Despite all the myriad rules, the world itself lacks for real depth. It feels arbitrary in almost every respect because its mythology hasn’t been fleshed out nearly enough to justify viewing it as a standalone fantasy milieu, but neither has it successfully developed the idea that it’s all in his head. The most interesting part of the narrative lies in its relation to Parson, the series’ protagonist and its only real three-dimensional character. Wanda might amuse, and Sizemore might attract sympathy, but they’re ultimately static types playing out their one-line RPG bios. The suggestion that SPOILER Sizemore is incapacitated in a hospital, and Erfworld is his subconscious comes relatively early. Then it’s gone. It’s a shame. The comic seems content to traffic in an amusing but mundane play-by-play of turn-based warfare when it could be tapping into its most potent ingredients–Parson and his interior narrative. But he’s getting less and less page space in favor of an eye-rolling bisexual soap drama and cardboard politics.

By digging into that human element and giving Erfworld a more concrete emotional meaning, the authors could open access more to general readers, whereas right now a lot of its enjoyment seems limited to a specific ‘in’ crowd.

Hey, Erfworld, you really want to make it wacky? Make it real.

It also contrasts nicely to the way Parson is drawn with normal human proportions (albeit obese ones).

BTW, the world is probably based on an RPG designed FOR children, not by a child. I actually suspect it may have been partially inspired by Fuzzy Heroes (http://www.fuzzyheroes.com/catalog.php?category=Fuzzy%20Heroes).

More importantly, I think you missed something with the ‘good guys’. Ansom may appear bland, but pay attention to what he says, what his character motivation is. There’s a strong sequence where Parson gets Ansom to enter a foaming-at-the-mouth frenzy over Stanley the Tool’s new title and then (Ansom) goes into a ballistic tirade that borders on fascism about how his position as a Royal makes him stronger, smarter and more suitable to rule than those of lesser social standing.

The heroes are almost uniformly presented as myopic and arrogant – they are Right purely on basis of being Right. They’re the “good guys” because some hitch in the laws of the universe decided that they should be.
The ‘bad guys’ on the other hand are amazingly compelling, despite or BECAUSE OF the minimal time spent developing their characters.

As for the humor, it is, and I do not often say this, especially not when dealing with a webcomic, brilliant. There are very, very few outright jokes, all the humor comes in subtle, almost background details and all of them catering directly to nerds: “Shockamancy” spells are cast by invoking the internet shock images of Tubgirl, Goatse, Lemonparty and Meatspin; expendable flying units called Orlies (which are, of course, owls) occasionally shout things like OMGWTFBBQD and BRB DED when they are killed… yes it’s nerdy as all-git-out, and delightfully so.

I’ve been following it since the very first page was posted, and the only real problem I’ve ever had with it is that it sometimes takes far too long to see a new update, which is understandable.

The comparison to Mobius in Noguchi’s work is spot-on – the brilliant colors and simple forms mixed in with complex, sweeping backgrounds, I would gush here for longer, but I think it’s already pretty apparent I’m a slobbering fanboy already. I grew up reading Metal Hurlant/Heavy Metal via my father’s obsession with european comix – you lay high praise with that comparison, and it is deserved. Noguchi is easily one of the finest illustrators working on a digital plane.

As for the best character in the series, sorry ladies, that’s Bogroll.

WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB WUB SCREEEEEEEEECH

For the most part, I agree with what u say about the heroes, except that I do believe they are made stereotypical on purpose. I certainly don’t tune out to their story, as most of the alliances are here, whereas Parson and Stanley are isolated, the interaction between the different nations is a large part of what makes the story interesting. Only recently has Parson begun to interact with Charlie, and Ansom. I must agree w/tris though, Vinny is one of my fav characters in Erfworld.

The sort of person I don’t want to really engage in conversation because I just want to get my latest Captain America, and I don’t want to be trapped in a pointless 30-minute rant about Jeph Loeb or Joe Quesada.

Wearing a “Magneto was right” shirt.

The geek’s geek.

I concede that there are people who can identify with him … not necessarily the entire package, but aspects his nerd obsessive traits. But I don’t think he becomes likable until the circumstances of Erfworld force him in a fish-out-of-water situation and cause him to finally value other people.

Beyond that, this review is dead on the money. I’ve been reading since day one, and the only issues I have with the comic are the bland “hero” types (something that’s improved a bit over time, but not by too much) and the irregular update schedule. Granted, the latter is the bane of webcomics in general, but the former needs some work. Unless of course it’s a commentary on how heroes in these stories are typically bland, banal things that are overshadowed by their more intriguing villianous counterparts… hmm…

i can understand calling ansom one-dimensional, even though that’s not really true. but if you’re tuning out the rest of his coalition, you’re missing vinnie doombats, who has been one of the highlights of the strip so far.