Well, Javier would be a benevolent Skynet, unlike Google…I don’t like those fuckers, and I am sure they don’t like me.
February 24, 2016 at 11:37 pm
MRADShooter
I do know this from the Boston Dynamics video…people with hockey sticks will be the first to die!
February 25, 2016 at 12:02 pm
nadadhimmi
Boston Dynamics stuff is incredible. The movement is so biomechanically correct….Their bipedal robot walking in the snow is unbelievable. The way that thing slips on the ice and recovers before falling looks like an athlete. It will amaze you the first time you see it.
February 25, 2016 at 1:09 pm
H_B
Okay Mr Muir, exactly how old are the DBD kids? You give specific ages for the main characters, but not the kids. Also, while the strip does deal with day-to-day current events, I’m unsure if the characters themselves are aging on a 1:1 time basis or are going on “comic book time” for age progression.
February 25, 2016 at 4:06 pm
Chris Muir
comic book time; they age 1 year for every 5 of mine, the bastards.
I keep it vague, Sam around 42-44, zed 47-50, jan and damon around 40, kids are mixed as some are new,javier about 7, his sister 3, mari and kiko gotta be 8 or 9 I’d guess, hugo ‘n eva (skye’s spawn) are 2 or so, like naomi and anatomy’s son.Note that with the actual length of the strip, sam should be 52 or so, but the bottomline is I keep it vague and moe tuned into what their lives are like as they slowly age.
February 25, 2016 at 4:57 pm
Grunt GI
Thanks for the update…the DBD girls are timeless beauties…but was kinda losing track of their offspring.
For about 40-year olds, Sam and Jan remain awesome MILFs.
February 25, 2016 at 7:40 pm
capn
Psst hey Chris …isn’t that supposed to be Naomi and Anatoly’s son?
“like naomi and anatomy’s son.”
Just sayin’
boston dynamics – jeepers BigDog looks so much like the walking war machines from Star Wars. Does he have a disintegrator ray? Oops eon beat me to it Thanks eon.
Troll maybe? could be … talks like a “let’s have a war”/”I’ll give you war” provacateur … hmmm Chris?
Pretty elaborate suicide plot if the boy is an infiltrator…
I keep thinking the clue is the MC1R connection.
February 24, 2016 at 11:49 pm
KenH
I’m pretty sure this is where things started with the Cylons…
February 25, 2016 at 12:23 am
B Woodman
Ahhh, I’ve heard of this project, just not by name. This the Mechanical Mule the DOD/Dept of the Army wants in order to assist the mobile light infantry in carrying additional mission loads. The only problem I (and others) can see is how far can it travel before refueling/recharging? How reliable is it (breakdowns, maintenance)?
Back to the story. . . . .that would be rather frightening to see that coming at you, like an electronic bloodhound. With biometric scanners. And access to databases. . Hmmmm. . .methinks secrets will soon be not-so-secret. Travis, you got somethin’ to hide, you gots two choices; spill the beans, or run away. Fast. And long.
If you’ve ever heard the thing, the sound it makes adds to the fear factor when it’s headed your way. It has a whine sort of like a small jet engine, coupled with the sound of its feet hitting ground.
Except the gas-powered version. Talk about fear factor; sounds like a high-tech high-speed Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Definitely not a stealth weapon.
February 25, 2016 at 1:37 am
H_B
These independant-armature projects, just like all of the various “powered armor” engineering tests over the years, all come down to the Power Problem.
If platinum were plentiful enough to make a direct-ethanol fuel cell economically practical, then maybe.
February 25, 2016 at 3:27 am
Malatrope
Look at the latest version of their ATLAS. It’s very quiet (and this was the source of MRADShooter’s comment, above).
February 25, 2016 at 6:27 am
David M
B Woodman,
That one you are referring to is DARPA’s “Big Dog”. The Marines tested it and liked it, but it was loud (like two chainsaw motors) and real mules were cheaper and easier to use… (DUH… I’ve been a high technology, computer geek since 1982 and I’m not convinced it has made anything “better”).
