Line #19 Webcomic/Zap


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11	''[[http://www.zapcomic.com/ Zap!]]'' (not to be confused with the classic Underground Zap Comix by Creator/RobertCrumb, or ''[=ZZap!=]'' the Commodore 64 magazine) is a science fiction webcomic which ran from 2003 to 2014, written by Chris Layfield and drawn by Pascalle Lepas.
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13	A goofy [[IdentityAmnesia amnesiac]] named Zap, though an improbable coincidence, becomes the captain of a CoolStarship called the ''Excelsior''. He discovers that he is psychic and falls for the first officer, Reona, who is still heartbroken after the previous captain, Efrem had been killed in action - or was he? Reona and the ship's mechanic, Grontar, and navigation droid, Robot, aren't too thrilled about Zap being picked as the captain, mostly because Zap is a doofus and not captain material at all.
14
15	Meanwhile, generals of the [[TheEmpire Galactic Earth Federation]], Maximus Verbatim and Feonix Yago, are plotting to overthrow the boofonish president Billings. Helping them is a mysterious figure who calls himself the Serpent and is organising a psychic army. Gambits accrue. The Serpent is very interested in news about a rouge psychic the troops encountered, and goes to search for Zap himself.
16
17	After some not-exactly-thought-out-wandering and a catastrophe or two, ''Excelsior'' crew goes to meet Kasey the Stickle, Reona's friend, to ask her help. At the same space station Zap runs into Gunner, a psychic who claims to be an old friend and worms his way onboard, ostensibly to teach Zap about his powers.
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19	[[CerebusSyndrome And then things stop being goofy]].
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21	The comic finally concluded in September, 2014.
22	----
23	!!It contains examples of:
24	* AbhorrentAdmirer:
25	** How Reona sees Zap at first, not as much because he's a stowaway who smells like garbage, but because the first thing he does upon seeing her is try to flirt. Badly. While being held upside-down by Grontar, who caught him stowing away on the ship.
26	** Robot is less than thrilled by Kasey's advances. This goes for most robots, actually.
27	* AchievementsInIgnorance: Zap, holding a [[RayGun lazer gun]] for the first time, zaps three troopers at once. By dropping it.
28	* AffectionateNickname: Kasey likes to call Robot "Sparky".
29	* AirVentPassageway: Due to PoorCommunicationKills Zap gets locked in the cell when he blunders into the Resistance members. He tries to escape through an air-vent. [[spoiler: And he does. Problem is, on the other side of the vent there's Yago and his troops waiting...]]
30	* TheAllegedBoss: President Billings, nominally in charge of TheEmpire, keeps undermining his sinisterness by how incredibly, comically stupid he acts. Even his EvilLaugh is more weird than scary. The real mastermind behind his power seems to be the Serpent, who's trying to bring the empire down from the inside, and the generals who are plotting an EvilPlan of their own.
31	* AlwaysSaveTheGirl: For all his bad pick-up lines, Zap's attitude towards Reona.
32	-->'''Zap''': I'll make sure you're okay. Always.
33	* AmnesiaDanger: When Zap has to figure out how to work the [[FasterThanLightTravel hyperjump]] with his forgotten powers, or get shot out of the sky by [=GEF=].
34	* AmnesiacsAreInnocent: That's complicated. When we meet Zap, he is an IdiotHero, goofy, [[ManChild very childish]] and blundering, but generally well-meaning. [[spoiler: As it later turns out, he was ''the mastermind behind the EvilPlan'' Gunner is putting in motion now. He began getting second thoughts (partly because he fell in love) and orchestrated another plan to give himself amnesia and invoke this very trope to have a chance with [[GirlOfMyDreams the girl he only saw in his dreams - Reona]].]]
35	* AmusementPark: The big, dramatic fight that marks the beginning of CerebusSyndrome takes place in an amusement park (partly in the HallOfMirrors).
36	* AnimatedActors: Not animated, but [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2003/09/20040102a/ a filler comic]] portrayed the characters as actors playing parts, including a [[ClassicallyTrainedExtra classically trained guy in a cheesy sci-fi role]] (i.e. playing Robot).
