Whitechapel - FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:11:14-07:00

It's Friday, it's FREAKANGELS.

Morning, Whitechapel. Today's apparently the kickoff to NYCC -- check in there if you're there, or here with how and what you're doing instead?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:16:29-07:00

hell yeah... getting very intriguing and the raising of the tension is painful... awesome.

I'm in an office block in Docklands, testing our disaster recovery centre, ie a big empty office that sits there in case we lose our main one. there's five of us in this separate suite, which would be used for corporate comms and informaton gathering, and it's bloody freezing, far colder than outside, and we all have coats on. Clearly we're meant to imagine the next ice age has hit.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:18:31-07:00

I enjoyed the look of rage on page two, and most of all, the colors. Wow.

I'm in Rome, and am going to celebrate a week off of school by going on an 90+ minute commute to buy English language comics.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:19:45-07:00

Bloody Hell. Cat + Pigeons.

I'm good, if tired. Our first son, Warren Edwin, was born on Monday and we took him home on Wednesday. Last night was immensely better than the first, so fingers crossed he's happy :)

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:23:27-07:00

Happy Friday everyone.

Cliffhanger!

When Warren mentioned he was ill ( get well soon) I thought we would be having a skip.

Boy was I wrong.

@dan kelly hearty congratulations on the birth of your son. I am afraid that if my experience is anything to go by 'tired' is your new middle name.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:26:26-07:00

Well, shit.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:29:14-07:00

Unless I missunderstood, mark is afraid of something, and now an american helicopter shows up. I want to put two and two together, but I won't until I see it. I do hope that is the americans in the helicopter, so maybe, we can get an idea of how the world outside of england is dealing with the situation.

I'm in Philadelphia. Its my day off so I'm just looking to the clock until baseball starts up today.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:29:39-07:00

BRAAAAAAINS.

Last panel had me going "awwwwwwwwwwwwfffffffffffffff kinell" for about a full minute. This ain't gonna end well.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:34:45-07:00

Is it synchronicity that "I'm Afraid Of Americans" was the last song I heard?

@Dan: Mazel tov!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:35:22-07:00

My braaaains are full of scary thoughts.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:39:43-07:00

Page five is fucking brilliant. Thank you for that, Warren.

I'm about to go to bed at about 4:40 in the morning down here in Hell's Dingleberry, though it's cool off significantly after quite a few of the stormy clouds made their way through. They were with the storming, for certain.

Goodnight.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T04:42:13-07:00

Fucking hell. That is all.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:00:19-07:00

Yeah, that last page/panel: "Oh, FUCK ME. YARGH."

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:02:29-07:00

Fuck me. All this buildup I've been thinking "what could there be in Ruined Britain that Mark is afraid of?"
Silly of me.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:07:58-07:00

Made me think...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:13:37-07:00

@ texture - yeah, that, or a bunch of Playboy bunnies are going come out and do a dance on the ruined Millenium Dome...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:23:30-07:00

That was bloody amazing.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:30:11-07:00

The Americans are coming!

I was wondering if the Big Bad Coming would be some sort of evil American Empire thingy, but then I figured "post-apocalyptic American Empire" is a bit of a cliche and I'd hate it to be that.

But then again, it could be a mystically powered American Freakangel Corps. You know, TRAINED freakangels rather than a bunch of bratty, undisciplined, incestuous and self-destructive hobknobs. Now *that* would prove interesting.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:35:40-07:00

Oh wait, Arkady will be the only one left standing? Does that mean she was the only one that didn't get an upgrade, i.e. Luke got one too? Or is it that Arkady is further up ahead than Connor which means he can't do anything for her but can for all the others? Or is he saying that because Luke is already passed out?

A very tiring week, this was, with what a lot of work happening in big bursts, ALL at the SAME time, while I'm also looking for a flat. But hey, Saturday!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:54:47-07:00

TITS

~~CHOPPERS~~ AMERICA

OH MY GOD FREAKANGELS

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T05:56:27-07:00

Thought I'd join before we ran out of comic. Been reading for a few months now, and don't think I've been this excited yet. Thank you for the clever reference, texture, I really hope it won't be anything like that, though. Is Connor expecting that knocking out all the Freakangels bar Arkady as helicopters approach a good thing? They could totally stop a helicopter with their normal, non-enhanced powers.

