Comic:Seriously Suzy
From CGWiki
| Seriously Suzy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Artist: | J. Goude |
| Writer: | J. Goude |
| Characters: | See below |
| Updates: | Fridays |
| Began: | March 1, 2004 |
| Ended: | |
| Art style: | Hand-drawn images, computer-colored and -lettered |
| Rating: | Web-14 |
| Website | Website |
Seriously Suzy is a webcomic hosted by Comic Genesis, focusing on the lives of Suzy Peach and those who have encountered her. It is written, inked and colored by J. Goude.
Seriously Suzy takes place in and around Delphia City, a fictional small city located in South Carolina. Seriously Suzy evolved almost directly from Sundae Connection, a 2001-02 webcomic that was also created by Goude. Sundae Connection refers to the name of the ice cream parlor/short order grill located on the first floor of Suzy's apartment building.
Contents |
Comic History
The history of Sundae Connection from 1996 to mid-2002 can be found in the Sundae Connection article. This section covers the time span from the end of Sundae Connection and the beginnings of Seriously Suzy to the present.
Around the time that J. Goude resumes production on Sundae Connection, he decides to register his own domain name in order to create a shorter URL. Having previously registered www.sundaeconnection.com, Goude registers for www.sunconn.com and gets the idea to use a shorter Keenspace URL as well. He decides on suzy.keenspace.com and finds that it hasn't been claimed yet, so he signs up for another Keenspace account. On September 11, 2001, he receives word that his suzy.keenspace.com account is ready. But instead of using it for Sundae Connection (which would involve transferring all the comics over to the account; Goude was on dial-up access at the time!), he lets the account sit dormant for a while (it was eventually used to host the Kleenspace dropdown that Goude was running at the time.)
One day, in January of 2002, Goude is renovating the gallery pages at the Sundae Connection website and he describes one image using "Seriously Suzy" in the image's ALT tag (the image featured a stern-looking Suzy.) The description stuck with him, and as the cartoonist decides to create a new webcomic featuring Suzy and the cast, he chooses to use the name Seriously Suzy.
The January 31, 2002 edition of Sundae Connection not only kicked off regular updates, but it also inspired the style of Seriously Suzy two years later. After Sundae Connection ended for good on May 31, 2002, during the remainder of 2002 and most of 2003, Goude was getting ready for production of the next webcomic.
One small problem... he wasn't sure how to start this new webcomic. At first Goude was planning to reboot Sundae Connection, correcting mistakes and enhancing the story as Seriously Suzy, but soon he figured out the best course of action was to pick up the story after Suzy and Chauncey's dance. Then he began exploring the early backstory of Jeana Jones (Chad's girlfriend), especially her family's move to South Carolina and her run-in with T. J. and his gang. This inspired him to utilize flashbacks and remembrances during the course of Seriously Suzy and it paved the way for the chance to see Suzy's early life and times (as well as everyone else's history.)
To introduce this storytelling device, the cartoonist decides to premiere Seriously Suzy on March 1, 2004, featuring a flashback into Jeana's life starting with the move to South Carolina. The story would then pick up with Jeana meeting Chad at the same school dance that Suzy and Chauncey goes to.
Over time, other characters were introduced and existing characters were explored in Seriously Suzy. The comic celebrated two years online on March 1, 2006, and the milestone 100th comic came to readers' monitors everywhere on April 14, 2006.
The Cast
Because of Seriously Suzy's unique weaving of storylines and plots, a good number of interesting characters have emerged. It is a goal for this section to be as spoiler-free as possible.
(the following is adapted from the cartoonist's "comic bible"; more character info and pics are coming soon)
Suzy Peach
Hair: reddish; eyes: green
First appearance: Sundae Connection 01/01/01 | Seriously Suzy 03/22/04
The only child of Mary (MacCauley) and Roger Peach. Her parents divorced when she was about 10 years old. She lost contact with her father until a few years later. Usually introverted, she prefers to be by herself but has proved to enjoy the company of other like-minded people. Achieves average, not-so-spectacular grades.
Mary MacCauley
Hair: dark brown; eyes: blue
First appearance: Sundae Connection 08/23/01 | Seriously Suzy 04/05/04
Suzy's worn and weary mother. Works hard at a local plant to provide the best for Suzy. Hasn't heard from her ex-husband; it's very likely that she doesn't ever want to hear from him. Mary has banished Suzy from any and all contact with anybody from the Peach family (including Lindsey.) Mary was a college student until meeting Roger and having to marry him out of convenience.
Azalea Bohannon
Hair: light brown; eyes: blue
First appearance: Sundae Connection 02/07/02 | Seriously Suzy 04/08/04
The youngest child in a family of some affluence; has an older sister (Saffron) and an older brother (Heath). Her father works out of state as an aircraft engineer. Previously home-schooled, she excels in many school subjects and works her hardest on the task at hand.