February 25, 2016 at 12:22 pm
nadadhimmi
And if besieged, you can always eat the Mules. Plus, the Mules “recharge” on grass, weeds, or anything green.
You had to give me this twist right before sleep. Thanks, Chris. Thanks oodles.
February 25, 2016 at 1:45 am
Pete231
” A Boy and His Dog” ! That brings back many fond memories of Saturday midnight movies in the balcony at the Gothic theater. Loaded up with beer, blunts, and a bag full of Taco John’s finest roll-ups. Don Johnson’s greatest role ever. When Vic and Blood are roaming the wastelands, nothing and no one are safe. Even Quilla June got hers in the finale. ….even if she didn’t have particularly good taste. Imagine this flick and “Iron Sky” (extended version) together at a midnight venue together. A man’s reach should always exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for ?
February 25, 2016 at 6:58 am
Bob
If you really liked the movie try reading they story. By Harlen Ellison and should be in a collection.
February 25, 2016 at 8:18 am
Dastardly Dan
I was beginning to think I was the only one who had ever read that story.
Possibly the best opening line of any Science Fiction store Ever!
February 25, 2016 at 12:28 pm
Browncoat
Thanks Bob. I was thinking it was an Ellison story and now I don’t have to look it up. Harlan’s freaky as hell, which is probably why I like his stuff. Wrote the, by far, darkest episode for the original ‘Star Trek’ series, ‘City On The Edge Of Forever’.
February 25, 2016 at 1:05 pm
B Woodman
I have an (early 70s?) graphic novel of that story. Good artwork, great story.
No correlation except the name, but that made me remember what is still today, for reasons way beyond what is between the covers, “A Boy and His Gun” by Janes. One of the most wonderful reads/experiences/influences ever to go to print…guided my life in so many ways.
And not a sci-fic page in there. Should be required reading for every young boy.
February 25, 2016 at 1:53 am
NotYetInACamp
Now just looking at that perspective as the vehicle is large enough for comfortable transport, we get something small that the villain’s transport in The Wild Wild West (movie remake).
It would be sufficiently air purified to protect against the mind virus infected Progressives of the previous two editions here. And it may have sufficient armor and armament to deal with the mind virus afflicted Muslims.
A large dog, he says.
All problems are solvable in such matters. A new way to ride the dog.
All of the people can join in the efforts where they are to contain the several contagions spreading through the land. We usually have low grade infections of most everything. Outbreaks must be contained.
That dog, be it K-9 sized, or of a larger breed are imaginative ways to fight the outbreaks.
And my, do we let our imaginations roll here. And that is all it is so far. Imagination and steam letting, and mentally considering what may be. Be it sooner, or be it later. Until then, we let it be. With some truth-saying and speculation as to how do the right and best things.
I wonder who the ‘Q dude will turn out to be? Not that he is not who he is as he stands there.
February 25, 2016 at 6:35 am
Bill G
I’ve been wondering if Travis looks familiar to these folks due to a family connection somewhere.
Chris, dose the dog bark? Great lords of space! Hint: “Q”, + “motorcycle ” = not oak, but “_ _ _ _”. Beam me up, Scotty!
February 25, 2016 at 7:12 am
Big Jim
There’s nothing about those “dogs” that a dose of .30cal. “anything” won’t settle. That Boston Dynamics demo really disturbs me; once upgraded armored versions are eventually fielded there’ll be a push to make ’em autonomous. I damn sure don’t want some pimply-faced kid’s “algorythms” deciding if I live or die. Bet yer boots the first direction will be military/law enforcement; those things aren’t meant for empathetic medical applications.
February 25, 2016 at 8:40 am
B Woodman
“I, Robot” with Will Smith.
February 25, 2016 at 11:16 am
interventor
I had enough problems with pack mules in my youth. They can hurt you on the trail.