37	* AnimalMotifs: Gunner's associated with snakes and Zap with falcons. They're represented by those animals in psychic dreams and sometimes explicitly called their names. They have their respective motifs [[ThemedTattoos tattooed on their upper arms]] (which is how Gunner convinces Zap they know each other in the first place).
38	* ArtEvolution: Both Pascalle's art and Chris's writing noticeably improve over the years - from odd angles and somewhat awkward exposition to a polished comic that has more to it than snarky humor.
39	* ArtificialLimbs: In the backstory, Naveed cut off Reona's arm, necessitating one of these. It's Kasey's work, and early in the story Reona has her add a [[ArMcannon powerful blaster]] for self-defense.
40	* AsYouKnow: [[TheAllegedBoss President Billings]]' emergency meeting of command.
41	-->'''Billings''': For those of you unfamiliar with my cabinet... To my right is Feonix Yago, general of the air and aquatic forces. And to my left is Maximus Verbatim, general of or ground troops and vehicles. Now, the reason you have been called here is of controversial nature. But [[LampshadeHanging in order to create dramatic suspense]], I will now pause here for three minutes. (grins)
42	* BatmanGambit: Gunner's plan not only allows for the generals' betrayal, it depends on it.
43	* BattleAura: Psychics, when ''seriously'' irked, emanate an aura in their colour (green for Zap, blue for Efrem, yellow for Gunner).
44	%%* BigRedButton: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2003/08/20031103/ This comic]].
45	* BeatPanel: Before the CerebusSyndrome sets in, Zap's blunders are met with these. By everyone in the room making identical, "you idiot" faces. Aliens and robots included. Also, as they're arguing on page twenty:
46	-->'''Robot''': By the way... I'm picking up two [=GEF=] battle cruisers heading straight for us. Thought you'd like to know.\
47	All the organics in the room stare, jaws dropped.
48	* BittersweetEnding: The political plot gets neatly resolved, [[spoiler: Gunner gets depowered and stranded with Naveed]], but [[spoiler: Efrem takes HeroicSacrifice and dies and Zap seems to die, as well. Although this is DisneyDeath and he comes back in the epilogue.]]
49	%%* BlankWhiteEyes: A few times - for example, in [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/09/20060529/ strip 299b]], when Reona invites Zap to dance with her at an elegant ball. Grontar, probably imagining everything that could go wrong, goes blank white in the eyes. %%is it this trope?
50	* BloodFromTheMouth: Zap, after [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/11/20061012/ getting hit]] during the amusement park fight.
51	%%* BlueWithShock: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/03/20050119-4/ This]] comic. Complete with OcularGushers.
52	* BodyHorror: The bizarre creature that kills the bounty hunters. It's some sort of goo beast that can bore through flesh and armor, and also has image-perfect shape-shifting ability - though it gives itself away when trying to talk. %%doppelganger?
53	* BorrowedBiometricBypass: Naveed uses a guard's severed hand to retrieve her sword while breaking out of a high-security prison.
54	* {{Bookends}}: "For some people, the future is now" concludes both the OpeningMonologue and the ending monologue.
55	** Also, Reona sees Zap for the first time as he's hanging upside-down. [[spoiler: He's hanging upside-down again as he returns to her in the epilogue]].
56	* BountyHunter: The four Elementaros are initially brought in by the Galactic Earth Federation as bounty hunters to pursue Zap and company. %%are they? also, what about the distress call guy?
57	* BridalCarry: After Reona is injured and faints during the battle on rebel outpost, Zap carries her into the ship this way.
58	* BunglingInventor: The Stickles. This is their [[PlanetOfHats hat]]. They're on their seventh home planet, having blown up the previous six, and Kasey, who has ''one'' working invention under her belt that ''hasn't'' blown up (yet... hopefully...) may be the least bungling one of her race.
59	-->'''Naveed''' (regarding Reona's artifical hand): You let a Stickle put something on you on purpose?
60	* CantKillYouStillNeedYou: [[spoiler: Gunner is rather frank about only not killing William because he has a use for him]].
61	* CalmingTea: Grontar is introduced offering Reona a cup of something hot to drink along with emotional comfort when she worries about their lack of captain.