Also, Sirkka is pretty! And very sexy.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T06:03:09-07:00

Good morning, everybody. Every week, the suspense kills me. How long until they'll wake up? I don't remember Arkady passing out after, but I guess it has been a while.

I'm on vacation, starting today. Of course I could not sleep in. Have a great day, everyone.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T06:05:51-07:00

FOOK!!!

I had a feeling in my gut that something like this was going down. The big question - what/who the hell is in the chopper?!

I can has next Friday please?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T06:07:04-07:00

I love how Connor's stepped up and the contrast with Mark's (& other's) expectations of Connor. Contra Mark's 'you never plan', Connor's always had plans but things have never been so desperate that he's been had to execute his plans. There's always been someone more assertive to take the lead, until now. Now, in the space of a few minutes, Connor's assessed the state of the Whitechapel gang, the implications of upgrade and how to execute it (ha!), the threat posed by Mark, and his motivations, and singled Miki out as the principle figure while he's passed out. And articulated "it's about everyone else, not us".

I love this free ice-cream. What's the best way to show my gratitude and reward you? Buy anything with Warren or Paul's name on it? Buy something specific with Warren and Paul's name on it?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T06:30:51-07:00

After relentless searching of wikipedia it is a US Military Helicopter due to the insignia, and it is a Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King, which means that it is most likely the US Marine Corps in possible joint operation with the US Navy. Awesome.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T06:35:01-07:00

I am hearting Connor rather a lot. Braaaains? Hmm. Zombie 'Merkins, then..?

Alright here in the armpit of the midlands ta, debating pasta or rice for lunch. *wave*

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T06:47:53-07:00

I've just been OD-ing on 'Plants vs Zombies'

.... and then I get hit with full panel 'BRAAAINS' !!!!???

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T06:50:40-07:00

My question (after I got done with my AW CRAP moment) is how Mark knew so far in advance that this was coming. Did he do something or say something to the wrong people during his gun running activities? It's been YEARS since the crash, and it's a single helicopter (so far). How long until the pilot is in range of mind-reading?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T06:52:55-07:00

Well at least we'll know how things fared on the other side of the big wet.

Closed on our house on Monday. Just had the plumbing fixed today.

Ah, ownership.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:22:52-07:00

The Yanks are coming!

The end of a busy week. At the beginning of the busy week I had a health check and the Doc described me as a walking stroke, so now I need lots more checks. Off to meet William Gibson tomorrow!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:23:03-07:00

Nipples & Helicopters are a good way to bookend an episode.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:25:01-07:00

Most likely the Navy, actually. Now, the SH-3 does not have the range to cross the Atlantic without multiple mid-air fuelings. I think it's more likely from an American military base in Europe, and if I had to guess past that, I'd go with Germany. Now the really bad news is, these helicopters are sometimes equipped with nuclear weapons, which could really give "can't die" a workout.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:29:35-07:00

Anyone else notice that the Americans appear on page 666 of the comic? Coincidence...?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:31:51-07:00

Absolutely amazing final panels; loved that 'focus, focus, oh shit' sequence!
Also thought Paul's drawing of Sirkka was so beautiful - not to sound too pervy but not all artists get a relaxed woman's breasts right and he just nailed it; gorgeous!

Bit of a turmoiled week here with family matters and my blood pressure is still a cause for (mostly wifely) concern. But I just heard I had a paper with a student accepted for the best journal in my field, so I'm very happy (and surprised, given how negative the initial referees' reports were). Hey ho, into the weekend we go ...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:37:35-07:00

Bloody heck!!!!!
I love episodes like this, where the thought of a skip week just makes me cry.
Nice to see Connor coming into his own.

I have baked the mother of all chocolate cakes to console myself after the writing class I was looking falward to all week was cancelled.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:37:51-07:00

THE YANQUIS ARE COMING!!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:45:59-07:00

Damn, what a way to start the day. First this brilliant new coffee, Freakangels and then look out my window and see this...

Good way to lead off a Friday, I say.

I've been wondering if the Alice sequence over the past few weeks was in regard to something latent still in her programming or something she sees coming. Mystery over!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:53:25-07:00

Pffft. I'll go ahead and skip politeness.

Paul, thank you for Sirkka. Absolutely delicious work.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:56:39-07:00

DUN DUN DUUUUNNN

a bit of gratuitous (albeit well done) nudity there mr. ellis?

keeps the fanboys happy I suppose, and I guess the other side of the readership had gratuitous nudity back when luke was getting clobbered by trashcan lids...although I don't think anyone found that very enjoyable (luke isn't very pretty).

