Romantically Apocalyptic Webcomic
by Vitaly S Alexius
Charles Snippy finds himself lost and alone at the end of the world. He makes a wish for a friend and meets Zee Captain, an eccentric lunatic luminary, who drags him on an adventure through the eldritch, deadly, questionable and limitless post-apocalyptic world of tomorrow, a place where Goodness makes the rules and everything has purpose and passion.
~A post-apocalyptic, dark comedy webcomic that I've been working on since 2005 by myself at first and then with friends from all around the world.
- Overall Score
- Style Score
- Story Score
- Grammar Score
- Character Score
- Total Views :
- 1,450,722
- Average Views :
- 5,413
- Followers :
- 1,567
- Favorites :
- 671
- Ratings :
- 364
- Pages :
- 643
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I will fully admit to being slightly hesitant to read this story, at first. A re-upload of a graphic novel, posting new chapters at an obscene rate. I've barely read anything like it in the first place, much less on Royal Road, so I put off reading it.
DO NOT DO THIS. DO NOT MAKE THIS TERRIBLE ERROR.
I finally opened the story, once it piqued my curiosity by showing up on Rising Stars. I was immediately struck by the post-apocalyptic imagery, and the chaotic feeling that pervades this work, a breathless anticpation of what is to come. The adventures of Charles Snippy and Zee Captain are bizzare, with occasional glimpses of deeper lore. The setting is grand and mystifying, tattered and beautiful. It took great effort to tear myself away to write this review, and as soon as I post it, I'm picking up right where I left off.
Enjoy the read!
It is a delightfully bizzare tale of very unlikely of friends, navigating the magical wasteland of temporal anomalies, aliens, bus centipedes, and arguing traffic lights. A well illustrated tale of resilience when faced with the destructive consequence of humanity's hubris, sprinkled with witty humor, occasional audio-narration, and plenty of twists and turns of the plot.
The characters are all unique and special, truly unmistakable in both personality and design, making it very easy to enjoy without having to keep conscious tabs on who's who and what everyone's interpersonal relationships are.
The illustrations vary greatly in style, but don't ever lack in the execution. Going from realism, to cartoonish, to chibi, to 9th century manuscripts, to pixel art, without any of it feeling out of place or forced.
The story is very well planned and presented. Hints and nods to the greater story are sprinkled all throughout the story, so when the puzzle pieces finally click you have the most satisfying realization that "Oh! So that's what that thing that was mentioned 10 chapters ago was about!", And letting you speculate on what could have went down to cause all this, without giving you the whole entire backstory in one sitting and then spinning an adventure on top of that.
The grammar is good, and considering that some of the characters are either insane, corrupted AI, or both, they have intentionally misspelled and corrupted speech, making it both more immersive and easy to parse who's who, and what kind of character they are, and how they think. Every character has their own unique speech pattern, and the main charcters are color coded, too, making it very pleasant and easy to grasp who's who and what their deal is.
The characters are all extremely unique and well-developed. They all have profoundly original and different, all with their special ways of thinking, and inner monologues and turmoils. All having lived in very different conditions and socioeconomic groups before the apocalypse, now having to get along, without knowing just how different they are from one another, and what lead them there.
11/10 I'd say "would recommend", but the thing is that I have quite a few times already, and will keep doing so indefinitely
Been following this comic for years, and it's just gotten better, the art is beutiful photo-realistic pieces, the story is well writen and beyond unique, the style is seriously one of a kind, and the characters are magnificent, they feel so real, literally my favorite comic ever, especially after the remake
Romantically Apocalyptic is a magnificent piece of art, that I personally believe everyone should have in their personal history at some point or another. Enjoying it will depend on your personality, intellectual capabilities and interests and your age. I personally read this first trough at the ripe age of 12, understanding nothing, then reading a little bit of the text involved at age 18, and finally finishing the product at age 26. As a kid, the mere imagery left a lasting mark rippling trough time; I would always, periodically, end up linking a picture or another of this masterpiece to my friends as a reference as to "what defines good visual design/art when it comes to dystopian styles."There literally is no comparison.
Now, having grown up, having read and watched trough every conceivable entertainment form in the greatest of amounts from tv to anime to books, I have come back to finish the job. And man. Is it a thing of beauty. Let me explain..
At first, the story will look like a psychedelic mentally insane trip focusing on random snippets of information and attempting to simply make a good case for the title: Romantically Apocalyptic. Especially visually and by the jokes included within the desolate visuals. Cutting this to pieces for further analysis:
You have the characters and their dynamic: Zee Captain, a meme archetype of her own, a completely insane secondary main character whose logic and viewpoints make zero sense to you. This is part of the authors masterplan to break down general stereotypes of story telling, for there's another viewpoint split across this madness and the world: a setting, where anything insane is explained with deep over the top scifi-logic trasncending your imagination on what could possibly be the rules of this world. The duality: is it completely insane? Or is she the only actually reasonable person in the whole world? You can never be sure, and furiously debate this as you dig deeper... clawing whatever information you can of this world to make sense of it.