62	* CatapultNightmare: Zap's DreamingOfThingsToCome (when he gets eaten by giant snake) and Reona's {{Past Experience Nightmare}}s in which she relives losing Efrem [[spoiler: as well as her TalkingInYourDreams session with Zap]] end like this.
63	* CerebusSyndrome: Before the crew visits Demonica, it's all goofying off and Zap's amnesia putting him in silly situations. Come the amusement park battle and revelations come, along with BloodFromTheMouth wounds and characters actually, dramatically dying all of a sudden.
64	* TheChessmaster: The Serpent has at least three plans going on at once and is only really thwarted by The PowerOfLove.
65	* ClothingDamage: Zap, Reona, and Grontar ruin their spiffy clothes in the [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/11/20060918/ amusement park battle.]] But Reona's nice sheer hose survive the fight without even a run. [[spoiler: Gunner's cloak gets dramatically torn, as well]].
66	* ColorCodedCharacters: The three main psychics have different colored {{Battle Aura}}s and [[PowerGlows eye glows]]. Zap's are green, Efrem's are blue, and Gunner's are yellow.
67	* ConspicuousGloves: Reona begins the story wearing an elbow-lenght glove to hide her prosthetic hand.
68	* ContrivedCoincidence:
69	** Just a Excelsior crew are preparing to launch, and Zap is preparing to stow away (under fire from [=GEF=]), Excelsior decides she's found a new captain and won't move till he's on board. [[spoiler: Of course, Zap being a psychic and her creator, this is less contrived than it seems.]] In any case, he literally trips and falls into the cargo hatch - just in time to escape.
70	** The guy who got Zap chased by [=GEF=]? [[spoiler: That's Jason, who was trying to get them off ''his'' back.]]
71	** Zap just happens to meet an old friend on a random marketplace on a random space station... It's really blatantly obvious that it's the Serpent, who's been looking for him. Gunner's even ''wearing the same cloak he wears as the Serpent'', only with the hood down.
72	%%* CrossPoppingVeins
73	* DeflectorShields: Making shields is a psychic power, but both the ships [[spoiler: built by Zap]] have these, as well (psychically controlled, of course).
74	* DistressCall: Answering one is how the crew gets into the trouble with the goo beast.
75	* DramaticPause: President Billings does this during a press conference, [[LampshadeHanging waiting three minutes to ramp up the drama]].
76	* DreamingOfThingsToCome: Most psychics get prophetic dreams. Trouble is, they're rather symbolic and Zap, who can't remember how to use his powers, gets confused by them instead of learning anything.
77	* DramaticThunder: It underscores the key points of the final battle.
78	* DrivesLikeCrazy: Zap's initial piloting skills, or lack thereof, combined with the general IdiotHero demeanor result in this. And a crash.
79	%% I don't think this is the right trope * EarnYourHappyEnding: [[spoiler: The Galactic Earth Federation was finally dissolved and replaced with Universal Senate; a proper example of TheFederation.]]
80	* ElementalHairColors: Three of the last four Elementaro, as seen [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ here]]: Europa, with the power to control the wind, has white, flowing hair (even when [[DramaticWind there is no wind]]). Callisto, who has power over water, has blue hair. Gannymede, a master of earth, is green-haired.
81	* ElementalPowers: The shtick of the Elementaros. The [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ last four members]] are recruited by Naveed.
82	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * ElevatorEscape: Happens to [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2005/02/20071203/ Grontar]].
83	* TheEmpire: The Galactic Earth Federation is a classical example, complete with stromtroopers, conniving generals and an evil psychic plotting to take it over. It also has a PresidentEvil, although his actual [[PointyHairedBoss competence is low-to-nonexistant]].
84	* EvilCostumeSwitch: As a good guy, [[spoiler: Efrem Nutari]] wore baggy pants and pilot jacket. As a bad guy, well, hello, black leather and red accents. [[spoiler: Zap's initial bad guy garb is more grey, and his good guy garb is Efrem's clothes. His BrainwashedAndCrazy garb is classic black]].
85	* EvilVersusEvil: The [=GEF=] against the Serpent's rebellion (which has nothing to do with the Resistance the heroes belong to).