American military choppers. le sigh.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T07:59:35-07:00

Spent the week locked in mortal combat with full grown trees, subterranean rodents, rusted hulks, and double garage doors. I feel like I've been dragged behind a car for a mile. And then backed up over again.

Which is pretty much how I think our 'Angels are going to be feeling here in a short bit, eh? Especially Conner.

Somehow I had a feeling that the Americans were coming. It's the only truly terrible thing I could think of that might actually shake up someone as arrogant as Mark. Okay, that or Cthulhu. But I was pretty sure it wasn't going to be Cthulhu.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T08:04:33-07:00

Well, the world ended because they decided to kill the Freakangels, and they reacted.
Did they learned the lesson or they only took the time to come in with a better idea to definitely kill the Freakangels? Maybe this is what they were doing silently on the other side of the globe.
But this doesn't seems like American Army. Just because American Army doesn't come with a single chopper, they come in packs, or as usual, massively huge packs. In the case of Freakangels, I'd expect a nuclear warhead from them, afraid as they are. Maybe some small independent group just obtained an American chopper?
Hmmmmmmm... Curiosity is increasing. Damn you, Warren. I know you like so much to do it.
Waiting for next friday, can't do nothing else.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T08:07:39-07:00

Is it synchronicity that "I'm Afraid Of Americans" was the last song I heard?

Funny. I was hearing "AAAAMEEEERICAAAAAAAAA! FUCK YEA!!!!"

There goes the neighborhood.

And I would also like to thank Paul for the beautiful Sirka panels. Boobies....

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T08:10:38-07:00

Sirka is now my fave freakangel ;),the recent developments have changed my opinion of Connor considerably.
Just finished work,have had a tough week working in a service for people with learning disabilties in which resources/staff numbers are inadequate. Also been coping with supporting my partner who is recovering from major surgery.
Having said that I am feeling surprisingly positive.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T08:15:30-07:00

Maybe it's just the time-bending bollocks? Perhaps there was a big flash, the US sent their nearest helicopter over to see what it was, and it's just taken several years to get there (in London time). OTOH, that's starting to sound a bit Lost-ish, though the idea that the big new threat is the revelation that the rest of the world is fine and still wants them dead, entertains me.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T08:20:08-07:00

Here I was all ready for a skip week and just flitting over to whitechapel to see about the NYCC goings-on when what am I greeted by but:

-The goddamn cavalry
-Sirkka

Now feeling super-energetic! Good thing, since this day is going to be hell.

Also, last night someone poured Fixer into the Developer tank and really screwed up one of my experiments. I was angry about it before I read the comic, but I can't remember why.

Who's taking bets that the Americans are a force for good here? ;)

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T08:27:32-07:00

Who's taking bets that the Americans are a force for good here? ;)

Who's taking bets they're even Americans?

More naked Sirkka, please.

Thank the gods this week's over. I'm skint, painfully so. It's Canadian Thanksgiving this weekend so I'm giving thanks for a day off, a nice meal at my folk's place, seeing my uncle (which is always a treat - last year, when asked if he wanted a slice of pumpkin pie, he responded "If I wanted to eat soap, I'd do it at home.")

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T08:37:25-07:00

It takes considerable training to start a copter of that size much less fly one. But those hillbillies way back in The Walking Dead got that tank going. Also, said copter could be based off of an aircraft carrier. You know a floating fortress. Maybe that is what Mark saw.

Either way, I am ready to make it to the next episode.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T09:08:51-07:00

My personal guess for the significance of the helicopter is that (1) yes, the world has gone all post-apocalyptic everywhere, not just London and (2) someone in the aftermath decided they wanted to be a conquering warlord. We're talking some serious renegade shenanigans.

Shenanigades?

Anyway... I think it's time to worry, and I think this is going to make the little Mudlark incursion look absolutely juvenile.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T09:15:56-07:00

Hehehe. Maybe it is a rescue mission. Aren't Mark and Luke complete wankers? Haven't they been totally wrong about everything?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T09:24:25-07:00

Wow. Did not see it being the Americans. As good as anything, I suppose. I think I was figuring more not a mere roving band of highwaymen trying to beset Londontown but a horde of survivors mounting an invasion of the most viable settlement. I kind of figure that even if Mark can take over a couple dozen drones he would have trouble with hundreds, particularly if they...perhaps... knew his face. Anyway. So it's Americans. Maybe. It seems like. Someone did mention that helicopters travel in packs and while that has a ring of truth, it's not 100% so, particularly when it's a trip from point A. to point B. over cold/dead zones, if I understood my brother correctly. But the Marines may have different ideas of protocol than Army guys. *shrug* Maybe it's just one reconn bird and the rest of the flock is spread out around the surrounding region.