Chauncey Claussen
Hair: dark brown; eyes: blue-grey
First appearance: Sundae Connection 03/18/02 | Seriously Suzy 03/25/04
Son of Gunnar and Ingrid Claussen; has a younger sister named Malena. A slightly-above average student, Chauncey's work habits are not quite the same as Azalea's. Chauncey and Azalea dated very briefly while working on a school project.
Chad Mitchell
Hair: brown; eyes: brown
First appearance: Sundae Connection 01/01/01 | Seriously Suzy 03/22/04
The son of Malcolm Mitchell, Chad is a somewhat average student who likes school sports better. He has a younger sister; his mother has yet to be introduced in the comic. His father would like to see Chad make something of himself, instead of being just a school athlete.
Jeana Jones
Hair: brown (nearly black in Sundae Connection); eyes: brown
First appearance: Sundae Connection 04/16/01 | Seriously Suzy 03/01/04
Jeana's family moved to Delphia City from Indiana. She has an older brother named Mark. Was once involved in a relationship with T.J., a drop-out older than her. This relationship almost landed Jeana in all sorts of trouble. The fallout from the relationship affected Jeana academically, nearly causing her to fail school. Adopted a habit of wearing pink sunglasses, even while she's indoors.
Lindsey Peach
Hair: caramel blonde; eyes: slate blue
First appearance: Sundae Connection 08/06/01 | Seriously Suzy 04/05/04
The only child of Stuart Peach (brother of Roger); the location of her mother has yet to be revealed by the cartoonist. Lindsey moved from Charlotte, NC with her father. She is Suzy's first cousin and has proved to be useful as an older female role model of sorts (as well as providing transportation when Suzy needs it, without Mary's knowledge of course.) She is Danny Norton's girlfriend. A recent graduate of Pennlawn High School, currently attending Delphia City College.
Stuart Peach
Hair: brown and balding; eyes: blue
First appearance: Sundae Connection 02/21/02 | Seriously Suzy 09/10/04
He moved to Delphia City with Lindsey in order to take a teaching opportunity at Delphia City College. Stuart believes that he has succeeded in raising Lindsey almost single-handedly. He would like to see her excel in life but otherwise doesn't provide much "push" or encouragement.
Danny Norton
Hair: blond; eyes: brown
First appearance: Seriously Suzy 05/17/04
Formerly a resident of Charlotte, Danny moved to be closer to Lindsey. He is at least 2 or 3 years older than her. He wants to succeed and rise above in whatever he does, mainly to impress Lindsey. For the time being, he sticks to whatever he's working at.
Neal Norton
Hair: sandy blond; eyes: green
First appearance: Seriously Suzy 04/11/05
The older brother of Danny, who just happens to be more successful. Takes pride in knowing that he's right and he makes the right decisions, and he isn't afraid to prove it. Currently working on Danny's truck; he does not let up on the fact that Danny's living in a rut of sorts.
Marlene
Hair: black; eyes: unknown (glasses)
First appearance: Sundae Connection 03/18/02 | Seriously Suzy 03/25/04
A member of Azalea's lunch group, Marlene is a grade ahead of Azalea, Suzy, Chauncey and Yvonna. She uses this fact to her advantage since she's in a near-rivalry with the equally-talented Azalea. She's also the most religious of the group.
Yvonna
Hair: black; eyes: brown
First appearance: Sundae Connection 03/18/02 | Seriously Suzy 03/25/04
Another member of Azalea's lunch group; in the same grade as Azalea, Suzy, and Chauncey. Yvonna seems to be the type that would not take sides, preferring instead to either stay neutral or to act as a mediator between opposing sides.
Gerald
Hair: black; eyes: brown
First appearance: Sundae Connection 03/18/02 | Seriously Suzy 03/25/04
Part of Azalea's lunch group, he is in the same grade as Marlene. Like Chad, Gerald is involved in school athletics; unlike Chad, Gerald also excels academically.
Principal Aaron Goldstein
Hair: sandy blond; eyes: unknown (glasses)
First appearance: Sundae Connection 03/12/01 | Seriously Suzy 04/14/05
The new full-time principal of Pennlawn High School; previously was the principal of Ross Middle School. While Suzy was a student at Ross, Mr. Goldstein worked to ensure that she matured socially. Suzy's progress awaits him.
