History Webcomic / Zap

A goofy [[IdentityAmnesia amnesiac]] named Zap, though an improbable coincidence finds himself 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 far from captain material.

* BattleAura: Psychics, when ''seriously'' irked, emanate an aura in their colour.

* BorrowedBiometricBypass: Naveed uses a guard's severed hand to retrieve her sword.

* 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.

* TheGuardsMustBeCrazy: The GEF grunts are pretty much comic relief in {{Red Shirt}}s. Besides that, Kasey once makes robot guards leave their post by reprogramming another robot to run around in circles and insult them.

* 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 clothes, is black with star-like sparkles and makes her look absolutely stunning (InUniverse, Zap is briefly speechless).

* 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. [[spoiler: And, of course, there's the psychic army Gunner's building]].

%%* PuppyDogEyes: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/01/20040825-5/ Here]]. %%Lampshaded

* 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. The other [=AI=]s he built are also modeled after her]].

-->'''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 coudln't find any, and we looked, really hard. Twice.

* SpotTheImposter: The BodyHorror creature takes Zap's appearance. Side by side, everyone debates who to shoot. Gunner comes up and just unceremoniously shoots the fake. The monster was quite easily distinguishable ("Meeee, Reaaal Zaaaaaap...") when everyone was "side by side" as it were, and the remark from Robot seemed like it was an obvious LampshadeHanging. %%needs work

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.

* 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..]]

* AnimatedActors: Not animated, but [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2003/09/20040102a/ a filler comic]] portrayed the characters as actors playing parts, including a classically trained guy in a cheesy sci-fi role (i.e. playing Robot).

* HeelFaceTurn: Happened in the backstory to [[spoiler: Zap himself]].

* 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 enacting a MemoryGambit]].

* JediMindTrick: Gunner is a dab hand with it, although his level of subtlety varies. [[LampshadeHanging Lampshaded]]:

* LoveRedeems: Although it's only shown through flashbacks, it's made clear that [[spoiler: Zap]] was the original mastermind behind the [[RestrainingBolt "crown"]] plan, which he only stopped when his [[DreamingOfThingsToCome dreams]] [[LoveBeforeFirstSight introduced him to his future love.]]
* MakingASplash: Callisto uses water in battle. The Aquarians, who are an aquatic race (even if they resemble pterosaurs) can control water around themselves to an extent, making bubbles for landdwellers to breathe.

* 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 clothes, is black with star-like sparkles and makes her look absolutely stunning.

%%* PstandardPsychicPstance: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/06/20050831/ Here.]]

* 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]].

* 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. The other [=AI=]s he built are also modeled after her]].

* {{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 to improve his aim.

* 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'' invention that hasn't blown up (yet... hopefully...) may be the least bungling one of her race.

* ClothingDamage: Zap, Reona, and Grontar ruin their nice 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]].

* DramaticPause: President Billings does this during a press conference, waiting three minutes to ramp up the drama.

* Jedi Mind Trick: Gunner is a dab hand with it, although his level of subtlety varies. [[LampshadeHanging Lampshaded]]:

* LoveRedeems: Although it's only shown through flashbacks, it's made clear that [[spoiler: Zap]] was the original mastermind behind the [[RestrainingBolt "crown"]] plan, which he only stopped when his [[DreamingOfThingsToCome dreams]] [[ItMakesSenseInContext introduced him to his future love.]]

%% some links are broken - note to self, fix them

''[[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 and centers around the title character, Zap Vexler. Chris Layfield is the writer, and Pascalle Lepas is the artist.

A goofy [[LaserGuidedAmnesia amnesiac]] named Zap, though an improbable coincidence finds himself the captain of a CoolStarship called the ''Excelsior''. He discovers that he is [[PsychicPowers psychic]] and falls for the first officer, Reona, who is still heartbroken over the previous captain, Efrem. He had been apparently killed by an enemy, Naveed. Reona and the ship's mechanic, Grontar, and navigation droid, Robot, aren't too thrilled about Zap being picked as the captain. This is mostly because Zap is a doofus and far from captain material. They fight their way through the [[TheEmpire GEF]], crash land, fight their way through the GEF again, take off, and pick up an ally: Kasey. Another Resistance member, Kasey is infatuated with Robot and helps repair Reona's artificial arm. Zap runs into a stranger (to him at this point), Gunner, who claims to be a friend from his forgotten past. The comic finally concluded in September, 2014.