Now I have David Bowie haunting me. Johnny's an American. I'm not sure what scares Mark so bad about it. Though they all hated helicopters very much. And it doesn't take intensive understanding of American history to appreciate that, like roaches, when you see one of us you will soon find dozens and then hundreds more. And it takes us a lot longer to learn the lessons of our European brethren. Assuming we learn them at all.

Dear Connor, I loved you from your first panel. I hearted you good in the flashbacks. I adored you when you felt you had to leave and then when you whipped around and gave Whitechapel your complete focus I thought you were dead sexy. Now, giving everyone the measure of what they're in for in the way only a scribe can? (Not to mention keeping eyes on Sirkka above the Maginot Line... };>) *lick*

finally, ah fanservice.

Running late for my plans today. Thanks a bunch Warren, Paul. Really... thanks. }:>

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T09:32:12-07:00

I'm gearing up for an awesomely fun show tonight in San Francisco and being glad I've fought off the sickness everyone else is getting around here these days.

I too expected a skip week, but was pleasantly surprised. That last panel leaves SO MUCH to be considered, another cliffhanger well done lads. I really hope it involves news of beyond England, it has been killing me not knowing what's up with the rest of the globe. I always imagined it was kind of like a giant crater of Freakangel-damage on one side of the planet and maybe some of the rest of it was still okay? Maybe the rest of the world has been dealing with the outer edges thus far and has only now begun to venture into ground zero.

I guess we'll find out, here's hoping for not-a-skip-week next friday.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T09:40:25-07:00

What's wrong with America? And they might be friends. But maybe they're Russians
Hey, maybe is OBAMA IV
I hope Mark gets killed FOR GOOD.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T09:45:57-07:00

I can't wait to see where this is going, as it appears that shit is about to happen.

Many thanks to all who make my Friday mornings something to look forward to.
Have a good weekend.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T09:45:57-07:00

Has everyone who was slagging off Connor a few weeks back apologised yet?

He is a bad-ass - I personally could not have kept it together next to a naked Sirkka.

#patheticbuthonest

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T09:50:33-07:00

I SAW it coming!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T10:47:11-07:00

oh crap, it's the septics!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T10:55:06-07:00

Has everyone who was slagging off Connor a few weeks back apologised yet?

I certainly haven't.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T11:02:42-07:00

Hah. If it is Americans, well, this page suddenly becomes a bit funnier.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T11:02:56-07:00

I keep imagining soldiers with Tesla armor and Plasma rifles jumping out of the helicopters when they land.

The Enclave have finally reached London!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T11:12:14-07:00

There are very few things in life that I know I will want to do over. Just for the pleasure of it. Reading this next week and then the week after and first in about ten minutes is one of those things.

Lovely accomplishment, all.

I go to do more learning of graduate schools and then some dishes. And then to start to get the visa for the travels. All in all, surviving.

Enjoy NYCC! And come home healthy, please!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T11:17:37-07:00

I haven't apologised but he has done pretty much what I wanted him to,never had owt against him just his actions...subtle difference there and testament to the realisation of the characters.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T11:41:52-07:00

Sirkka...

colors are bloody brilliant. great job.

The americans are coming. the americans are coming!

FREAKANGELS!!!!!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T13:58:44-07:00

holy. shit.
did not see that coming.

it seems as if the former rebel colonies are coming back ;)

as always, can't wait till next week :)

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T15:04:49-07:00

Rarely, have I felt a need to comment on the episodes. Or I should say lately. But this week really made me want to comment, I love the part [Page 5] where Connor is trying to get them to focus on saving Whitechapel.
I love how strong his face was portrayed and as the panels began to change there was a pang of sadness, the look a child would give you when they are begging or crying reaching out in a way. A very touching panel, imo.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T15:14:48-07:00

@James T:

Oh shit. Good memory, my friend.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T17:31:53-07:00

Excellent work! Great job - you got the right model of helicopter there too.