86	* FacelessGoons: The very first page has a shot of [=GEF=] troopers wearing their trademark evil-looking helmets against a background of blood-red sky, in case the reader didn't believe it's TheEmpire.
87	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * {{Flashback}}: {{Lampshaded}} in [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/03/20050107-4/ this]] comic. %% there's a number of flashbacks, this refers to the lampshaded one, so...?
88	* FlashbackEffects: Either sepia or lack of dialogue.
89	* FlamingHair: Io's normally bald head becomes full of flaming hair when he demonstrates his powers on [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ this page]].
90	* TheFriendNobodyLikes: The Excelsior crew only puts up with [[ManChild Zap]] because he's been chosen by the ship.
91	* TheFuture: The OpeningMonologue goes:
92	--> In the future, mankind will unlock the secrets of galactic travel...
93	* GenderEqualEnsemble: The [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ last four Elementaro]]. Europa and Callisto are the girls, Gannymede and Io are the guys.
94	* GenocideSurvivor: Gunner, [[spoiler: Efrem and Zap]]. They are the last of PerfectPacifistPeople [=GEF=] genocided and are out for {{revenge}}. [[spoiler: Zap and Efrem give it up in the end, Gunner never does]].
95	* GirlOfMyDreams: [[spoiler: The reason for Zap's HeelFaceTurn - he began dreaming about Reona, fell in love and decided he didn't want to be the bad guy anymore]].
96	* GlowingEyesOfDoom: When a psychic uses their powers, their eyes glow the color of their aura (good example would be when Efrem powers down and his eyes slowly turn from solid electric blue to normal, human blue irises with pupils).
97	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * GovernmentConspiracy: %%that's complicated
98	* TheGuardsMustBeCrazy: The GEF grunts are pretty much comic relief in {{Red Shirt}}s (or face-concealing armor). Besides that, Kasey once makes ''robot'' guards leave their post by reprogramming another robot to run around in circles and insult them.
99	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * GuestStrip: A few.
100	* TheGunslinger: In a setting where [[RayGun blasters]] are standard, Gunner uses real bullets he can influence with his telekinesis.
101	* HallOfMirrors: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/12/20070215/ Here,]] Reona and Naveed end up fighting in an amusement park's house of mirrors.
102	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * HalloweenCosplay: One or two {{Filler Strip}}s.
103	* HeelFaceTurn: Happened in the backstory to [[spoiler: Zap himself]], which is why the plot turns out the way it does.
104	* HeIsNotMyBoyfriend: Reona, about Zap, for most of the silly part of the story, because she's pining for Efrem. After the amusement park battle [[spoiler: where Zap is wounded and abducted, and Efrem revealed to have been in league with Gunner for the entire time]] her loyalties shift, but it still takes her a while to admit she's in love.
105	* HypnoTrinket: The psychic AmplifierArtifact devices called "crowns" can be used to do this. At the [=GEF=] psychic academy, they are used to keep all the psychics underneath the GEF's control. [[spoiler:Gunner manipulated all of this into being, and plans to use the mind controlled psychic army to KillAllHumans as revenge for the destruction of his world.]]
106	* IdentityAmnesia: A couple of hours before he got shoved into the plot, Zap has forgotten his entire life story. A bit later, the villains exposit he's an escaped psychic test subject. [[spoiler: Which is a lie. He's actually escaped, but enacting a MemoryGambit]].
107	* ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy: The GEF troopers follow the fine tradition of not being able to land a shot. [[ConservationOfNinjutsu Gunner, however]]...
108	* ImprobableAimingSkills: Gunner, helped by [[MindOverMatter powerful telekinesis]].
109	* InTheHood: The Serpent, when dealing with Billings, follows the example set by Sith lords of old and wears a voluminous hooded cloak that hides everything but [[ShadowedFaceGlowingEyes his glowing eyes]].
110	* InnerMonologue: Quite a lot of the characters' thoughts are stated in thought bubbles.
111	* InstantlyProvenWrong: Robot's OnlySaneMan moment on page 34.