!! ''Zap!'' contains examples of:

* AirVentPassageway: Zap uses this [[spoiler: right into the enemy's midst]]. %%needs context
* AmnesiaDanger: When Zap has to figure out how to work the [[FasterThanLightTravel hyperjump]] with his forgotten powers.
* AmnesiacsAreInnocent: That's complicated. [[spoiler: When we meet Zap, he is an IdiotHero, goofy, but well-meaning. But, 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 the [[GirlOfMyDreams girl he only saw in his dreams]] - Reona.]]

* AnimatedActors: Not animated, but [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2003/09/20040102a/ one filler comic]] portrayed the characters as actors playing parts. It even included a ClassicallyTrainedExtra. The concept has since been revisited two or three times, making it a RunningGag.
* AnimalMotifs: Gunner's associated with snakes and [[spoiler: Zap with falcons]]. They're represented by those animals in psychic dreams and sometimes explicitly called their names.
* ArtEvolution: Pascalle's art noticeably improves over the years.
* ArtificialLimbs: In the backstory, Naveed cut off Reona's arm, necessitating one of these. Since it's [[GadgeteerGenius Kasey's]] work, it doubles as a [[ArmCannon powerful blaster]].

* BittersweetEnding: [[spoiler: At least until this [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2014/09/epilogue-756-sparkly-boyfriend-forever/ strip]] where Zap returned back to the universe.]]

* BloodFromTheMouth: Zap, after a [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/11/20061012/ nasty gut shot]].

* 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.

* BountyHunter: The four Elementaros are initially brought in by the Galactic Earth Federation as bounty hunters to pursue Zap and company.

* ClothingDamage: Zap, Reona, and Grontar ruin their nice 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.

%%* DreamSequence: A few symbolism loaded sequences here and there.

* EarnYourHappyEnding: [[spoiler: The Galactic Earth Federation was finally dissolved and replaced with Universal Senate; a proper example of TheFederation.]]
* 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.

* EvilVersusEvil: The [=GEF=] against the Serpent's rebellion (which has nothing in common with the Resistance the heroes belong to).
%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * {{Flashback}}: {{Lampshaded}} in [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/03/20050107-4/ this]] comic.
* FlashbackEffects: Sepia.

* JediMindTrick: Seemingly a standard psychic power. It even gets a ShoutOut[=/=]LampshadeHanging [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/01/20040818-5/ here]]. %%needs quote

%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * KickTheMoralityPet
%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * LaserSight [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/03/20041231-5/ Here.]]
* LastOfHisKind: Robot is the last robot left with a learning AI. The Elementaros are the last of their species. [[spoiler: Zap, Efrem, and Gunner]] are also the last three members of their species.

* LoveRedeems: Although it's only shown through flashbacks, it's made clear that [[spoiler: Zap]] was the original mastermind behind the [[RestrainingBolt "crown"]] plan, which he only stopped when his [[DreamingofThingstoCome dreams]] [[ItMakesSenseInContext introduced him to his future love.]]

* 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, with only hints of their original color.

* OminousMultipleScreens: During the computer failure scene. %%needs context

* OutrunTheFireball: Zap does this in the second comic. %%needs context

%%* PresidentEvil: Not ''competent'', but evil.

* PsychicPowers: Not very common in the setting [[spoiler: especially since [=GEF=] genocide of Zap's home planet]], but number of characters who have them. It's usually the whole spectrum (telepathy, telekinesis, prophetic dreams), but specialisation is possible. For instance Gunner mostly uses and is very proficient with telekinesis, while Vitale is very good at seeing the future. [[spoiler: And, of course, there's the psychic army Gunner's building]].
* PsychicStarshipPilot: The Excelsior [[spoiler: and the Deadalus]], having been built by a certain psychic genius, require a psychic to use some of their features.
%%* PuppyDogEyes: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/01/20040825-5/ Here]].

%%* RebusBubble
* RestrainingBolt: The "crowns". And Robot's programming to obey the Captain, like it or not (he does not).

