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Just a face and a caption: Ineffectual Sympathetic Villain

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shimaspawn from Here and Now Since: May, 2010 Relationship Status: In your bunk
#27: Jan 12th 2011 at 5:24:44 PM

The Carpenter is awesome. Thanks Rodney.

Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
Deboss I see the Awesomeness. from Awesomeville Texas Since: Aug, 2009
I see the Awesomeness.
#28: Jan 12th 2011 at 6:07:07 PM

I like Carpenter better.

Fight smart, not fair.
ThePope Since: Oct, 2010
#29: Jan 12th 2011 at 6:18:46 PM

Text on the Carpenter is still hard to read.

neoYTPism Since: May, 2010
#30: Jan 12th 2011 at 6:20:14 PM

If my interpretation of the carpenter image is correct, the idea is that Batman runs away before the carpenter can do anything?

INUH Since: Jul, 2009
#31: Jan 12th 2011 at 6:22:01 PM

No, it's really more "stupid villain concept shows up, Batman comments on how lame it is and leaves."

Infinite Tree: an experimental story
shimaspawn from Here and Now Since: May, 2010 Relationship Status: In your bunk
#32: Jan 12th 2011 at 6:23:57 PM

It's not if you view it full. The forum is shrinking it a fair bit.

Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
Deboss I see the Awesomeness. from Awesomeville Texas Since: Aug, 2009
I see the Awesomeness.
#33: Jan 12th 2011 at 6:35:39 PM

Yeah, it's shrunk. In the last panel, she's handcuffed.

Fight smart, not fair.
Leaper Since: May, 2009
#34: Jan 12th 2011 at 7:09:35 PM

If it helps with the size issue, perhaps the last panel of the Carpenter section isn't needed? After all, it's sort of implied that's what happens in panels 2 and 3 already.

ETA: And I think "sympathetic" is already hit in panel 3, so it doesn't seem to be needed to demonstrate any part of the trope.

edited 12th Jan '11 7:10:20 PM by Leaper

DrStarky Okay Guy from Corn And Pig Land Since: Jun, 2010 Relationship Status: Staying up all night to get lucky
Okay Guy
#35: Jan 12th 2011 at 7:15:28 PM

I like the second one because it accomplishes it in one panel.

Put me in motion, drink the potion, use the lotion, drain the ocean, cause commotion, fake devotion, entertain a notion, be Nova Scotian
Leaper Since: May, 2009
#36: Jan 12th 2011 at 7:16:57 PM

Ehh, I dunno, I just don't like it as much. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the simple lines, or the fact that it only implies (though somewhat strongly) "villain." But still, there you go.

INUH Since: Jul, 2009
#37: Jan 12th 2011 at 7:17:21 PM

^^Yes, but the second is fanart, which, to me, despite my lack of knowledge of what it's of, indicates that he's not actually like that in canon.

I could be wrong.

edited 12th Jan '11 7:18:05 PM by INUH

Infinite Tree: an experimental story
shimaspawn from Here and Now Since: May, 2010 Relationship Status: In your bunk
#38: Jan 12th 2011 at 7:17:50 PM

I think it's because it's not really sympathetic. It's just angsty. I can look at him and just go, haha, serves you right.

Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
troacctid (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
INUH Since: Jul, 2009
suedenim Teutonic Tomboy T-Girl from Jet Dream HQ Since: Oct, 2009
Teutonic Tomboy T-Girl
#41: Jan 13th 2011 at 6:55:01 AM

The Carpenter is awesome.

Jet-a-Reeno!
shimaspawn from Here and Now Since: May, 2010 Relationship Status: In your bunk
#42: Jan 13th 2011 at 12:18:19 PM

Just reading through the comments it looks like the majority favour the Carpenter. Should we stick it up? Do we need a caption?

Reality is that, which when you stop believing in it, doesn't go away. -Philip K. Dick
troacctid (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#43: Jan 13th 2011 at 12:19:30 PM

May as well toss up a crowner first and get a good vote in.

neoYTPism Since: May, 2010
#44: Jan 13th 2011 at 1:16:53 PM

"I think it's because it's not really sympathetic. It's just angsty. I can look at him and just go, haha, serves you right." - shimaspawn

Even though for all you know he could be just some Well-Intentioned Extremist who wants to rule an empire as a means of making it a better place? Even though for all you know he might have ethical standards, such as never resorting to murder and all that? I know it's only fictional, but one's interpretation of fiction can reflect on one's interpretation of reality. In any case, general consensus seems to favour the carpenter one for now...

INUH Since: Jul, 2009
#45: Jan 13th 2011 at 1:18:22 PM

^Well, if any of those are the case, the image would do better to reflect that than leave it to "for all you know."

Infinite Tree: an experimental story
neoYTPism Since: May, 2010
#46: Jan 13th 2011 at 2:39:47 PM

True, which is why I went along with the preference towards the carpenter one.

That said, there's a couple other candidates I want to suggest. First off there's Wile E. Coyote, who is a very recognizeable example, if not the Trope Codifier. Also, the one currently on Harmless Villain is Dr. Drakken, whom I've read from other articles is often the target of much of Shego's snarking. Not sure whether having the same character on both is a benefit or a drawback, though.

troacctid (4 Score & 7 Years Ago)
#47: Jan 13th 2011 at 2:42:29 PM

Crowner

Toss any new suggestions there.

Madrugada Since: Jan, 2001
#48: Jan 13th 2011 at 3:27:22 PM

How about Spidey's wannabe nemesis "The Walrus" "Don't underestimate me, Spiderman! I have the proportional speed, strength and agility of a walrus!"

edited 13th Jan '11 3:34:54 PM by Madrugada

helterskelter Since: Nov, 2009 Relationship Status: Drift compatible
#49: Jan 13th 2011 at 3:30:23 PM

How come he fell on his face...when Spidey flicked him backwards?

That's some superpower.

Anyhow, it works, but less than The Carpenter. She just looks sad. He looks laughably pathetic.

INUH Since: Jul, 2009

20th Apr '10 12:00:00 AM

Crown Description:

Nominations for replacement images:

Total posts: 63
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