As someone who identified as an asexual before meeting the partner who made me realize I was gray/demi, and from a friend who had considered herself straight until meeting the girl that made her realize her pansexuality, Mar's face in the last panel is very relatable to me.
Yes, we did. Plenty of us did. I just didn't expect Mar to be this receptive this quickly (or ever, necessarily, though I was hoping it would be within the bounds of "ever").
Not only that, but if exploring her sexuality fits into her "adult" agenda as well. I feel as though that a lot of people unfortunately perceive that sort of journey to be somewhat immature (you're supposed to be done with those "experiments" in college and leave those "phases" behind (ugh)) and I'm afraid that Mar might be reluctant to really try to see if something between Jane and her can happen because of that fear.
I'dunno what's gonna happen and I doubt that Mar will reject Jane solely on that fact, but I hope if Mar doesn't reciprocate Jane's feelings it's out of the fact that she thinks of her more as a friend and/or truly feels no attraction towards people of the same sex, romantically or sexually.
I do know that this must definitely be new to Mar (I keep flashing back to that page where they show scratched-out pictures of her exes who seem to have all been male) so there will be a sort of confrontation with her sexuality whether her feelings towards Jane are mutual or not. I'm hoping for a positive outcome, though. Otherwise the ultimate OTP name (MariJane) will be all for naught D:
Yeah, I agree. I mean, I think Jane has her nice moments (like in this comic, for instance), but she can be super mean. Didn't she call Mar "basic" before, to Eve? That smarts, big time.
That was to Hanna. And it was while trying to steer Hanna away from her hateful fixation on Marigold. In context, it could almost register as a kind of defense.
Narf
Yeah, and later during that same party, we saw Jane talking and laughing with Marigold. And the comment was something like "She seems a little basic for that," and the context it was in meant that she wouldn't do something like wear a princess costume just to show up Hanna. It didn't have to be read as an insult, and it didn't strike me personally as one.
I ship MariJane. 😀
Shade of Blue
We will have to agree to disagree on the "basic" thing. There are a lot of ways to imply that someone wouldn't do something like that: that they're not vicious, not dramatic, not bitter, not aggressive? Passive? Straightforward? Instead she implied that Mar was not complex enough, too simple, too basic etc…
Jane strikes me as a bit of a seducer who favors vulnerable targets, people that can be effectively swept off their feet. Just look at her past interest in Eve's coworker. She seems pretty pushy to me, and although we haven't seen her in a relationship yet I have a feeling she won't feel very responsible if anything goes wrong. She's a "witch," remember? She claims not to feel obligated to please anyone.
Jill
this articulates my first thought at the marijane kiss. yup.
Laura
Yeah, I kindof agree. Jane could've even said "she's a nice person, Hanna, she wouldn't do that", or whatever…a lesser, vague insult in an effort to protect someone is still an insult, in my books. Jane is interesting and I like following her stories as a character, but I don't trust her to be that kind to people or to deal with heavy feelings, even when she should. I'm not sure that Jane and Mar as a could would go that well.
Please be into it Marigold!! Pleasepleaseplease. Mar, you've had enough grief already with all the Sean-drama and the Hanna friendship break-up.
I've a feeling Mar must be really lonely lately with all her old circle of friends drifting apart from her besides from Eve. She deserves to have a break. If she and Jane becomes a thing, Marigold will finally have someone to text cute pictures of dogs in matching vests to! http://www.octopuspie.com/2012-04-09/528-girl-i-e…
I kind of think Jane's the one who deserves a break — like, she's gonna put herself out there and get shot down by another of Eve's cute but kind of awkard friends? What's a girl gotta do?
Don't think it's appreciated how exactly, when Mar is trying to disappear into her own head the background fades away and blurs slightly. However when Jane kisses her, the background completely disappears and or is non existent.
Normally when I see relations between two girls blossom (or I just end up shipping them) I get all excited and happy. This one just seemed natural and comforting. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes (if indeed it does).
i know we're all excited, but can we appreciate mar's face in the second panel? the "i thought this was for real and now it looks like bs" face. it's perfect.
Yeah Jane is cavalier and kind of a jerk sometimes, but that's a by-product of not really giving a shit. Mar could benefit from that.
Mar is a chronic people pleaser. Socially and romantically. By contrast, Jane "knows the game and refuses to play it" (although she does play it, still).
Jane and Mar are jaded in exactly opposite ways. Jane wants "to know the difference"—what it's like to want someone with every fiber of her being. Mar, on the other hand, has put herself on the line too many times in relationships. Lately she's been trying to find secureness in her own self, which looks from the outside like a shiny facade.
Is it possible that they could both find what they're looking for?
This! You put this perfectly into words. I identify a bit with Marigold.. I met a partner who taught me to not need others as much (like Jane), and I taught him how to fully open up and invest into someone else (like Marigold). Our relationship has been for over 5 years now. With communication, 2 types like this can really learn from one another.