112	-->'''Robot''' Whatever. It's not like Reona's dumb enough to actually let you drive.\
113	'''Reona''' (on communicator): Zap, that lazer blast damaged the engine coil. I have to help Grontar, so you have to land us on that planet.\
114	Zap grins.
115	* IWillFindYou: Reona won't believe Efrem is dead, despite all odds. She will contradict the Resistance orders if she has a chance to find a clue about where he is. [[spoiler: Later on, after learning of Efrem's betrayal, she acts the same about finding Zap]].
116	* JediMindTrick: Gunner is a dab hand with it, although his level of subtlety varies, dictated by RuleOfDrama nad RuleOfFunny. [[LampshadeHanging Lampshaded]]:
117	-->'''Zap''': How did you do that?\
118	'''Gunner''': I saw it in a movie once.\
119	'''Zap''': Oh... Was it from... ''Titanic''?
120	* JustAMachine: Several intelligent robots are destroyed for avoidable or petty reasons. Made more jarring by the fact one of the main cast is a robot. %%needs more context, maybe quote
121	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * KickTheMoralityPet %%I have no idea what event in the comic this refers to - none of the villains has any morality pets whatsoever
122	* KickMePrank: Zap sticks an "unplug me" note to Robot's back once.
123	* LampshadeHanging: Provides much of the comic's humor, especially in the first chapters.
124	* LaserSight: For some reason, the BountyHunter uses one [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/03/20041231-5/ here.]] In a setting where most guns are lasers. In a place he would realistically use lethal weaponry first and ask questions later.
125	* LastOfHisKind: The Elementaros are the last of their species. [[spoiler: Zap, Efrem, and Gunner]] are also the last three members of their species. %%Robot is one of a kind - also Zap built him
126	* LaResistance: The [=GEF=] is being opposed by a fairly standard one, which the Excelsior crew are part of. Although they do seem to do their own thing more often than not. Demonica also works for the Resistance, and two named members of it are minor characters. %%check their names, add context.
127	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * LawOfAlienNames: Lots of the names fit. %no, they don't, cut this
128	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * LeaveHimToMe: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/10/20060828/ Reona vs. Naveed.]] %% no?
129	* LetsGetDangerous: Zap's very first use of his powers is a downplayed example. As enemy ships are approaching and Excelsior is in no way prepared for battle, Reona has him sit in the captain's chair and his [[AmnesiacResonance powers activate on their own]], turning on the hyperjump. Later on, until he learns a little control, his powers tend to overwhelm him when he's angry.
130	* LoveRedeems: Although it's only shown through flashbacks, it's made clear that [[spoiler: Zap Vexler]] was the original mastermind behind the [[RestrainingBolt "crown"]] plan, which he only stopped when his [[DreamingOfThingsToCome dreams]] [[LoveBeforeFirstSight introduced him to his future love.]]
131	* MakingASplash: Callisto uses water in battle. The Aquarians, who are an aquatic race (even though they resemble pterosaurs), can control water around themselves to an extent, making bubbles for landdwellers to breathe.
132	* MemoryGambit: [[spoiler: Zap, having searched the future for the most beneficial path after his HeelFaceTurn, found the best outcome would be reached if he had his memories erased]]. So he had his memories erased and set the plot in motion.
133	* MindControlEyes: [[spoiler: Gunner seals William's mind, because he wants to use Will in his EvilPlan, something Will would never, ever agree to]]. After that, the affected person's eyes turn black-on-black, with hints of their controller's signature color.
134	* MomentKiller: Robot rather deliberately ruins the very first moment Reona has with Zap by yelling at them. Zap later returns the favour by walking in on Robot interfacing with Excelsior.
135	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * NonSequiturThud: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2003/08/20031020/ This comic]].
136	%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * NotWhatItLooksLike: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/08/20060116/ The title and the dialog.]]
137	* NumberedHomeworld: Sticklebat 7. The BunglingInventor Stickle race found their previous six planets "[[MikeNelsonDestroyerOfWorlds too]] [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2003/12/20040625/ flammable]]".
138	%% * OminousMultipleScreens: During the computer failure scene. %%needs context
139	* OneWordTitle
140	* OutrunTheFireball:
141	** Zap does this in page two (as the dumpster behind him blows up).
142	** The entire crew does it while Jason distracts the [=GEF=] with an explosion.
