Candi (webcomic)
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| Candi | |
|---|---|
 Artwork, Candi 2004. |
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| Author(s) | Starline Xiomara Hodge |
| Website | http://www.candicomics.com/, http://zoo.nightstar.net//viewforum.php?f=91 |
| Update schedule | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday |
| Launch date | June 25, 2004 [1] |
Candi is a Keenspot webcomic by Starline Xiomara Hodge. It is about a college student studying art (the eponymous Candi) and her friends. It has a weekly update schedule of Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
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[edit] Art style
The art style, throughout its two year run, has been fairly constant, but always had room for improvements. It has always had heavy anime influences, prominent in the big eyes and facial expressions. But as the comic strip developed in its two year run, more realistic proportions have been introduced. The comparison (shown right) shows an older strip versus a newer strip. Whereas the older strip had almost a complete anime look, the newer strip has a more American look to it, having more of a realistic look to the face. Another example in improvement was the constant use of chibi in the earlier comic strips. The earliest ones had the chibi style used almost all the time, whereas the newer ones usually drop the style altogether to form more realistic facial expressions and body movements. Even though the art style is fairly constant, there have been instances where quality was dropped in favour of quantity, more so in the comic intervals.
[edit] Plot
The comic strip is currently separated into 14 different chapters, each focusing a new theme on love, relationships, school, and life. A chapter usually consists of 18 comic strips (4 weeks).
[edit] Introduction to characters
The first few chapters of the story focus on setting up the characters of the story and the relationships between them. It is here when we are introduced to Candi, Laura, Linda, Jon, Alex, Jessica, and the rest of the scholarship house. Candi and Laura took Art Classes together with Professor Fitzgibbons, whom Candi has grown a dislike for because of their different taste in what in considered "art". Candi and Alex are a couple, being paired up since high school. Jon has a crush on Candi, stirring up some relationship struggles between Alex and Jon. Jon even goes up to buying Candi a present, but keeping the sender anonymous. Upon coming back from school one day, a ferret sneaks into Laura's backpack, making its way to the scholarship house. The rest of the gang figure it out, and Candi names it Menjou, keeping it as her pet. It is here when most of the major characters are set up, allowing the story to continue.
[edit] Relationship set-ups
A flashback of events that happened before college, when Candi builds up the courage to ask Alex out. It is here when the reader learns that Candi knows Jon had feelings for her, but she chose to ignore it up until now. The stuffed animal that Jon got for Candi traveled its way from character to character being carried by Menjou, the house's pet ferret, causing a minor fuss within the scholarship house. It is here when Candi tries to get a part-time job from Trevor, a close friend. When Candi can't find privacy at her own scholarship house, she stays the night at Alex's. The first minor argument between the two happens, when they both argue about not being suitable to be engaged yet.
[edit] Turning point
Trevor invites Candi to a rave party he is going to in a few days. Candi accepts his invitation, but wants Alex to come to make her feel safer. Alex can't, because of his tight schedule and final exams coming up. Jon volunteers to go with Candi, but as friends. At the night of the Rave Party, Candi and Jon see Trevor 'dance' with another guy, unaware of Laura, who came with Trevor. Candi and Jon decide to keep this a secret and not tell anybody since it is none of their business. Jon drinks a cup of water that has been drugged, and kisses Candi spontaneously as a result. However, he is completely unaware of this the next morning. The next day, Laura finds out about Trevor dating someone else, but she has no idea who. They talk, and Trevor asks if Laura feels angry if he were to date someone else. Laura, embarrassed, tells Trevor that she couldn't care less. This is the turning point when well made relationships fall into a struggle where the plot gets more complicated, allowing further character development.