Sidenote: this is incredibly fun, a bit like how leaving endings open can be a good way to finish a story. The "unknown" but "almost figure-outable-if-you-try" is a thing that is severely lacking in many stories.
Second character:
Snippy: The counterpoint to the Captains Insanity, a person who is highly rational and the person trough whose eyes the story is mostly written. He gives fresh air to the story, allowing the reader to breathe in from the madness surrounding the events and the characters. After all, while this author might be considered beyond the realm of mortal understanding at times for creating these things, we, as viewers might not yet be. The duality of this story telling between the surreal and the rational is magical, and both parts are equally necessary to creating an experience quite unlike anything you will likely meet any time soon.
Third character: Pilot. Pilot is a charming creature who is a method to the Captains madness and a core part of the "romantically apocalyptic" vibe. A counterpoint to the attitude of Snippy, who instead of being rational about the Captains insanities, seeks to fullfill them to the best of his ability, resulting in perhaps even more mad concepts and results to fill the tasks. (highly romantic) The dynamic between the Captain who by any reasonable metric should not accept these things as anything remotely sane even if she was sane (which the story highly debates), treats him well, even accepting these things as canon for the story. The surreal often is the answer even if it would seem most illogical at times. This is something that is boringly missing from this world, where everything is sooo rational and logical, where you get penalties for imagination and creativity. Ahh, such fine wine.
Fourth character: Engie. This is another interesting dynamic, one that is further explored in midlater chapters which at the time of my writing doesn't come to play yet to the extend of my memory from where this thing was wholly publicly available. His purpose is to create dynamics between certain antagonistic features of the story, and the world, explaining, elaborating, contrasting, highlighting, challenging and cooperating with them. This is important, and personally I think a superb way to even higher romanticise the apocalyptic. There's a good tragic and beautiful interplay between his involvement in the more dramatic events of the worlds history, present and future. I would even say, that antagonistic features would not be alive without him, and would lack the necessary nuance to be deep.
These characters, now that they have been referenced, create something that frankly should not exist by any reasonable metric. It's the only way to transfer the feeling they give. You can't quite explain it, the whole dynamic is too intricate to even comprehend or put to simple terms or words, there's no comparisons like it in the known modern fictional history and world. It's magic. Unexplanatory, visually and artistically stunning, enhancing your perception of what could be, if you were mad enough to grasp that knowledge, like everything in this story. The dynamic is also inherently humorous, interesting and fun.
Story: there are quite a few things I want to point out about this without spoiling anything. First and foremost, the story is partly non-linear. Sometimes you progress forward the normal way, another time you progress backwards in time losing all understanding what is going on, while other times you get peeks to points of view of alternate characters, at alternating time periods, that give you information about things increasing your understanding. It's all a bit like a puzzle box. You try grasp it, you try make sense of it, and it's all so very fun to do. Or perhaps, it is very hard to do. My younger self would agree with that, unable to read the story. :) But. Within this non-linear mess is a piece of diamond. A world-image is created, with a rich history, a richer present, and a possibly even richer future. What this series creates, is "The Ultimate". It is the most apocalyptic world imaginative. Many artists try to create a post acopalyptic world. Some succeed. Some fail. Most of them stick to one reason the world has ended, or one way it shows today. Some stick with zombies. Another sticks with monsters. While the third has an AI apocalypse take place. This one lacks such simple vision. Instead of having a single world-setting element, it has multiple. No. It has them all. The cataclysmic events of past/future/present compete in their cataclysmicness, each trying to power play their own version of the end over the other. And while this would normally be a chaotic mess, suprisingly, in this extremely chaotic non-linear story it is the one thing that makes sense... for it is written superbly well. Lots of emphasis is given to showcasing exactly how this ruinated system works, its details and intricasies. It paints the most beautiful picture of the most sad world state, and its tragically broken beings existing in their own broken but beautiful ways in it. Sometimes this picture is painted with small brushes, adding a layer of information and sight to a single specific side character, let's say, a traffic lamp. Other times it showcases the terror and meaning behind nigh omnipotent beings playing chess with each other from the perspective of characters swept along the current.
All the while building the puzzle. And there's so many special pieces and concepts to fit in there, understand, add to the puzzle. At first, you don't even know what a DEX is. Who is this mysterious Eight? What does it mean to be a former Insurance Clerk, and why would anyone make their character such? Could it have hidden depth? Why is the machine code applicable to reality? What is reality? What is a Fractal Engine?? How apocalyptic can a greedy futuristic corporation get? All this will be answered to you, and all this is so tasty.
