Dresden Codak
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| Dresden Codak | |
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| Author(s) | Aaron Diaz |
| Website | http://www.dresdencodak.com/ RSS |
| Current status | Monthly |
| Launch date | June 8, 2005 |
| Genre(s) | Science, humor |
Dresden Codak is a webcomic written and illustrated by Aaron Diaz. Described by Diaz as a "celebration of science, death and human folly," each comic generally focuses on a concept or theory from modern and postmodern philosophy, psychology, or science (particularly quantum physics). Concepts are presented with a surreal degree of reality, generally to the chagrin of its chief protagonist, Kimiko. For example, in "Summer Dream Job", Kimiko is given a job in her dreams, for which she receives payment in real life. Before long, dark-suited government agents arrive and inform her that she is profiting from creative energy without her ideas being processed by Corporate America.[1] and therefore violating federal labor laws.
Dresden Codak is a founding member of the alternative webcomic collective, Koala Wallop.
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[edit] Protagonists
- Kimiko "Thunderbolt" Ross: The most commonly recurring character in the strip, she often uses science and technology that is beyond what we currently possess to solve simple problems [2]. She has a particular knack for manipulating spacetime. As an INTP,[3] she generally seems to deal with extraordinary circumstances (speaking to an Egyptian god about the superposition of Schrödinger's cat)[4] better than mundane ones (speaking to boys).[5]
- Rupert & Hubert: A pair of Victorian intellectuals who have moved to a magical palace on the moon to escape the insincerity of the world's leaders.[6] They are less frequently recurring than the staple characters of the comic, and spend their time discussing scientific issues in the surreal manner typical of the comic.[7]
- Dmitri Tokamak: A friend and assumed classmate [8] of Kimiko's who can usually be found admiring her scientific feats [9][10] or engaging in video games [11] or table-top RPGs [12] with Kimiko and his twin sister,
- Alina Tokamak: Twin sister of Dmitri and friend to Kimiko. The Tokamak twins are, cosmetically, loosely inspired by Captain and Mary Marvel
[edit] Themes and influences
Tiny Carl Jung, a miniaturized version of the famous psychiatrist, appears as a recurring character.[13] Although Jungian concepts and themes often appear in modern popular culture (see Carl Jung#Influences on culture), this is likely the first time Carl Jung's likeness itself has appeared as a recurring character.
"Phantoms of a Lost Muse" is an homage to one of the artist's greatest influences, the webcomic A Lesson Is Learned But The Damage Is Irreversible.
[edit] Reception
The comic has been well-received in the webcomics community at large, having "considerable reserves of storytelling and artistry" with the influence of A Lesson Is Learned upon the story and art styles noted.[14] It is a favourite of The Perry Bible Fellowship creator Nicholas Gurewitch.[15] The comic's highbrow patter is distinctive: internet pundit Lore Sjoberg described it as "Little Nemo in Higher Education Land."[16], while the pseudo-Victorian pseudoscience of "Traversing the Luminiferous Aether" amused the editors of the science magazine Seed.[17]
[edit] Awards
[edit] Nominations
- 2007 Web Cartoonist's Choice Awards Nominee for Outstanding Layout.[18]
[edit] See also
- Koala Wallop
- Dresden Codex