143	* PaperThinDisguise: Robot gets by a security checkpoint with pants, a wig and a sign the says "I am human". (The costume really didn't work, though, it was Zap doing a JediMindTrick type thing on the guards.)
144	* PerfectPacifistPeople: [[spoiler: The people of Zap's home planet]] which resulted in a PacifismBackfire when [=GEF=] came.
145	* PimpedOutDress: Demonica provides our heroes with some slinky clothes when inviting them for fancy dinner. Reona's dress, in addition to being rather more ''[[NavelDeepNeckline revealing]]'' than her usual outfit, is black with star-like sparkles and makes her look absolutely stunning (InUniverse, Zap is briefly speechless).
146	* PowerStrainBlackout: Zap, after the first use of his powers. It might be faked to get Reona to kiss him, though (doesn't work).
147	* PresidentEvil: Billings is definitely a bad guy. A bumbling, silly bad guy whose [[ShooOutTheClowns assasination sends the plot into a really dark place]].
148	* {{Protectorate}}: Reona, for Grontar, who will go [[UnstoppableRage berserk]] if she's hurt. Zap also tends to get angry and [[PowerGlows glowy]] when she's in danger.
149	%%* PstandardPsychicPstance: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/06/20050831/ Here.]] %% needs context
150	* PsychicPowers: Not ''very'' common in the setting [[spoiler: especially since [=GEF=] genocide of Zap's home planet]], but a number of characters have them. It's usually the whole spectrum (telepathy, telekinesis, prophetic dreams), but a degree of specialisation is possible. For instance, Gunner mostly uses and is very proficient with telekinesis (up to [[HealingMagicIsTheHardest being able to heal]]), while Vitale is very good at seeing the future. Zap's more of a {{Technopath}}. [[spoiler: And, of course, there's the psychic army Gunner's building]].
151	* PsychicStarshipPilot: The Excelsior and [[spoiler: the Deadalus]], having been built by a certain psychic genius, require a psychic to use some of their features, hyperjump and DeflectorShields included. [[spoiler: They were built specifically to search the universe for psychics]].
152	* PsychicDreamsForEveryone: Aside from the confirmed psychics, Reona gets a couple of those. [[spoiler: This allows her [[TalkingInYourDreams to communicate with Zap]].]]
153	%%* PuppyDogEyes: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/01/20040825-5/ Here]]. %%Lampshaded - add to Lampshade entry?
154	* PutOnABus: After William captures them, Jason and Justin are taken away. [[spoiler: Only to get rescued by Grontar and Kasey after the amusement park battle.]]
155	* RayGun: The standard in the setting, called "lazer". Used both as sidearm and spaceship cannon.
156	%%* TheRant %%is that even a trope?
157	%%* RebusBubble %%where?
158	* RestrainingBolt: The psychic crowns. [[spoiler: Reona breaks the one placed on Zap in the climax]]. And Robot's programming to obey the Captain, like it or not (he does not).
159	* RidiculouslyHumanRobots: Robot is rude, snarky, contrarian, cowardly, pessimistic, apparently has a love life with AIs and is introduced being "woken up" - holding a teddy bear. [[spoiler: He is missing an important personality chip, though.]]
160	* {{Robosexual}}: Aside from Stickles who treat robots like teen idols, there's Billings fooling around with robotic secretaries.
161	* RunningGag:
162	** Reona's snoring being compared to a freight-hover train.
163	** Zap's [[WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes fear and loathing of space squid]].
164	** The alien who goes "Oh, poop. [[OhNoNotAgain Not again]]." Every time he appears.
165	* SceneryCensor: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/09/20060417/ Here]] Zap is naked, with Robot's head "tastefully" interposed.
166	%%* ScienceRelatedMemeticDisorder: The Stickle race. %%no, they're just inventors
167	* SensibleHeroesSkimpyVillains: Even compared to Reona in pirate arc (where she wears short shorts) or the amusement park battle (AbsoluteCleavage and ClothingDamage) Naveed's default outfit leaves very little to imagination. Then again, a CatGirl might have somewhat different standards of nudity.