Style score, additionals: I rated this one pretty high, and there's mainly two reasons to it. At first, you could think this should be pretty low; the chapters are written in a non-standard book style, people talk in weird fancy ways, there's a random [system error] inserted into a normal sentence every now and then. But then you realize it all adds to the world building. It all servers a purpose of increasing intellectual incorporation and immersion to these characters and the world. It is an artistic choice. If you pay attention, say the mechanical aspect of the more non-human characters actually tells a lot of this world, if you understand, or pretend to understand anything of coding. Whichever alternating line you see that at first doesn't add up to your normal definitions of coherent literature has a meaning, and can for example prove to you if a server is down or not. On the other hand, you really get into the mindset of "logic" as defined by machine code when the more machine-like beings speak, or a peek into what a more infinite being would consider meaningful thought patterns. Frankly, I've never seen anyone make artificial code based intelligence seem more authentic. (or entertaining)
TL;DR
Grammar Score: as far as I can tell, there was no writing errors of any kind.
Character score: I think it's fair to give the 4,5. What I like about characters, and how I define them in general is that they need not only be well fleshed out, but "mind blowing" in some aspect or another, to tell something beyond this world of ours. To be that fleshed out. And while Captain is an archetypical GOD of a mad main character who secretly also is supersane, and deserves to carry the number up, the other 3 are less so. They also have too little character build-up (since the story is split to having them explained in retrospect only), and a little too fast paced viewpoints. Ultimately, they are quite speedran as characters go, if that makes sense.But there's nothing bad about them. And they fill their roles to nigh perfection. So. High score!
Story Score: 4/5 Style Score 5/5. this is a little tied with style score, Imma write them together.
Due to the fact the story as a worldbuild/intellect/concept design/narrative choices is absolutely glorious, and as artistry goes you can't blame a writer for writing obnoxiously epic design and choices for narrative telling, there's still the part of me that misses natural writing style and the coherence. Perhaps this missing could've been overwritten if it had found something to balance it out? I'm not sure. It goes to a territory where I know something is missing, but I can't quite pinpoint to the solution. I think, only a person who has mastered the art of insanity can say how to balance it out. I can still love the style. But I do think the story suffers a bit from it, and can be too rushed or too weird at times. The nonlinear part, where you get an "answer" to previous "incomprehensible" events is fun, and allows you the feel of figuring it out yourself first, and only then seeing the answer. (it's really fun), but it's also a little tiring and sometimes overwhelming.
All in all/Overall score, I define art by its intellectual merit, it's originality, the value of its concepts and imagination, how well it captures the essence of something in this world, it's emotional influence on me, it's mindblow effect, and it's charisma and themes. This thing gets a full 5 out of all of that, and everything I'd dislike it for is just me being not on its level. imo.
*SNIFF* ah, I sure do love the scent of pine trees.
Ok, so, since Im not very good at making loooong reviews that go in depth (lazy), I will instead say how this story is making me feel and Why!
First of ALL!
It's making me feel actually interested in it, story and it world wise(characters also). I feel like the place in time where this story is taking place is interesting. Since it's taking place in the apocalypse, the world's history has already happened, so following along with the cast along their journey is fun. And discovering how the world got so ruined is also a journey!
Second! It's funny.
Seeing how Snippy and Pilot bicker over things, and Snippy getting into all kinds of trouble is funny. So is Snippy trying to make sense of Captains shenanigans.
Third!!!
Curiosity. Im so very curious on what awaits them and what other bits of info on Annet and her other children we will get! Does she have more? If she does, how many? And why are all of them female? How did Zero come in contact with Ze Captain? Who is the girl who wished for the straw? Soo many questions! What Im more curious about is who/what is ze Captain? Is he Infy? Or is she something else?
Fourth!
Sad. Im sad that the story's ending is near. I know that the story will need to end at one point, but I don't want It to. I have become attached to the people in this story and I want to see what will happend after. After the end, after they reach their supposed goal. After what happens, happens.
And last but not least!
Fifth.
While it will be seen as contradictory, im also excited to see what will happen at the story's supposed end. It's been a journey, an enjoyable one at that. So while it is sad to know that the story might soon be ending, im happy that I have been able to experience It.
I've been reading RA as a translation since 2012, and it's been really fun, and it's great to have a new and more interesting story added. It's good to have a lot of new art added! Most of the Apocalypse genre I've seen is dark and serious, but RA is cheerful! That's why I liked it. Read the story carefully. Mentioned again in a later episode. Every little thing is a double track.
(Review Addition: (09/01/2022))
I have initially read a majority of the comic on the original website.