[edit] School
During this time, the story focuses on school more than relationships. Candi is required to volunteer a specific number of hours to pass her Art Class. She stumbles upon Chris, an old friend that's volunteering at a Youth Center. She decides to work here to show Chris that she's matured since High School. When Alex finishes his Final Exams, he sets up a date with Candi, on which Linda stumbles on. The two grown a big dislike over each other, and Linda tries to get in between the two. A new character is also introduced to the plot: Jessica's self-proclaimed brother. Jessica is in rage when she sees that he is "freed" from a mental institute. Although what exactly happened is unclear at this point, it can be said that the two had problems growing up together.
[edit] Character development
From the Rave Club, Laura gets suspicious about Trevor's girlfriend. She seeks to find out, and when she does at Moonbucks, a local coffee shop, she finds out that Trevor is bisexual. Trevor is dating Matt, a guy at Moonbucks. In rage, she and Trevor get in an argument and it is here when we find out about Laura's intentions to get in-between them. Linda ponders Candi and Alex's relationship more, learning even more secrets and trying to get in-between them. Alex begins to not feel bitter toward Linda anymore. In the middle of all of this, Laura interrupts the relationship between Trevor and his boyfriend, Matt, by getting a part time job at Moonbucks, the local coffee store. Later, Candi oversees Jon giving a girl his phone number after going to the art store to get supplies. Jon says that her name is Rebecca, and they are apparently getting together for a project. Candi seems to be a little curious and maybe a little jealous at first, but chooses to ignore her feelings as she did before. In the end, through the constant interferences with Alex and Linda, they get in a big argument over Candi's brand new iPod.
[edit] Secrets revealed
In this point of the story, the intentions of the characters' plans spill out when the girls are on a party, drunk and all. Candi invites Linda for lunch at Sisi's, and Linda suggests they go to a "Girls Night Out," to "dance and get drunk." Candi and Linda end up inviting Laura and Jessica. Jessica usually doesn't go out, but realizes she should work on her relationships after Jon told her that she had no friends. Upon arriving at the club, Jessica lightens up even more and forgets about Jon's unintentionally cruel remark. It is here that Jessica tells Linda to stop messing around with Candi and Alex's relationship, but Linda ignores this advice and tries to figure out what Candi sees in Alex. Laura breaks down and leaves Trevor a message while she is drunk, asking him why he won't have sex with her.
[edit] Relationship development
In the beginning of the new chapter, "Dates", we discover that Rebecca is Matt's sister. Jon and Rebecca have arranged a date, while Trevor and Matt have arranged dates too. Alex calls up Candi and arranges a date with her as well, taking her to the local bat house. When they get back, they fight over unnecessary matters, partially due to the relationship breaking down. Candi ends up crying and abandoing the date. Meanwhile, Jessica openly tells Candi that she's always had a crush on Chris. We also see a little bit of Jessica's brother spying on Jon and Jessica, but as of yet it is unknown what his purpose is for. Recently, Matt discovered Menjou "dead" in his cage. When he shows him to Jon, Jon only reveals that he was only sleeping. Also, there has been some more tension with Candi and Alex on the other side of the house. Alex is shown in the comic with his arm around Linda and on his other side, a clearly upset Candi.
[edit] Cast
[edit] College students
[edit] CandiCandi is a college student studying art courses. She lives in a scholarship house with 5 other roommates. Candi is laid back, but always has a positive outlook on life, despite the concern of boys, school, and friends. She is currently dating Alex. Candi has a postitive outlook on life and an optimistic personality. She likes to see her friends and co-workers happy in favour of her's. She hates conflict and will always try to prevent it, this makes Candi very concerned for her friends. She is very open minded to try out new things, based on her strong judgement from her friends. Candi and Alex have been together since high school, but recently their relationship have been getting a little rocky. |
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[edit] AlexAlex is Candi's boyfriend since high school. Her devotion towards Alex amazes many people, such as Linda. He is not living in the scholarship house with the rest of Candi's friends, but visits often. Alex is very judgemental, and often needs the full support and devotion from his friends to trust them. However, he is very prone to girls, especially Candi and Linda. Despite all the exciting times he is willing to have, his classes are always first. Alex has been seeing Linda, merely as study buddies, to whom Candi was unaware of. Since then, their relationship has been very rocky.