February 25, 2016 at 12:32 pm
AMRoberts
Jim autonomous really isn’t required for LE use. Get them jam-resistant secure com and proof against most small arms fire and I think you’ve pretty much arrived at the “Officer Drone.” A human officer/operator sits in a remote, safe facility and runs the drone.
LE use probably offers easier solutions to the power problem than military. If a drone can’t operate for an entire shift before returning to its alcove, buses, trucks (or military-surplus MRAPs) carrying replenishment drones could meet power-depleted drones at rallying points, allowing the operators to change-over to fresh units. The power-depleted drone just has to end its shift with enough capacity to reach the rendezvous and board the MRAP, then it gets returned to the collective for recharge, reammunition, etc.
I fear the judgement “if you live or die” shifts when officer/operators don’t have to worry that excessive behavior could have consequences to anything other than their drone(s) … No autonomous algorithms required.
My hat’s off to Tennessee for naming the Barrett M82 as the state’s official rifle, but I think ordinary citizens are way behind the power curve.
In the world of DBD, will there be a day when the shoot-down of Damon’s observation drone is accompanied by the ATF/Homeland pulling up with the operator command vehicle, the big-rig full of drones in their charging alcoves, and the first squad of drones deploying and marching on the house(s)?
February 25, 2016 at 7:49 am
Pamela
Wait a minute. Javier wrote half the code? At how old?
All I can say is Damon and Jan need to make sure he learns to do things old school and not become some cave troll dependent on Tech.
Wade!
February 25, 2016 at 4:00 pm
Old Codger
And for goodness sake make sure (or try to) Javier doesn’t get into playing with viruses and such. Back when I was a PC (computer type) tech I did a service call to an office. While I was getting things sorted out and working on fixing the situation, one of the workers there started telling me how smart her kid was. Seems her teen-aged son was into computers big time and was even writing/experimenting with computer viruses. She was so proud. Damned near bit my tongue clean through. Like there weren’t already ENOUGH assholes writing malware this airhead was proud her baby boy was preparing to join their ranks!
February 25, 2016 at 9:40 pm
Pamela
My husband taught guys to fix computers, set up networks etc.
One class was hot to identify and contain viruses.
He actually tore the thing apart and found the signature and phone number of the idiot.
February 25, 2016 at 7:57 am
Stormhawk
Yeah, and if some self important a-hole decided to sic his robo-dog on me as a background check, well, his friend just lost a chef and bought himself and his friends a whole bunch of legal trouble. Does no one here think of the consequences of their actions?
February 25, 2016 at 8:20 am
Dastardly Dan
Hmmm do I detect the aroma of a troll, simmering in his own juices?
February 25, 2016 at 9:23 am
PaulS
Seems to be starting to smoke a little.
February 25, 2016 at 10:43 am
Sol
So… this ‘Q’ guy will turn out to be the guy that previously beat-up Skye and was, in turn, visited by Zed, right?
February 25, 2016 at 11:17 am
interventor
For more on the clueless git in Frisco, check Michele Malkin.
February 25, 2016 at 11:23 am
OpenTheDoor
A keyboard warrior getting all legal indignant about a comic strip story, wow, colour me unimpressed.
In the world of DBD, one sometimes forgets this is only a “comic strip story”. One finds that Chris Muir’s mind makes the story line seem so real to the reader…
February 25, 2016 at 11:54 am
James McEnanly
Is Javier going to become this strip’s answer to Will Robinson? This trope has been running for over 50 years, but the only in the only instance where we follow the boy to adulthood, he doesn’t turn out so well.
February 25, 2016 at 4:02 pm
Old Codger
I thought Wesley Crusher turned out OK – after a bit of problems @ Starfleet Academy.
February 25, 2016 at 12:19 pm
Spin Drift
I think Red Beard is most likely packing a small Kimber, Colt, Remington, Detonics in 45ACP as he’s a Harley guy. One shot to the logic unit, thorax, joints and robo doggie is toast. This could be interesting.
