Chapter 17, Page 19c: Miss Match Temptation

The emotion cloud knows exactly which buttons to push.

Dr. Muskiday is racing to his lab to stop the macronano crisis when he runs into a very unexpected obstacle: Miss Match temptation.

Unfortunately, this isn't really Miss Match talking. It's the emotion cloud controlling her — and it's learned that generating emotions is a lot easier when it exploits the insecurities, desires, and embarrassments of its host. Now it's using one of Muskiday's most awkward secrets against him.

The problem with a sentient cloud that feeds on emotions is that it gets very creative about finding them.

See Us at the Cartoonist Showcase — Columbus, Ohio, Aug. 8

If you’re heading to Columbus, Ohio, this summer, come see us at the NCS Cartoonist Showcase on August 8th! Brad and Dave will both be there celebrating with their friends at the National Cartoonists Society! They'll be talking comics, meeting readers, and celebrating cartooning with creators from all over. It’s one of the best chances to connect face-to-face with fellow cartoonists, swap stories, and immerse yourself in the comics community. If you’ve been thinking about getting more involved in cartooning circles, this is a terrific place to start. Get your tickets now!

Evil Inc After Dark

Evil Inc After Dark #83, Page 1 [Patreon | Website] — Hailey is learning that fame comes with some… unexpected side effects.

Sure, going viral sounds glamorous at first. People recognize you. They talk about you. They speculate about you.

And then, sooner or later, they start writing fan fiction about you.

Once Hailey discovers that people have been uploading stories about her to AO3, there’s really no putting that toothpaste back in the tube. Especially when the tube is being squeezed by anonymous Internet weirdos with strong opinions, poor boundaries, and surprisingly specific tags.

It’s fame, Evil Inc style: flattering, horrifying, and just sticky enough to require a browser history wipe.

Transcript

Panel 1

Dr. Muskiday (running down a hallway): I've gotta get to my lab — and fast! There's gotta be a way to—

Miss Match (off-panel): There you are.

Panel 2

(Dr. Muskiday stops short in alarm.)

Miss Match (emotion cloud-controlled): I know you've always had a crush on me.

Miss Match: That's why you made that hologram...

Miss Match: ...to do all the things I wouldn't do...

Panel 3

(The emotion cloud controlling Miss Match unzips the front of her costume.)

Miss Match: Until now...

SFX: zip

Alt Text

Three-panel comic set in the Evil Inc office hallway. Dr. Muskiday, a small scientist with insect-like features, is hurrying toward his lab when he is intercepted by Miss Match, whose head is engulfed by a pink sentient emotion cloud.

As Muskiday runs, the cloud calls out, "There you are." The cloud-controlled Miss Match confronts him and claims she knows he has always had a crush on her, saying that is why he created a hologram version of her "to do all the things I wouldn't do." Muskiday skids to a stop in shock.

The cloud then seductively says, "Until now..." and unzips the front of Miss Match's revealing red-and-orange costume, exposing more cleavage.