A review of Angst Technology
by Kajamir the Giant
AT's one of my favorite webcomics around nowadays. It reminds me somewhat of PvP, but with a more friendly, less saccharine feel. The setting too, is similar to the aforementioned, with several co-workers in a video game related business. However, Angst Technology is not a clone by any means. Its style is its own, by art and writ.
Angst tends to remain more true to its concept that PvP is. When was the last time you've seen the members of PvP actually going through their paces at work? Angst occasionally goes on a fourth wall breaking plotline, but doesn't make it a common occurance. Effectively, you see game making employees, doing their jobs, such as sales and concept. However, their work is tempered by fun and comraderie, the result which after the sizable run of the comic, doesn't feel forced or tired. While AT, again, goes onto a fantastical bend here and there (they have a monkey for a web site designer), there's a stronger level of believability that some of these people could exist, compared to other comics of its genre.
AT's black and white art is pretty clean in the current run, quite a bit of improvement from the earliest content. There's no moments of doubt concerning who or what, is supposed to look like. The characters are drawn rather uniquely (just try to find a character that resembles Dante), yet not so eye catching as to be distracting. I would best describe the art as pleasant looking, many steps higher than just adequate, but not outright mindblowing. Really, it does its job and then some.
The writing, which I feel is usually the living core of any webcomic, is what most appeals to me. Some webcomics you read to see what happens next, if by plot device of cliff hangers or unethusiastic. Some webcomics have jokes, but aren't particularly funny, sort of like a newspaper syndicated run. AT is pretty consistent on what it can do. I find it an enjoyable experience, and perhaps a little something to look forward to each day when I go online.
The characters are defined well, by job, tastes, and so on. However, in terms of progression, or character development, things are on the slow side. Things like Dante getting twins or Yaz's father coming over for a visit, are nice gems, but not too common. It would probably add some depth if the character's personal lives were more ongoing or reactive, but things are fine as they are.
On a slightly different note than I usually comment on, the author's little notes are enjoyable. Typically, most author's use such space as a place to rant about how miserable/self-depreciative they are, who/what's annoying them now, or post some dubious sounding opinions. What the author is percieved to be, can cast a shadow on the comic (PvP, the Wendy series, & Megatokyo being great examples of this). The author of AT comes off as being friendly, helpful, and playful. You can see it not only in his posts, but the various other nifty things he hosts, such as a humorous picture of the week, his call to arms in a lowkey online war game he participates in, and the site of the week. The image he shows of himself to his readers, can have a friendly effect to one's overrall experience on his site. It would be a credit of other creator's to understand this, and leave their heavier baggage elsewhere.
I don't have much in demerit to speak of concerning Angst Technology beyond the chance it might improve still with more character progression. The art, styling, and writing is pretty much where I like it, capable of being both straight and goofy. I give Angst Technology a 9 of 10 stars. I will definitely continue to follow it. |
