''' Why would you call me "Penny-Jenny" and then act shocked that I'm prone to violent outbursts?
953* 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.
954-->'''Sanderson''': So the one in the [[{{Kaiju}} giant lizard costume]] is the most normal woman you've been with?
955* UnknownRival: Ollie for Davan, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-freak-out/ as highlighted here]].
956-->'''Ollie''': What do I have to do to make you feel hate for me?!\
957'''Davan''': Stop making me feel sad for you.\
958'''AltText''': Is there anything more enraging [[DontYouDarePityMe than pity]]?
959* TheUnReveal: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/kawaii-of-the-damned-pt-8/ While Davan confessing his love for an as yet unrevealed person]] does not fully qualify for this trope, later [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/no-regrets/ 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.
960* TheUnsmile:
961** [[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.
962** Monette [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/ha/ tries putting on a smile]] [[StepfordSmiler to hide her depression over unemployment]].
963* UnsoundEffect: When [=PeeJee=] is offered a job at Cab's bar with as much free alcohol as she wants, we get a {{Beat}} panel with "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/alcoholic-s-dream-pt-1/ (Insert sound of liver having orgasm)]]" as Cab realizes his mistake too late.
964* UnstoppableRage: Jason telling [[PowderKegCrowd the catgirl fans]] of their webcomic it isn't ''that'' important was [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/day-two-pt-4/ not a clever move]].
965* UnsympatheticComedyProtagonist: Monette describes the trope [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/rising-star-pt-1/ rather well]] - "Everyone loves a pretend jerk who's not being mean to them."
966* UnusualEuphemism: Rory is disgusted at the idea of [[ParentalSexualitySquick Davan and Vanessa having sex]], and [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/new-meanings/ asks Davan to call it "hugging" instead]]. Davan quickly proves how badly that idea would backfire.
967* 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.
968-->'''Davan''': What's the cheat code to make my character apologize?\
969'''Vanessa''': There isn't one.\
970'''Davan''': (''SuddenlyShouting'') What's the cheat code for you to lie and say there ''is'' one?!
971* VitriolicBestBuds: The whole cast.
972* WallOfText: Sometimes quite dialogue-heavy, though it's part of the comic's charm, and the producer of some of the better strips. Let's just say that Milholland ''really'' likes his characters with {{backstory}} and assumes the readers are smart enough to handle a few big {{speech bubble}}s. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/meeting-dad-pt-7/ Here is a example]], headed by the warning for those "frightened or intimidated by reading."
973* {{Wangst}}: Made fun of with "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/one-less-person-allowed-to-work-for-white-wolf/ Outcast Teen: The Moping]]" RPG.
974* WardensAreEvil: The one overseeing Kharisma certainly was, as [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/friends-with-benefits-pt-4/ he wanted to avenge Avogadro's death by letting other inmates kill her]]. When it takes longer than he likes, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/a-phone-call-away/ he starts spreading rumors]] that she's in there for [[PaedoHunt child molestation]] to paint a bigger target on her back.
975* 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.
976* WebcomicsLongRunners: Started in December 2001, Milholland planned to wrap up the comic if it was still running in 2011. Having changed his mind on that, ''S*P'' is over ten years old and shows no sign of ending.
977* WelcomeToTheBigCity: Helen (from ''Webcomic/PennyAndAggie'') moves to the city and is helped by a kindly old lady, only to realize said sweet old lady [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/fresh-off-the-bus-a-perfect-rock/ had swiped her money]].
978* WhamEpisode:
979** "Just Today."
980** A meta-example with Randy mentioning he was married. Most reader reactions were along the lines of "What?" / "Congratulations", others included no longer reading the comic or [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/gen-con-q-a-week-pt-1/ harassing his wife]] or announcing their intent to get Randy back together with his ex.
981* WhamLine: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/time-machine/ "Time Machine"]] ends with Farco [[spoiler:calling Kharisma by her actual name, not her assumed identity]].