I'm loving this whole thing. Very well done!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-08T22:08:21-07:00

Isn't there at least one American military base in England, which means that just because it's an American chopper doesn't mean it's Americans (or at least American soldiers) on board?

Also, consider that Mark is apparently afraid of the people coming to Whitechapel. Given his own abilities, why would he be afraid of regular (or even special ops) soldiers. I think there's something else coming, something much more dangerous than a few "bloody colonials."

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T00:29:05-07:00

Great episode.

@johnjones; good point, they took care of soldiers before. So what IS Mark afraid of?????!?!?!?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T01:13:06-07:00

Has anyone noticed that the American revelations occur on page 666 of the comic?

And the exclusive Full Frontal Freakangels club extends to include Sirkka. Maybe she and Luke does have a lot in common hyuk hyuk.

Furthermore, I really hope nuclear weapons doesn't prove the ultimate weapon against superhumans like in what seems like five thousand other comics. The twelve of them together had the power of a type 1 civilization when they were young and inexperienced. (Speculation.) No force on Earth should be able to overcome that kind of magnetic field. I hope.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T05:20:24-07:00

Don't tell me it's Doctor Sleepless coming...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T06:58:49-07:00

What could be so devastating as to get Mark's panties in a twist? (This is my theory, lemme know what you think.)

Loss of power.

Obviously, he is not afraid of death or capture, therefore it must be something outside of his own personal safety that's got him all frothy.
Mark is tits over knees in love with having power over other people. So if something should happen to the scant number of survivors, who the hell would he be able to boss around?? The other Freakangels? Lame! He fancies himself a king, and Whitechapel is a lovely little kingdom. But, only if it is full of lovely little subjects (not lame-ass other FAs). So if the Americans, or who-ever, come try to exterminate the FAs with chemical, biological, or nuclear weapons, then who will be King Mark's subjects? With no one to laud him, doesn't that mean he is *gasp* a nobody?! God forbid. What a terrifying notion.

Anyhoo, regardless of whether or not a nuclear bomb could destroy the Freakangels, it would be just like the Americans to drop a nuke on them just to be thorough. Damn the massive loss of civilian life. There's a reason it's called "collateral damage" and it ain't to humanize the enemy.

Meanwhile, back in the gutter...
Sheee-it, thems some wicked tatas.
*sigh* I wish my boobs looked like Sirkka's when laying down...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T11:37:24-07:00

The fact hat that US chopper arrives now, so many years after date, made me wonder.
If the effect of the FA's act was limited to England, I expect the US army or any other party to react a lot faster to such kind of event. So I suspect that the effect of the FA's action was a bit underestimated and had its consequences worldwide. (that thought first came to me when Arkady first succeeded in spiritually leveling high enough to find out that "things had even become worse" which gave her a fair shock) So I guess that the rest of the world was severly affected too and had to reorganise itself and because of that they saw no earlier opportunity to move troops to the source of the catastrophe.

With that thought in mind I have a few thoughts of my own:
1. the US army comes either in peace to help what is left of Brittain or they come to try to fight whoever or whatever caused the world to change in order to restore the order. The fact that they use an army chopper means nothing: those are easier to launch from an aircraftcarrier and good for surveillancetasks as well as troop-transport, so both peaceful and hostile remain possible. I guess we will soon find out if they are "friend or foe"...

2. It may well be possible that Conner too underestimates the gravity and the size of the issue for the FA's themselves: it is not about themselves, it is not even about Whitechapel and those who live under protection of the FA's, it is about he whole world and everyone who survived the catastrophe. Those young people may well be confronted with the immens task to rearrange and reorganize a complete world-order, given time. For of course the rest of the world still has to be convinced of the power and the means of the FA's. (guessing that that rest of the world not yet knows what or who exactly caused that catastrophe to happen)

What I know for sure: this will be a long, long week for me, while waiting for episode 112 of this great series.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T19:00:05-07:00

There's no question the FA event was world-wide; it's been stated that the windup radios are picking up no signals from anywhere.

I'm doubting Mark's concern was what's in the heli; it's difficult to reconcile with the timing of the events. The story to this point has progressed only a couple of days from page 1. Mark's plan was set in place some time back (weeks, at least). Alice doesn't seem to know squat about the Americans, so it's a safe assumption that she's not seen them. So if Mark is running in fear of the Yanks, he'd have to have detected them weeks back, set up his plan, kick off the various movements of Alice et. al. towards Whitecastle, get there himself - and then in two days the Yanks jump all the way from where Mark detected them to Whitecastle. That seems unlikely. It seem even unlikelier when you try to explain how Mark could detect them but the other FAs didn't and haven't. So I'm betting that whoever's in the heli and whatever Mark's afraid of are two separate elements.

