chapter III
Nihil Humano Me Alienum Puto
“Parental Advisory: Naked People in Close Proximity!”
Romans had strict ideas of modesty and propriety, but they tended to be happily naked quite a bit—either in an intimate situation, or at the public baths, or out doing construction work or playing sports in a tiny slip of fabric wrapped around the uppers and nethers (though most athletes wore more clothing and gear than those crazy nekkid Greeks). And of course, nude statues and fescoes, painted in lifelike colours, abounded in public places and private homes. Not to mention the lamps and doorbells shaped like boy parts, and a phallus on every oven to ensure the bread would rise. But, I feel compelled to add a note about today’s comic, because to my knowledge my readership is primarily in the U.S., and, well, you know how we are. Sometimes one just doesn’t expect to get naked people in the morning breakfast cereal, or in the daily webcomic.
Oh, and Happy Fornacalia. Yes, it’s spelled correctly—it’s the festival of ovens and baking. I hope everyone got a piece of King Cake yesterday, or at least a nice nondenominational muffin.
original black & white version
Sometimes I feel like doing the comic in colour, even if it’s just a quickie digital effort like this. Other times, I can’t imagine it as anything but b&w.
Ah, the Americans.. so confused and hypocritical… They throw their hands up at the slightest hint of sex in publishing yet have the biggest porn following on the planet and the greatest industry of teasing in the way of cheerleaders and film stars.
When will they grow up?
Colour is nice, but I love your B&W. Second time through, last was a few years ago…
This is good timing for a second read through–chapter IV is just about to conclude. So you’ll have a complete story.
Not that all the loose ends will be tied up with a bow, though.
Given the setting for chapter V, there will surely be some shocking (shocking, I say!) matter-of-fact nudity and suggestive situations to come.
Thank you for rereading! I hope the story holds together over the years.