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[edit] LauraLaura is Candi's roommate. Laura is very outgoing, and often sets aside school, and even friends for her nightlife. She is very protective of those close to her, and can get very angry if things don't go quite her way. Despite her having a good reputation, she can easily betray someone for the better cause. Laura, like Candi, is very open minded and open to try new things based on her own judgement. Laura will always attempt to get what she aspires, and she will do anything to accomplish her goal. This includes breaking relationships, getting behind other people, and She doesn't say where she's going out to very much, but she likes to go out often. She's has a very ambitious personality and doesn't put up without a fight. Laura also has a very demanding personality.
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[edit] LindaLinda is one of the college students living in the scholarship house. Linda and Candi take art classes together. She is very subtle about everything, and not open to try many things. Therefore, Linda has never been in a serious relationship, which she has almost no knowledge about. Linda is amazed at Candi's devotion to her boyfriend, Alex. Linda is also very demanding on what she wants, like Laura. Linda will go as far as completely destroying relationships with the power of rumours and seduction to get what she aspires. Despite her not having a serious relationship with a guy, Linda and Candi get along very well.
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[edit] JonJon is one of Candi's roommates in her scholarship house. Although it is known that Jon has had a crush on Candi, Jon has been recently seeing Rebecca, a classmate of his, and a partner for a class project. Even though it is now known that Rebecca and him are dating, he still shares feelings with Candi, Candi saying that she enjoys getting attention from Jon. His personality is such that he is a nice guy who can't seem to say no to people, especially girls. Candi has told him this many times, but he says he doesn't mind if she takes advantage of him.
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[edit] JessicaJessica is another college student living in the scholarship house. She is the first one in her family to attend college, so she takes her work and her time very seriously. Her determination is focused on one primary objective - schoolwork, which she favours most of the time than going out. She has a quick temper, easily getting enraged. Ever sine she's been self-conscious about her social skills, she's been trying to fix herself. She often favours education over going out, which a lot of her friends tend to do to opposite. This gives Jessica a bitter personality, as she's the only one that wants to focus on schoolwork so hard. However, she has been more open about her thoughts after she started to spend more time with Candi, and has even told her about her crush on Chris.
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[edit] TrevorTrevor's is a roommate at the scholarship house. Trevor's father owns the scholarship house, so Trevor doesn't have to live there but chooses to because most of his friends live there. Trevor was also the first one in the scholarship house to get a job, and has introduced Candi to many new pastimes. Trevor is very laid back, making his schoolwork his last priority. He has been closed about his sexuality, but has been more open about it now that it is known to everyone. Trevor is openly bi-sexual. Laura was his self-proclaimed girlfriend, even though Trevor considers this just as a friendly relationship.
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[edit] Other Major Characters
[edit] MenjouMenjou is an anthropomorphic, telepathic ferret that travelled in Linda's backpack while running away from the Squirrel Mafia. Menjou is Candi's pet, and plays with her often. Menjou can fly for reasons that are unknown. He tries to escape from the campus, but can't because of the squirrels interfering. Instead, he makes himself at home at the scholarship house with Candi and friends. Menjou was recently found deceased in his cage by Matt, but he turned out to be only sleeping (to the great chagrin of the Squirrel mafia). |
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[edit] Matt
Matt works at Moonbucks, a local coffee store. Laura has been spending time with Matt and got a job through him, even though she was only using him to get to Trevor. He is also Trevor's boyfriend whom he met at a rave.
However, over this course of time, she became friends with Matt, and abandoned her attempt to sabotage Trevor's relationship using him. During Jon and Rebecca's first date, Jon learns that Matt is Rebecca's brother.
[edit] Rebecca
Rebecca is a fairly new character who lives in another house with her brother, Matt, and roommate, Kari. She is also a fellow student in Jon's college classes.