As a small addition to this review, take deep care into the note that this is filled with comedy and satire, what you see and get twists and turns. Cohesiveness of the narrative is solely based on how much you want to read into it. I'd say the best approach for this piece is to enjoy the experience rather than expect a handed out narrative. It's a community project that pulls at various parts and it's artistry alone is a beautiful level of merit. If you don't take everything super seriously it's an enjoyable time.
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(This review section was initially created 10/14/2020)
I got introduced to this comic through a haphazard chance of the various videos on the internet. The imagery of a strange creature amidst the fogs of barren wasteland was enough to inquire, what is this? Is there more? And to my delight there was. The style of Romantically Apocalyptic is rich and astonishing in visual care and detail. The amount of work to create each page is delicate and down to every corner of its creation, mixing in methods of real like photography, composition editing, and digital 3D additions. As a 3D Artist myself it is an inspiration to hold with care, as I have not seen many other artists use these methods for a comic before.
As for the narrative, it is a delightfully chaotic comedy with much reason! It is themed off of the remains of a world that have lost a sense of form and encapture that beautifully. The worldbuilding is sprinkled throughout the various humored scenes of character dilemma and interaction. The more you accept it's illogical scenarios, the more joy you have as you venture further down when it begins to elaborate on those same issues. Who says a comedy can't be intricate? This is exactly that.
The Grammar and structure of the readings are paced nicely, attributing creatively colored text for emphasis on character and their dictations. This becomes an important note as the point of view will change depending on the subject in focus. As long as you are paying attention, there's very few moments of being lost (at least as long as it was not intentionally lost to begin with).
My absolute favorite aspect is the characters of this narrative, of which I enjoyed everyone in detail. They are always intriguing and unique in their reactions to each other, contrasting perspectives, and goals in life. Navigating this world wouldn't have the same feeling without them, and it provides the comedic moments that make me smile on every page. They have a very nice character development arc as we continue further into the story, so I highly suggest giving it a decent read in to enjoy these developments fully.
In simplicity, if you are one to embrace chaos with open arms in a world that's falling apart around you with no sense of reason, this is definitely a great read for you.
I've been a fan of Romantically Apocalyptic for 6 or 7 years now, ever since a coworker of mine introduced me to the comic via the force of nature that is Zee Captain. The first few pages and I was hooked.
Overall it's a delightful ride driven by the visual storytelling of small little surreal sequences that weave together into a larger story that ties it all back together.
Style wise the story is told from multiple perspectives in a journal form which does well to put you in the world of the characters, and the art is nothing short of cinematic in execution. Vitaly uses a combination of photographs and matte painting to compose the scenes and colalborates with other artists to create truly wonderful imagery that carries the apocalyptic themes and executes them in a literally romantic style.
The story seems straightforward at first but as the chapters progress the story behind the setting starts to make itself known, and like the nature of much of the imagery, it's fractal, more and more details and nuance can be seen the deeper you look into things. It takes a while but soon you realize who really has the grip on reality and who doesn't.
The characters are memorable and likeable, from Charles Snippy, the sniper and tour guide who the perspectives revolve around, to the childlike pilot who definately is one of a kind in any setting, to the enigmatic Engie who's quiet meek disposion hides his actual influence in the world itself. You meet many relatable minor characters as well, from the lovestruck streetlamp to the dutiful elevator button, its obvious each has been given love an attention from the author.
Nothing much needs to be said about Zee Captain I think, zee is.. Zee!
I'm super excited about the new additions, having seen bits and peices in various roleplay settings rolled into the main deal is quite a treat! Take a read and enjoy!
Romantically Apocalyptic - a personal review
I originally started reading the Romantically Apocalyptic webcomic back in 2011 and have been wonderfully confused and bewildered throughout.
Reading it here again again lets me be dazed and amazed all over again.
The story makes you feel lost at times which makes you sympathize with one of our main protagonists as the confusion you feel reflects their own. The blending of the words with the mind blowing imagery builds a magnificent world where some things are so close to our own experience but then we look around the corner and find that none of it is true, or all of it is true, or both at the same time.
Not for the faint of heart or feeble of mind, though the later might have a better chance as they are used to things not being clear.
The characters are more animated then some people I know even when the character is inanimate. For an existence in which most everything has died the story that unfolds .. unfurls .. collapses on itself and vise versa or verse visa is very very lively.
I do very much wish that the constant pressure in my templates would subside …
Amazing creative story with beautiful radiant art keeps you wanting to read more and more. Humorous, entertaining, engaging, a true pleasure to read.
At times the story lapses into hilarious nonsensical asides, and at times follows an overarching insane and creative story that the Author takes places you can hardly imagine - Lovecraftian nightmares ironically put into visual medium.
If you're at all interested in the postapocalyptic setting and comical stories and visuals, you'll love Romantically Apocalyptic!