Arkady vs Mark, complicated by oncoming external threat or threats. Oh, baby, I'm there.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T19:08:30-07:00

The last few episodes have been very good, lots of heavy implications and hints. I speculate that we may see a heavy military effort from the outside world. They've had six years to figure out what happened and who did it.The government types who were pursuing them may have survived the FA attack and informed any number of foriegn governments about who started all this.Also it may not be as hard as we think to counter at least some of the FA abilities. Assuming Karl's tin hat works, someone could have come up with all kinds of ways to hide themselves from psychic detection....

BTW; Has anyone else noticed the subliminal googley eyed faces peering out of various surfaces and backgrounds? I think it starts on page three of episode 94 and they have appeared intermittently ever since.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T22:36:30-07:00

@bobsuncle: looked back from the page you mention but did see no eyes... but maybe I am looking wrong.
But you do have a point though: who or what gave the FA's their package and for what purpose? And is it/he/she supervising what is going on?

And about protection against the FA's by wearing tin helmets: that does not really help against their powers over matter as well: what good is a protection against willpower over your mind when you are in a crashing helicopter?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-09T23:19:43-07:00

This is probably the view from the chopper:

Image found here: http://www.london-futures.com/

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T07:02:57-07:00

A few scary thoughts after scarily thinking about it in my braaaiins.

Coordinated hostile armed and trained military is the most likely threat. It would close the thematic loophole left after the BIG PUNCH. Mark theorized that if the FA demonstrated their own Hiroshima they would be left alone. He forgot that Hiroshima didn't end the war. It was Nagasaki, which was a second bomb, larger than the first. It was a progressive demonstration of greater force that ended the war. One didn't cut it.

How did Mark find out about them? HE was the one who "ran guns" and supplied New Cross with their petroleum. He had to have crossed paths with the new threat in his effort to secure more weapons, or he simply deduced it after witnessing the supplies being devoured by someone else, or seeing the effects of their attacks on other civilizations (Arkady's statement "It's gotten worse!")

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T08:28:19-07:00

Does Sirkka have no navel?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T09:30:11-07:00

Why is Conner telling Sirkka to "Ignore that constant beating sound"? That's got to be the helicopter, which seems pretty important at this point. Is he telling her to ignore the main thing she should be looking for?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T09:40:53-07:00

"that constant beating sound": I simply assumed that when you suddenly get superconscious of everything, you also hear the constant beating of your own heart also (too) loud and (too) clear. Something you have to ignore, for it won't get less, you just have to put it correctly into its new perspective. Something that Conner already had experienced by shooting himself through the brain, but what was new to the others.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T09:54:59-07:00

I had assumed pretty much the same thing until I saw, and started thinking about, that helicopter. Could go either way...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T10:12:38-07:00

Okay, let's try this again, episode 93, page 3 does anyone else see those goggled-mask guys peering out of the walls behind/around kait. And just over her left shoulder is a large sideways face too.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T10:37:49-07:00

@bobsyuncle Disembodied heads? We see patterns even when they're not there. I see a bald head repeated on the wall. I'm sure it is an overworked imagination on my part.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T12:48:16-07:00

nope, don't see a thing there....

but that doesn't stop me from wondering who/what is behind the FA's being born the way they are. For they can't have caused that themselves...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-10T14:52:35-07:00

This story hasn't even begun to dull my interest...I'm in as long as you guys keep Freak Angels running. Can't wait to see how this unfolds!

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-11T04:10:12-07:00

That's a US Navy helicopter folks - Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King. Probably flying from a carrier off the coast...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-11T07:35:25-07:00

Sweet, merciful Sasquatch. Things are about to hit the fan.

I can't get enough of Connor's sudden badassery. I hope it lasts. The appearance of the helicopter definitely spells trouble.