168	* ShirtlessScene: Zap, [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/09/20060417/ trying out tuxedos]] going [[SceneryCensor stark naked]]. %% it's more NakedPeopleAreFunny to me
169	%%* SlowMotionFall: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2005/01/20070924/ Here.]]
170	* SomeCallMeTim: Zap, being unable, unwilling or both to remember the ship's robot's complicated designation, renames him Robot. Robot's unhappy about it, but it sticks.
171	* SpaceIsNoisy: There are some sound effects during the space battle. %%needs explanation
172	* SpaceshipGirl: The Excelsior is sentient and sometimes manifests as a hologram of a [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2005/05/20090920/ naked, glowing blue woman]] who resembles Reona. [[spoiler: This is because she was built by Zap and the hologram is modeled after the girl he dreamt of - Reona. Holograms for the other [=AI=]s he built are also modeled after her]].
173	* SpaceWhale: Space squid, a giant, space-borne... squid, provides a BigLippedAlligatorMoment when Zap goes to fight it in chapter 2.
174	-->'''Author's comment''': No space-squids were hurt in the making of this comic. Maybe a couple of regular squids... but none from space. We couldn't find any, and we looked, really hard. Twice.
175	%%* SpitTake: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/06/20050627/ Here.]]
176	* SpotTheImposter: The BodyHorror creature takes Zap's appearance. They're side by side, and the entire group is debating who to shoot, until Gunner comes up and just unceremoniously shoots the fake. The monster was quite easily distinguishable ("Meeee, Reaaal Zaaaaaap..."), and the remark from Robot seemed like it was an obvious LampshadeHanging. %%needs work
177	* StellarName: The [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ last four Elementaros]], the Galilean Satellites, named after four moons of Jupiter. Io, Callisto, Europa, and Gannymede.
178	* StoryBreakerPower: After [[spoiler: Zap regains his memory, his powers and his freedom (thanks to Reona breaking the crown), he makes short shrift of hitherto invincible Gunner, {{depower}}ing him and marooning him on a backwater planet with Naveed]].
179	* SuperRegistrationAct: Psychics are being rounded up as CannonFodder for Gunner's EvilPlan.
180	* SuspiciouslySpecificDenial: As Billings announces the founding of Universal Psychic Academy and a [[SuperRegistrationAct recruitment drive for it]]...
181	-->'''Billings''': Don't worry. (heh heh) We don't plan on exploiting the psychics for personal gain... (looks very shifty and turns red as Verbatim and Yago stare dissaprovingly)
182	* {{Technopath}}: One of Zap's first displays of psychic ability is activating the Excelsior's hyperdrive. In fact his mental commands are apparently the only thing that can do so. [[spoiler: Of course, as it turns out, he ''built'' the ship, so...]] Gunner, as his name implies, uses his psychic powers to improve his aim.
183	* ThinkingOutLoud: For a while in the beginning, Zap. This [[SurprisinglyRealisticOutcome allows the pursuing troopers to locate him]].
184	* ThrownOutTheAirlock: Reona wasn't ''really'' going to have Zap thrown out of the airlock, but she sure words it that way when dealing with a stinking, badly-flirting random guy who gets on her already frazzled nerves.
185	* TitleConfusion: Due to the old URL, the comic is often called "Zap [- [[RecycledInSpace IN SPACE]]-]". This is also something of a BerserkButton for the author, to the point that they've migrated to a new URL.
186	* TrashLanding: Zap's introduction consists of him falling into a dumpster, scrambling out, commenting to himself that wasn't a very good idea and "they" are still on his tail and legging it as the dumpster [[StuffBlowingUp is blown up]] by his pursuers.
187	* {{Understatement}}: Zap has a tendency.
188	--> (when Robot tells him how Reona lost her arm and Efrem) '''Zap''': Wow... this sucks.
189	* UnsoundEffect: "Rattle" and "shake" as ''Excelsior'' is under fire by [=GEF=] mooks. "WARNING" when the reactor is acting up. Also "DOOM" a couple of times.
190	* WebcomicTime: A few years of comics following a few months of plot.
191	* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: Zap's fear of space squid is played as a RunningGag.
192	%%* YouDidntAsk %%when?

Context Webcomic / Zap