982* {{Whatevermancy}}: Aubrey, in [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/cover-charges-are-for-suckers/ the January 9, 2002 strip]], refers to using sex appeal to get into a club without paying a cover charge as "Vaginamancy".
983* 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.
984* WhatTheHellHero: Mike gets in a subdued one [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/feelsafe/ after Captain Failsafe attacks him in an alley]], [[GreenEyedMonster jealous of the adoration the public had for the "upstart"]].
985* WheelChairAntics: Dahlia attaches a cowcatcher to her wheelchair for shopping during the holiday rush.
986* AWorldHalfFull: of [[WorldOfSnark Snarkiness]], but still half-full.
987* WorldOfSnark: Virtually everyone has some sort of sarcastic jab they can pull at someone else.
988* WoundedGazelleGambit: Aubrey and [=PeeJee=] take it to a whole new level, and is the only InUniverse reason they get away with [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/treated-pt-9/ stuff that should put them in jail]] - or RefugeInAudacity in some cases.
989* WriteWhoYouKnow: Most of the main characters, and some of the secondary cast, are based on Milholland's friends and family. Davan is based on [[AuthorAvatar Milholland himself]] as he was several years earlier, and Aubrey is based on Clarine Harp, now a fairly well-known [[VoiceActors anime voice actress]]. Milholland has [[WordOfGod explained]] that various other characters are based off of "[[CompositeCharacter combinations]]" of people he knew. Specifically, Eva was based off of two separate people (one nice girl, one a basket case), as was Mike (one got better from his misogynistic whiny geek phase, the other got worse).
990** In-universe, Davan based the villain of a play he re-wrote off of his dad, justifying it as [[TheHeavy needing the villain to be the most interesting person in the play]].
991** Also in-universe, Monette's sitcom character is a {{Gender Flip}}ped Davan. [=PeeJee=] asks Davan how it feels to know that someone else has achieved success by being him.
992* {{Yandere}}: The catgirls.
993* YaoiFangirl:
994** Aubrey encourages [=PeeJee=] to become one to get over her crush on Jhim. Also, [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/avast/ this]], and Branwen is confused but pleased when Jason angrily describes Davan as a "master cocksucker".
995** Tamara, her fingers, and two [[Franchise/{{Batman}} well-known comic characters]]. [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/heroic-pt-7/ Here]].
996* YouAreFat: Mike desperately tries to change the subject and just digs himself in deeper:
997--> '''Mike:''' Uh, hey! You're looking great! Did you lose weight or something? \
998'''[=PeeJee=]:''' Oh, Michael, you loaded the "Are you saying I'm fat" gun and handed it to me. There are less painful ways to die, y'know.
999* YouAreBetterThanYouThinkYouAre: Often used on Davan by friends and people who don't know him very well. It very seldom works due to Davan's extreme realism and cynicism, but he tends to appreciate the effort regardless.
1000* YouHaveFailedMe: Utilized [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/customer-service/ here]] when a cashier utterly fails at math.
1001* YouKnowImBlackRight: Kim gets to inflict one when another Wiccan tries telling her [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/problematic-pt-3/ she'll never know what it's like]] to have ancestors oppressed for who they were or fear being lynched - he at least realizes it halfway through his rant.
1002* YourCostumeNeedsWork: Davan is told that "[[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/born-to-play/ you just seem to friendly to play an angry, snarky geek]]" - cue [=PeeJee=] getting the feeling she and Choo-Choo should hide in the cellar until the storm blows over.
1003* YourMakeupIsRunning: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/love-tumble-pt-2/ Weeping isn't a great look for Monette]].
1004* YouWillBeSpared: [[https://somethingpositive.net/comic/sibling-rule/ PamJee reassures her mother]] that she and Jason will be the last to be enslaved under her tyranny.
1005* 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.
1006* ZombieApocalypse: But with ''catgirls''!
1007[[/folder]]

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