Also, I'd like to take this chance to gush wholeheartedly about how much I love FA's art. It's beyond breathtaking, and I'm aspiring to someday hone my abilities to draw even a little like this. Thank you, Paul, for giving me this inspiration and for sharing this story with the world.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-11T19:13:54-07:00

This is going to be the shit.I also agree, Connor is so epic, god I hope it stays that way for awhile.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-12T09:00:47-07:00

@bobysuncle
I didn't deliberately put any face in the walls in any episode, so it's just a standard case of pareidolia (extrapolating recognisable images from random patterns and noise).
For episode 93, the texture I used behind Kait is from CGtextures.com, here, and all that I've done to it is change the colour and skew it so it matches the perspective on the wall.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-12T11:20:15-07:00

Just had a lovely long sunny weekend in Cheshire then I come back to THAT. Cool.

I wonder who is in that helicopter.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-12T13:39:05-07:00

fuck me.

only just got to reading the latest. was in london, and the hotel wifi was piss poor.
had great time though, catching up with loads of friends, and dutifully wore my FA t-shirt on friday and had to walk away from friends who had read it going "lalalala can't hear you!" while they discussed it (bastards)

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-12T16:14:17-07:00

It's tuesday night and my jaw is still hanging open.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-14T10:36:28-07:00

Sirkka doesn't have a belly button on page two. D: I am surprised how disturbing that actually looks when you think about it. ><

Other than that though! ahhhhhh Connor is the best <3

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-14T10:59:40-07:00

Met a girl once who had her belly button removed.

...I am not a fan of cosmetic surgery. In this case, doubly so.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-16T05:35:45-07:00

Why are the Americans coming to Whitechapel? It seems a bit of a coincidence that the first helicopter they send out that's going anywhere near London is headed in a beeline to FreakAngels turf.

Personally I've got a sneaking suspicion that someone on the helicopter has purple eyes.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-16T06:53:19-07:00

Why are the Americans coming to Whitechapel? It seems a bit of a coincidence that the first helicopter they send out that's going anywhere near London is headed in a beeline to FreakAngels turf.

Let me help you out, before this goes way off track:

* who said they came there first?

* what is Mark afraid of?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-16T08:12:11-07:00

* who said they came there first? - well I'm just guessing there, since I figure that if they were flitting around southeastern England with helicopters for a while they'd have stood out like dog's balls. Plus if they're specifically looking for the FreakAngels, rocking up out of the blue in the first helicopter anyone's seen in years (well okay, the first proper helicopter anyone's seen in years :) ) is a fine way to make a dramatic entry.

* what is Mark afraid of? - Presumably the people who own the helicopter, but not for the obvious reason (the FreakAngels could hold off a small army if they put their minds to it) so much as for the change that the arrival of Americans would represent. Some possibilities include
- they're here to fix the place up, and this will ruin whatever grand plan for the future Mark has
- they know about the FreakAngels and are here to make them an offer, and Mark is concerned that if the others take the offer they'll turn against him.
- they know about the FreakAngels and are here to make them an offer, but they have a hidden agenda.
- they're not the only major government that survived the end, and Mark's worried that the FreakAngels could end up caught in the middle while America and some other major power have a bit of a tussle over who gets to call dibs on England
- they know about the FreakAngels and have nukes (unlikely, since I'm sure not even Mark would be such a cryptic bastard if the threat was so straightforward)
- and my personal favourite (based on absolutely no evidence at all), the FreakAngels are not alone, and this scares the hell out of Mark.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-16T09:42:12-07:00

well I'm just guessing there

No shit.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-16T10:12:08-07:00

I still maintain that there's a FreakDaddy, and he's in that chopper...

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-18T07:02:19-07:00

My new theory is that KK's upgrade just got finished quite fast, and that's just the new ride she built (in however many minutes she's been out of shot).

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-18T07:58:53-07:00

KK still has her building materials in hand when Connor gives her the upgrade in 110.

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-18T08:26:45-07:00

Yeah, but then she's out of shot for a few frames (plus we don't see what she'd build so far). Depends on how good the upgrade is, no?

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-18T08:45:54-07:00

Don't forget Alice started seeing something back when Connor was still interrogating Mark. Also: there's no evidence that Connor had yet released the group from the trance until he was finished talking to them, because he knew he was going to pass out and he had to keep their attention.

Who's to say Connor even had enough time to complete the upgrades? It might fall to someone else (Miki!) to do that.

I do think KK will whip something together in record time, but it will be a countermeasure. Whoever is in that Sikorsky will get the first strike!

(Edited for spelling)

FREAKANGELS Episode 0111

2010-10-18T09:17:23-07:00

Eh, damn, theory blown out of the water. Unless it's a time-travelling helicopter that she built....