* ShirtlessScene: Zap, [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/09/20060417/ trying out tuxedos]] going [[SceneryCensor stark naked]].

* SomeCallMeTim: Robot's renaming. %%needs explanation

* 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]].
%%* SpaceWhale: Space Squid, actually. %%not sure if this counts

* SpotTheImposter: The BodyHorror creature takes Zap's appearance. Side by side, everyone debates who to shoot. Gunner comes up and just unceremoniously shoots the fake. The monster was quite easily distinguishable ("Meeee, Reaaal Zaaaaaap...") when everyone was "Side by side" as it were, and the remark from Robot seemed like it was an obvious Lampshade hanging.
* StellarName: The [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ last four Elementaro]], the Galilean Satellites, named after four moons of Jupiter. Io, Callisto, Europa, and Gannymede.
* SuperRegistrationAct: Psychics are being rounded up for nefarious purposes (implied to be made into {{Super Soldier}}s).
* {{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 to improve the function of his weapons.
* ThrownOutTheAirlock: Zap, mistaken for a stowaway at first, is almost dumped with the trash into space (or so he thought).
* 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.
* WebcomicTime: A few years of comics following a few weeks of plot.

%%* YouDidntAsk

* AirVentPassageway: Zap uses this [[spoiler: right into the enemy's midst]].

%%* BattleAura

%%* 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.

%%* PsychicPowers: Of course.

%%* TheRant

* AmnesiaDanger: Zap has to figure out how to work the [[FasterThanLightTravel hyperjump]] with his forgotten powers.

%%* AnIcePerson / MakingASplash: The Aquarians and Callisto.

* 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

%%* DeflectorShields: Psychic controlled.
* DeliberatelyMonochrome: Sepia flashbacks.

* DreamingOfThingsToCome: Apparently a fairly normal ability for psychics.

* ElementalPowers: The Elementaro race. The [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ last four members]] are recruited by Naveed.

%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * TheEmpire: The Galactic Earth Federation.
* EvilVersusEvil: The [=GEF=] against the Serpent's rebellion (which is different from the Resistance).

* GlowingEyesOfDoom: An indication of often dangerous psychic powers.
%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * GovernmentConspiracy: Not fully revealed yet.
* TheGuardsMustBeCrazy: The GEF grunts are usually idiotic and are [[RedShirt killed in droves]].

* HeIsNotMyBoyfriend: Reona, about Zap. Even flat out says it on page 281.
* 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.]]

* 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.

%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * LaResistance: Played absolutely straight with "The Resistance".
%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * LawOfAlienNames: Lots of the names fit.
%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * LeaveHimToMe: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/10/20060828/ Reona vs. Naveed.]]

%% Administrivia/ZeroContextExample * MindControlEyes: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/08/20051215/ Here.]]

* OminousMultipleScreens: During the computer failure scene.

* OutrunTheFireball: Zap does this in the second comic.

%%* PimpedOutDress: Reona's [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/09/20060508/ space dress.]]

%%* ScienceRelatedMemeticDisorder: The Stickle race.

* SomeCallMeTim: Robot's renaming.
* SpaceIsNoisy: There are some sound effects during the space battle.
* SpaceshipGirl: The ''Excelsior'' is sentient and sometimes manifests as a hologram of a [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2005/05/20090920/ naked, glowing blue woman]].
%%* SpaceWhale: Space Squid, actually.

* {{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. Gunner, as his name implies, uses his to improve the function of his weapons.
* ThrownOutTheAirlock: Zap, who was mistaken for a stowaway at first, is almost dumped with the trash into space (or so he thought).

[[LaserGuidedAmnesia Amnesiac]] Zap finds himself the captain of a CoolStarship called the ''Excelsior''. He discovers that he is [[PsychicPowers psychic]] and falls for the first officer, Reona, who is still heartbroken over the previous captain, Efrem. He had been apparently killed by an enemy, Naveed. Reona and the ship's mechanic, Grontar, and navigation droid, Robot, aren't too thrilled about Zap being picked as the captain. This is mostly because Zap is a doofus and far from captain material. They fight their way through the [[TheEmpire GEF]], crash land, fight their way through the GEF again, take off, and pick up an ally: Kasey. Another Resistance member, Kasey is infatuated with Robot and helps repair Reona's artificial arm. Zap runs into a stranger (to him at this point), Gunner, who claims to be a friend from his forgotten past. The comic finally concluded in September, 2014.