Also, can't wait to see how Mar explores her sexuality! All aboard!
84 thoughts on “#798 – it’s here in my brain”
Kathleen
oooh it looks like Mar isn't totally not into it.
Angusthermopylae
but it lasted three whole panels and she didn’t recoil with revulsion at least
Rob
I think you misinterpreted Kathleen's comment. Double negative.
Angusthermopylae
gotcha, my b
jon
That background fade is so good that it took me a second pass to even realize it happened.
The kiss was neat, too.
rikushix
Oh man. Look how frozen she is on the barstool. Jane's broken her brain!
(A brain that has squirrels taking up space in it, apparently)
Arkadi
My kind of brain! ^^
leafmage
YYOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
TheDeepPix3l
Ah yes… that familiar feeling of obligations creeping up behind you. Ruining your zone. http://i.imgur.com/aeeF5bD.png
hsabibi
omg omg omg pls be into it
kickpass
it looks like she has her shocked eyes closed in the 2nd to last panel… bowchickawowowwwww
Yammy
*CLAPS LIKE A FRIGGIN SEAL*
Booby Baboom
I can't see Mar going for it, but I don't wanna see Jane's heart broken…
wooooooooow
Well I wasn't expecting that.
grimmorrigan
I was. Good timing too.
HikaruYami
I was expecting Jane to go for it, I had *no* idea how receptive Mar would be.
@justiro15
OH MY! That kiss tho
Gasp
aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhh! Once again Meredith surprises me
Faye
As someone who identified as an asexual before meeting the partner who made me realize I was gray/demi, and from a friend who had considered herself straight until meeting the girl that made her realize her pansexuality, Mar's face in the last panel is very relatable to me.
It's the face of: "WELP… THIS IS NEW."
Random Spanish Guy
I like Jane please make this happen (penultimate panel implies it will but still)
Nat
The whole last arc was building up to it and yet I was STILL surprised.
Arkadi
I don't think anyone expected Jane to make a bold move like that all of a sudden ^^
HikaruYami
Yes, we did. Plenty of us did. I just didn't expect Mar to be this receptive this quickly (or ever, necessarily, though I was hoping it would be within the bounds of "ever").
chez
OH SNAP
Karinpa
This made me wonder if "new" Mar have even considered romance on her "adult" agenda.
Faye
Not only that, but if exploring her sexuality fits into her "adult" agenda as well. I feel as though that a lot of people unfortunately perceive that sort of journey to be somewhat immature (you're supposed to be done with those "experiments" in college and leave those "phases" behind (ugh)) and I'm afraid that Mar might be reluctant to really try to see if something between Jane and her can happen because of that fear.
I'dunno what's gonna happen and I doubt that Mar will reject Jane solely on that fact, but I hope if Mar doesn't reciprocate Jane's feelings it's out of the fact that she thinks of her more as a friend and/or truly feels no attraction towards people of the same sex, romantically or sexually.
I do know that this must definitely be new to Mar (I keep flashing back to that page where they show scratched-out pictures of her exes who seem to have all been male) so there will be a sort of confrontation with her sexuality whether her feelings towards Jane are mutual or not. I'm hoping for a positive outcome, though. Otherwise the ultimate OTP name (MariJane) will be all for naught D:
kickpass
I'm shipping MariJane so hard!
aleksi
Legalize MariJane!
Arkadi
Well, maybe she's considering it now ;3
rozie
yeah yeah YEAH! YEAH!!! YEEEAAAHHHH!!!
Zee
This may not end well. Mar, Jane… but then there’s Hannah.
thom
Nothing ends well on a long enough timescale.
manlyshimapan
i… also think this may not end well. i may be just projecting, though.
Shade of Blue
Judging by the comments I'm one of the few people who thinks this isn't a good thing… I've always felt like Jane is kind of an ass.
Laura
Yeah, I agree. I mean, I think Jane has her nice moments (like in this comic, for instance), but she can be super mean. Didn't she call Mar "basic" before, to Eve? That smarts, big time.
kev
That was to Hanna. And it was while trying to steer Hanna away from her hateful fixation on Marigold. In context, it could almost register as a kind of defense.
Narf
Yeah, and later during that same party, we saw Jane talking and laughing with Marigold. And the comment was something like "She seems a little basic for that," and the context it was in meant that she wouldn't do something like wear a princess costume just to show up Hanna. It didn't have to be read as an insult, and it didn't strike me personally as one.
I ship MariJane. 😀
Shade of Blue
We will have to agree to disagree on the "basic" thing. There are a lot of ways to imply that someone wouldn't do something like that: that they're not vicious, not dramatic, not bitter, not aggressive? Passive? Straightforward? Instead she implied that Mar was not complex enough, too simple, too basic etc…
Jane strikes me as a bit of a seducer who favors vulnerable targets, people that can be effectively swept off their feet. Just look at her past interest in Eve's coworker. She seems pretty pushy to me, and although we haven't seen her in a relationship yet I have a feeling she won't feel very responsible if anything goes wrong. She's a "witch," remember? She claims not to feel obligated to please anyone.