Earl and Miguel
Earl: shaved head and brown eyes
Miguel: black hair and brown eyes
First appearance: Seriously Suzy 05/17/04
Danny shares a trailer with these two. Earl works at a local fast food restaurant, while Miguel works at some undisclosed location. Earl is an excellent worker, but at home he's a bit selfish and crude (having a fondness of sorts for Lindsey; trying to be a gentleman to Suzy, much to Lindsey's suspicion.) Miguel is sometimes seen relaxing on the couch or sleeping.
Locations in Seriously Suzy
(to be expanded with descriptions as new locations are seen in the comic)
- Delphia City, South Carolina
During the pre-production stage for Sundae Connection, Suzy and the rest of the characters were going to live in Philadelphia (the big city in Pennsylvania, as opposed to one of the other Philadelphias in New York, Tennessee and Mississippi.) It was soon realized that such a big city would've been a lot to keep track of when backgrounds and scenes were to be drawn. So the cartoonist moved Suzy and company to South Carolina, primarily because the cartoonist has been to South Carolina more than once (he'd only been to the city limits of Philadelphia during a road trip years ago) and it'd be easier to create settings since he was much more familiar with the southern U. S. (having lived there more than 95% of his entire life!)
Charleston was mentioned as one possible location, but soon a fictional city was created: Delphia City, from the last part of Philadelphia's name. It soon turns out in real life that there really is a Delphia in South Carolina: a Mapquest search points out the location while Google Maps returns nothing. Goude says that this is not the same location as Delphia City; he does have an idea as to where Delphia City might be located, but he isn't talking. It does appear to be a few hours drive from Charlotte, NC (real-life city mentioned in the comic a few times.)
- The Sundae Connection
The name comes from that dream (described in the Sundae Connection article); since it sounded like a place where one could get ice cream and other confections, the cartoonist decided to use the name for such a place in Delphia City. Then he came upon the novel idea of the floors above the Sundae Connection rented out as apartments (one of those apartments being home to Suzy and her mother.)
- Pennlawn High School
During a cross-town move in the summer of 2001, Goude was driving towards where he would be moving to and one of the side roads was named "Pennlawn." This had struck him as an unique name; he later found that Pennlawn is a type of grass but he still used it as the name of the high school Suzy and company attend.
- Delphia City College
The college that Lindsey chose to attend after being rejected by at least one college, DCC is a community college, or two-year college, open to the general public and primarily supported by taxes. Like many local community colleges located in the cartoonist's region, DCC is experiencing an increased enrollment of students due to changing economic situations. This article on Wikipedia further explains community colleges in the United States and Canada.
- Brookshire, South Carolina
A town near Delphia City; Brookshire appears to be in an economic boom as new housing developments and businesses (mostly service-oriented, such as stores and restaurants) come to the area, bypassing Delphia City (which is finding itself at a crossroads as manufacturing and industry, once a thriving force in Delphia City, either "dries up" or heads overseas.) Home to the Brookshire Community Theatre and the Brookshire Assembly of God.
Other Things in Seriously Suzy
- Discounted Americans book
The book that Lindsey's Creative Writing instructor assigns to the class to read, Discounted Americans is in fact based upon a real book called Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. Written by Barbara Ehrenreich, Nickel and Dimed follows the attempts of the author as she tries to make a comfortable living while working in high-stress, hard-working service jobs for low (or minimum) wage.
The inspiration for Discounted Americans comes from the use of Nickel and Dimed in a basic level English reading and composition course at the community college that Goude attended. Students enrolling in most of the programs are required to take this course; within this course they are assigned to read a few chapters of Nickel and Dimed every week. Sometimes (depending on the lesson plan) they have to write their impressions of the book in a journal that is given to the instructor periodically, but usually the students are assigned to write an essay based on the book and what they have learned (drawing upon life experiences if applicable.) Given the fact that most of the students enrolled at this community college are either retraining for new careers (having been victims of downsizing or plant closings) or are themselves employed in similar low-skilled jobs, Nickel and Dimed has made a big impact on them.
- Chernobyl Orchard musical
The name of the musical that Suzy and her mother watches along with Azalea and her family is based upon a play of words by Goude, taking the name of the city and power plant (and the site of the 1986 nuclear reactor disaster) and merging it with the name of Anton Chekhov's final play The Cherry Orchard. An unlikely name, but as Suzy's mother says: "I guess they can make a musical out of anything..."
The Story (before Seriously Suzy)
Please see the article for Sundae Connection.
The Story So Far
These events take place in the storylines of Seriously Suzy. Except for Jeana's memory (which started the comic), they are grouped according to each grade that Suzy was in. This section will be updated more frequently as the storylines unfold further.
Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.
