Endtown by Aaron Neathery for August 30, 2011

well, wally, at least she left the door open for your return…

So….is Holly now going to be MIA, or sneak out on the mission as well…what would that little mouse do…Sneak out! the poster tells us…maybe…maybe not…

Neathery has a genuine story telling ability, which I for one greatly appreciate.

I confess to surprise, for our waitress’s eyes Had a feeling of “calling it quits” That she’d been hurt too much, yet allowed one more touch And again felt her heart torn to bits But she’s wiser than I, and just couldn’t stand by For goodbyes, so just went a safe distance Now she’s found a solution: she’ll grant absolution But he should put up some resistance! She has said it’s okay, but he might rue the day That he followed guilt out of her door I can only surmise that he’s made his goodbyes On the back of the note on the floor Too late now, our Wally has realized that Holly’s A miss who’s as good as a mile And one more bit of mystery shows Holly’s history Has many goodbyes — but her smile Had healed Wally’s heart. It is sure a good start And in turn he’d been healing her back But he’s gone. Not forever, perhaps, but he never Has carried a heavier pack =|====/ Level Head

Typo alert, Aaron – 3rd panel. You have the letter saying “I’ve said it far too many in six years.”

You mean

“I’ve said it far too many TIMES in six years.”

Nay no typo in 3rd panelit just adds character

Love is Immortal! For once born, it can never die.

Wally may feel the sting of remorse for his actions; but he knows that he has the love of the one he loves to come home to. For Love’s sake, a man will move mountains and endure the cruelest of tortures. He is more fortunate than he realizes.

Good Show Aaron! This is the beauty that separates your work from mere comic strips. This is the nobility of the heart that is missing from so much of our “entertainment”. We, who are your fans, are honored to enjoy your work. I look forward to the years to come.

..damned if you do..damned if you don’t…

I admit that the letter was very emotional to me.

Love the symbology of the backpack in the last strip. That prop has taken on real significance. Great job again, Aaron.

Wow

Now lets hope he actually returns (he will, most likely. But in a strip where anyone can die, you never know). At least Holly will be waiting for him.

I wonder if he searched that backpack before he left, it is just about mousie sized. I wouldn’t put it past that gutsy little rodent to stow away.

Good point,arkaine. Nobody can clear out that fast unless they have nothing to begin with. She very well could have stowed away.

I don’t know. There’s a chance, but I’m thinking it’s kind of small, even for her. And there would have to be nothing in the bag for her to fit.

Read the letter, I think I’m gonna cry now. If you love something, let it go. If it returns its yours forever. If it doesn’t it was never yours from the start.

Someone cue up “Hooked On Romance” #1(1980). I’m filling with tears form reading that message.

Posters (and Aaron Neathery). I’ve read all the story lines: “A Fistful Of Beans” & “Gustine’s Quest” (2009-2011) to the “The Ballad of Holly and Wally” (January 2011-Present). Aaron, I have a title for this present storyline: Simply call it “The Rocket”.

@crystalwizard Not a typo. The second statement is referencing the word “goodbyes” from the previous statement. She’s saying she’s “said too many goodbyes in six years”.

@Obern

Yep, she fit in the suitcase and still had room to pitch out pebbles. I have always heard that mousies can fit through the smallest openings and squeeze into the tightest spots. She doesn’t seem to be the type to just let Wally go by himself, and she seems smart enough to know that he and Flask would never allow her to go along. I think she’s sneakin’.

I’ve only one thing to say.You’d best return, boyo.

Wally’s face shows a progression from unhappiness to despair.Excellent artwork, Aaron. (BUT I’m still unhappy!)Aaron, you’re breaking my heart.

KUTGW,

Noreen

This storytelling is classic. It’s full-throated, eight-cylinder Neathery shifting into top gear. You have to remember that Endtown is a refugee camp in a war zone. It’s full of hurt and damaged people, and Wally and Holly are two of them, trying to make meaning of their lives after all familiar meaning was torn away. They’re recreating humanity from the inside out. They are both good-hearted people, and their conflict began precisely because of their good actions. The brilliance of the tale hangs on that point. Two people died because Wally was not prepared to take life. Wally carries that burden, and not lightly. And as a former long-term survivalist topside, he knows that when Endtown is fighting for existence, it needs more than just another street-sweeper. The need to contribute by going on a mission is partly to make amends for the two deaths on his conscience, but it’s also because this is something he knows has to be done. He is needed. To turn his back on it would let so many people down. He is now torn between two hurts, and as a good-hearted person, he is bewilderingly in a no-win situation.Holly ventured her own good heart to a rough-looking, wild refugee with a gentle soul. She doesn’t deserve to lose him, and I so feel for her. She has the innate dedication of a healer by vocation. She is driven by the need to make hurt go away. When she spoke angrily to the recruiting security officer, it was her fear and pain driving her fury. Her reserves of solace were at zero, and she was desperately clinging to the last piece that had been offered to her. I was heartened by her letter. Having had a chance to cool down, she was more conciliatory. She knew Wally was pursuing his course for good aims. She still recognises his good heart, and of course, her heart is good as well.Two good people. Now, here come the conflict and crisis. Fasten seat belt.

Arron? Given your mastery of such story telling, you could do it in any medium you chose! And do it brilliantly. I am very greatful you do it this way. You can evoke emotion so beautifully!!!Thank you!!!!!

Holly has stowed away in luggage before.

ya got to love that mouse.