Jill
this articulates my first thought at the marijane kiss. yup.
Laura
Yeah, I kindof agree. Jane could've even said "she's a nice person, Hanna, she wouldn't do that", or whatever…a lesser, vague insult in an effort to protect someone is still an insult, in my books. Jane is interesting and I like following her stories as a character, but I don't trust her to be that kind to people or to deal with heavy feelings, even when she should. I'm not sure that Jane and Mar as a could would go that well.
John D
I'm with you. I don't quite get why people are excited about this coupling…
Arkadi
Jane is done beating about the bush and I'm 100% for it. You go girl! ÒwÓ
grimmorrigan
That means two things!
Follow up joke:
I think is is just about to start…
narters
oooooooooOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH
BoomBaby
Please be into it Marigold!! Pleasepleaseplease. Mar, you've had enough grief already with all the Sean-drama and the Hanna friendship break-up.
I've a feeling Mar must be really lonely lately with all her old circle of friends drifting apart from her besides from Eve. She deserves to have a break. If she and Jane becomes a thing, Marigold will finally have someone to text cute pictures of dogs in matching vests to! http://www.octopuspie.com/2012-04-09/528-girl-i-e…
thom
I kind of think Jane's the one who deserves a break — like, she's gonna put herself out there and get shot down by another of Eve's cute but kind of awkard friends? What's a girl gotta do?
Bruno Guedes
SQUIRREL! :V
Also, this is pretty nice. Makes me feel warm inside. 🙂
Michael
Don't think it's appreciated how exactly, when Mar is trying to disappear into her own head the background fades away and blurs slightly. However when Jane kisses her, the background completely disappears and or is non existent.
BoomBaby
That’s a nice observation! Seems like Marigold can truly achieve inner peace by embracing Jane’s smooches! 😀
AriBerri55
I DID NOT NOTICE THIS. THANKYOU.
David
Wow, great observation! So even after the kiss, she/they felt like they were alone together.
yep
AWWWWWWW
NiceIdiot
YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO this is great, loving everything about it
Paige
Normally when I see relations between two girls blossom (or I just end up shipping them) I get all excited and happy. This one just seemed natural and comforting. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes (if indeed it does).
kickpass
i know we're all excited, but can we appreciate mar's face in the second panel? the "i thought this was for real and now it looks like bs" face. it's perfect.
Kate
Haha, yes. That's pretty much my default face.
Arkadi
Everything in this page is great (as usual with OP) but Jane's "well, here goes" face and her posture in the last panel… god, it's just perfect.
NemoProprius
DAAAAAAYUUUUUMMMM!!!! That kiss is foyne!! WOOOOOOOWWWW…
funsponging
Oh Jane. I want to be you.
kev
Yeah Jane is cavalier and kind of a jerk sometimes, but that's a by-product of not really giving a shit. Mar could benefit from that.
Mar is a chronic people pleaser. Socially and romantically. By contrast, Jane "knows the game and refuses to play it" (although she does play it, still).
Jane and Mar are jaded in exactly opposite ways. Jane wants "to know the difference"—what it's like to want someone with every fiber of her being. Mar, on the other hand, has put herself on the line too many times in relationships. Lately she's been trying to find secureness in her own self, which looks from the outside like a shiny facade.
Is it possible that they could both find what they're looking for?
<3
Devon
This! You put this perfectly into words. I identify a bit with Marigold.. I met a partner who taught me to not need others as much (like Jane), and I taught him how to fully open up and invest into someone else (like Marigold). Our relationship has been for over 5 years now. With communication, 2 types like this can really learn from one another.
Also, can't wait to see how Mar explores her sexuality! All aboard!
kev
That's awesome! And so great about your relationship.
Granum
Mar's face in panel two though.
thatbrod
The ship I never even knew I needed.
Tabasco
Mar didn't really pull back. Huh
Arkadi
Nope :3 She didn't pull back at all.
@nalem
🙁 Aw
This page is so sweet, but also so sad
Red
Marijane? I ship it.
TRA
Me too!
When they get together, do they buy "Mary Jane"? 😀
Dell
I always love Octopus Pie arcs, they always are written so well, and the pacing is perfect and all…
but…
This is the first time in a LONG time that I've been surprised. I know this is echoing what other people said but gah damn!
I can't remember the last time I was shocked to the point of saying "Oh shit dawg! Goddamn!!!" with my maw left wide open.
And not just this comic though, pretty much any comic I've read rarely shocks me like that. Bravo, and yes, 'tis now successfully shipped.
Patty
YES YES YES thank you meredith
Robert
I think Jane's trying to order off the wrong menu.