Jeana looks back
Seriously Suzy begins with a look back to a period of about a couple of years ago. Jeana Jones recalls her memory of moving from Indiana to South Carolina; her family moved south in order to better themselves after the closure of a major employer (the TV factory, likely based on RCA and its shipping of manufacturing to other countries.) Jeana finds herself in Delphia City, SC, far away from her friends and the sights of her old hometown. The Jones family settles in; older brother Mark is hired as a bail enforcement agent ("bounty hunter"), having received training back in Indiana, while the father of the family has some trouble looking for steady work.
Soon Jeana begins the school year, surrounded by students she doesn't know, but she adapts. One day, Jeana waits on her mother to pick her up from school, but as other students are picked up one by one, Jeana is the only one still waiting. Jeana asks a group of older-looking kids hanging around the school's payphones for a quarter so she can call her house. One of the kids volunteers to "red box" a payphone and Jeana gets a free phone call. While waiting for her brother to arrive, Jeana gets acquainted with these kids.
As the school year progresses, Jeana finds herself more and more in the company of these older kids (particularly in T.J.'s company.) She sneaks out of her house at night in order to accompany T.J.'s gang on their missions. One mission is concerned with dumpster diving at the local telephone company (in order to procure any technical documentation and manuals, as well as any customer information, that were carelessly thrown out.) As Jon and Eli prepare to go through one of the dumpsters, T.J. and Jeana are charged with the task of keeping an eye out for any authority figures. But instead of keeping watch, T.J. expresses his true feelings for Jeana.
One day, the gang goes on another mission, but something goes wrong and Eli and Jon are left alone, with a police officer chasing after them. T.J. and Jeana are nowhere to be found... except in T.J.'s bed. Jeana wakes up, confused and undressed, while T.J. is in a heavy sleep. She realizes that she needs to leave T.J.'s gang before she gets into any more trouble. Using T.J.'s cell phone (which was probably stolen or illegally hacked) she calls her brother Mark, carefully not mentioning where she is (presumably she walked outside to wait at a public location.) Soon, she obtains a pregnancy test and is very relieved at the negative test result. But all those late night missions she took part of (the lack of sleep, along with other unmentioned factors) affects Jeana's school performance greatly. To keep her teachers from seeing her fall asleep, Jeana wears a pair of cheap pink sunglasses.
Jeana continues to struggle academically, and one morning before leaving for school, she sees an item on the TV news. It turns out that three local teenagers were arrested and have been charged with some burglaries. Jeana is stunned, because those three are T.J., Jon and Eli. She is also worried, wondering if T.J. and his friends might mention to investigators Jeana's involvement with them. Her father comments on those "good for nothing dropouts" and Jeana tells him that she's not feeling well enough to go to school.
Jeana heads off to bed, worried about her school performance and the possibility of trouble with the law (because of her association with T.J.'s friends.) At this point, the storyline transitions from Jeana's recollection to the present.
Suzy in ninth grade
Jeana was looking back to the events since her family's move to South Carolina... all the while she's getting ready for the school dance. Now all she wants to think about is the dance. Her brother drives her to the school, and Jeana meets up with Chad. As Chad and Jeana hang out at the dance, we see Suzy and Chauncey in a conversation.
Chauncey asks Suzy if she would like something to drink. Suzy agrees and the two wait in line at the concession stand. Yvonna makes an observation about Suzy and Chauncey, but Marlene comments on how Chauncey and Azalea "just didn't work out." Soon, Chauncey asks Suzy to show her how to dance, and Chad and Jeana begin to dance. The slow song ends and Chauncey tells Suzy that she's good at dancing.
They dance some more, and during one dance, Chad notices Suzy. Because he was distracted, he accidentally steps on Jeana's feet. As the dance ends, Suzy gets a ride home from her mother, waving "bye" to Chauncey. At home, Suzy's mother asks who Suzy was waving to. Suzy answers that it was Chauncey, a friend of hers. The next morning, Suzy waits downstairs in the Sundae Connection. Buzz McCain, the proprietor, asks Suzy how she is doing; soon, Suzy's cousin Lindsey arrives to give Suzy a ride to school. Lindsey tells Suzy of how Lindsey's boyfriend Danny has just moved to Delphia City, along with a couple of his friends from his high school days.
At lunch, Suzy sits at the lunch table with Chauncey and Azalea. Azalea has heard about the fun Chauncey and Suzy had at the dance and hates that she'd missed it (she stayed at home to finish schoolwork instead.) After lunch, Suzy asks Chauncey why suddenly he hasn't been riding the same bus that she rides. [This is a reference to an earlier Sundae Connection comic.]
[to be continued...]
Suzy in tenth grade
Spoilers end here.
Links
- The Seriously Suzy website
- Seriously Suzy comic archive
- Sundae Connection, the predecessor to Seriously Suzy
- Seriously Suzy on OnlineComics.net
- Seriously Suzy on The Webcomic List