* AmnesiacsAreInnocent: Zap was evil before he became affected by amnesia, and he woke up good.
* AmusementPark: Scene of the biggest fight so far.

* 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. (White-haired)
--> Callisto, who has power over water. (Blue-haired)
--> Gannymede. He is a master of earth. (Green-haired)

* FlamingHair: Io's initially bald head becomes full of flaming hair when he demonstrates his powers on [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ this page]].

* ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy: The GEF have landed about 5 of their shots.
* JediMindTrick: Seemingly a standard psychic power. It even gets a ShoutOut[=/=]LampshadeHanging [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/01/20040818-5/ here]].

* ExcitedShowTitle

[[LaserGuidedAmnesia Amnesiac]] Zap finds himself the captain of a CoolStarship called the ''Excelsior''. He discovers that he is [[PsychicPowers psychic]] and falls for the first officer, Reona, who is still heartbroken over the previous captain, Efrem. He had been apparently killed by an enemy, Naveed. Reona and the ship's mechanic, Grontar, and navigation droid, Robot, aren't too thrilled about Zap being picked as the captain. This is mostly because Zap is a doofus and far from captain material. They fight their way through the [[TheEmpire GEF]], crash land, fight their way through the GEF again, take off, and pick up an ally: Kasey. Another Resistance member, Kasey is infatuated with Robot and helps repair Reona's artificial arm. Zap runs into a stranger (to him at this point), Gunner, who claims to be a friend from his forgotten past.The comic finally concluded in September, 2014.

* ElementalHair: Three of the last four Elementaro, as seen [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ here]]:

%%* AmnesiacsAreInnocent: Zap.

%%* BlankWhiteEyes: A few times. Here's an [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/09/20060529/ example]].

%%* BodyHorror: The creature that kills the bounty hunters.

%%* BountyHunter: Four of them in one arc.

* ElementalHair: Three of the last four Elementaro, as seen [[[[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/05/20050608b/ here]]:

!!This webcomic provides examples of:

%%* ElevatorEscape: Happens to [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2005/02/20071203/ Grontar]].
%%* TheEmpire: The Galactic Earth Federation.
* EvilVersusEvil: The [=GEF=] against the Serpent's rebellion (which is different from the Resistance).
%%* {{Flashback}}: {{Lampshaded}} in [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/03/20050107-4/ this]] comic.

%%* GovernmentConspiracy: Not fully revealed yet.

%%* GuestStrip: A few.

%%* HalloweenCosplay: One or two {{Filler Strip}}s.

%%* KickTheMoralityPet
%%* LaserSight [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/03/20041231-5/ Here.]]

%%* LaResistance: Played absolutely straight with "The Resistance".
%%* LawOfAlienNames: Lots of the names fit.
%%* LeaveHimToMe: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/10/20060828/ Reona vs. Naveed.]]

%%* MindControlEyes: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/08/20051215/ Here.]]
%%* NonSequiturThud: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2003/08/20031020/ This comic]].
%%* NotWhatItLooksLike: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/08/20060116/ The title and the dialog.]]

%% ZeroContextExample entries are not allowed on wiki pages. All such entries have been commented out. Do not uncomment them without expanding them to provide context. WeblinksAreNotExamples; a link to a strip with the comment "Here" or "This strip" and no further explanation tells us nothing about how the trope applies. Write the example so that it can be understood even without the link.

* LastOfHisKind: Robot is the last robot left with a learning AI. The Elementaros are the last of their species.

* LoveRedeems: Although it's only shown through flashbacks, it's made clear that [[spoiler: Zap]] was the original mastermind behind the crown plan, which he only stopped when his dreams introduced him to his future love.

* LastOfHisKind: Robot is the last robot left with a learning AI. The Elelmentaros are the last of their species.

%%* HallOfMirrors: [[http://www.zapcomic.com/2004/12/20070215/ Here.]]