Rebecca and Jon had first paired up for a project, but have often been seeing each other apart from projects. Thus, they have been dating recently. However, this has not dampened Jon's old feelings for Candi.
[edit] Chris
Chris is a friend of Candi's since high school. He is the star quarterback at the University, and volunteers at a local youth center because his coach suggested it. He loves all the attention and power that is a result of all that, but he's well aware that its superficial and can drop as quickly as getting badly injured on the field.
During high school, Chris used to tease Candi, by calling her names and harassing her. Chris still has these traits, and often teases Candi again, as they volunteer together a the youth center together. It has been recently stated that Jessica has a crush on Chris.
[edit] Professor Fitzgibbons
Professor Fitzgibbons is the college art professor that teaches both Candi and Linda. However, he does not appreciate Candi's cartoon and anime influenced art styles, and often at times gives Candi a bad grade for it.
Candi has grown a big dislike for him as he takes his work far too seriously than most art professors at school. Pretty much, he could be described as the art teacher from hell.
- Professor Fitzgibbons quotes himself as: "I am a wonderer attempting to make art. Art is substance. I am Art."
[edit] Candi Store
A Candi Store recently opened [2] at the official website after months of work. A poll was given on the Keenspot on what merchandise should go on the store. Many suggested graphic novels, T-Shirts, and plushies, but as of yet, the Candi Store only has bookmarks and pins on sale. Funds go to support the CandiComic team.
A donation wallpaper has gone up on the website since early May '06. It is a nicely detailed wallpaper in 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x854, 1280x854, 1280x1024, and 1600x1200 for the Desktop. A minimal donation of $1.00 US would get a reader the wallpaper of the month. The current wallpaper is of Candi in underwear.
Previous wallpapers include:
- Candi in the likeliness of Beyonce.
- Candi in the likeliness of Sora from Kingdom Hearts 2.
The comic's also done some work to advertise itself. There is a Candi street team that helps advertises the website locally and online. A .pdf file of a Candi advertisement is available on the street team website [3] to print out and post in local places. Fans would then take a picture of the advertisement, in which then the author would send the reader a free "sticker" or "pin" from the Candi Store. Pictures go up on 'Candi Around The World' [4] section of the website.
[edit] Reception & controversy
The webcomic is fairly new, having started in June 2004. Although fairly new to the internet webcomic industry, it has gained a stable fanbase. Partly because of the constant update schedule and the author's interaction with fans.
A spark of controversy surrounded the comic strip of June 6, 2006 [5], where the barber addresses Candi as an outsider because she cannot speak Spanish well. Some more controvesy stirred up when a user accused the author for making money off of her monthly donation wallpaper (July), when it was originally by Bruce Timm [7]. However, the author has repeadetly stated that she has given Bruce Timm credit.
[edit] Trivia
- A complete list of cameos from other webcomics in Candi can be found here at Dragoneers.
- Although the author censors out coarse language, there have been instances when the word 'shit' has been left uncensored [8], while the comic strip four issues later censors it [9].
- The author uses Photoshop to colour her comic strips. A tutorial can be found on the site.[6]
- The author owns a ferret in real life.
- While it is never explicitly stated, the setting for the webcomic is the University of Florida, which the author attended. Homages to UF include the Bathouse and the girls riding on the "Lator Gator" bus route when returning home from a night partying. The official UF colors (Orange and Blue) can occasionally be seen in the strip as well.
- Through the webcomic pre-planning stage, the comic set place in a high school.
- Many elements in the pre-comic are used in the comic strip today, including characters and their personas.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Author's Portfolio - http://www.starlinehodge.com
- Author's DeviantArt - http://starlinehodge.deviantart.com/
- Candi's LiveJournal - http://candi-jane.livejournal.com/
- Candi Gallery - http://packy.dardan.com/walky/candi
- Candi on ComixPedia - http://www.comixpedia.org/index.php/Candi
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