Spin
February 25, 2016 at 1:04 pm
Oliver Heaviside
Who or what is Javier? I get the BD ref, and they have the robot dog, but….
February 25, 2016 at 1:09 pm
Chris Muir
Damon and Jan’s 7 year old son.
February 25, 2016 at 4:04 pm
Old Codger
Interesting Video of BD’s robot. But, according to the BBC.com story I read, “We learned in December last year that plans to develop a four-legged dog-like robot had been shelved after it was deemed too noisy for its purpose on combat zones.”
February 25, 2016 at 7:03 pm
B Woodman
Sounds about right. For now, can’t beat “organic” for extra load bearing.
February 25, 2016 at 7:43 pm
capn
provacateur – provocateur I may learn to spell one of these days.
61 Comments
The thick plottens?
The plot thinnens.
Nice to have those kind of resources available… 🙂
Ok, I’m lost, dogs, packs, IQ and BB’Q. Help!
Spinning in the wind
see boston dynamics
I knew exactly what the strip was referring too, having seen the Boston Dynamics demo the other day. Really up-to-date stuff Chris. Well done.
Well, Javier would be a benevolent Skynet, unlike Google…I don’t like those fuckers, and I am sure they don’t like me.
I do know this from the Boston Dynamics video…people with hockey sticks will be the first to die!
Boston Dynamics stuff is incredible. The movement is so biomechanically correct….Their bipedal robot walking in the snow is unbelievable. The way that thing slips on the ice and recovers before falling looks like an athlete. It will amaze you the first time you see it.
Okay Mr Muir, exactly how old are the DBD kids? You give specific ages for the main characters, but not the kids. Also, while the strip does deal with day-to-day current events, I’m unsure if the characters themselves are aging on a 1:1 time basis or are going on “comic book time” for age progression.
comic book time; they age 1 year for every 5 of mine, the bastards.
I keep it vague, Sam around 42-44, zed 47-50, jan and damon around 40, kids are mixed as some are new,javier about 7, his sister 3, mari and kiko gotta be 8 or 9 I’d guess, hugo ‘n eva (skye’s spawn) are 2 or so, like naomi and anatomy’s son.Note that with the actual length of the strip, sam should be 52 or so, but the bottomline is I keep it vague and moe tuned into what their lives are like as they slowly age.
Thanks for the update…the DBD girls are timeless beauties…but was kinda losing track of their offspring.
For about 40-year olds, Sam and Jan remain awesome MILFs.
Psst hey Chris …isn’t that supposed to be Naomi and Anatoly’s son?
“like naomi and anatomy’s son.”
Just sayin’
boston dynamics – jeepers BigDog looks so much like the walking war machines from Star Wars. Does he have a disintegrator ray? Oops eon beat me to it Thanks eon.
Troll maybe? could be … talks like a “let’s have a war”/”I’ll give you war” provacateur … hmmm Chris?
Javier is coding at the age of 7. Right, then.
Shades of Dr. Who (K9)
More like a miniature AT-TE;
http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/All_Terrain_Tactical_Enforcer
I wonder if it has a railgun?
cheers
eon
Why do I get the feeling this is woman beater Karl returning?
I don’t think so. Wade also said he looked familiar, and I’m pretty sure he never met Karl.
Seriously doubt it is Karl.
Even after a righteous beat down, they don’t flip that far.
Pretty elaborate suicide plot if the boy is an infiltrator…
I keep thinking the clue is the MC1R connection.
I’m pretty sure this is where things started with the Cylons…
Ahhh, I’ve heard of this project, just not by name. This the Mechanical Mule the DOD/Dept of the Army wants in order to assist the mobile light infantry in carrying additional mission loads. The only problem I (and others) can see is how far can it travel before refueling/recharging? How reliable is it (breakdowns, maintenance)?
Back to the story. . . . .that would be rather frightening to see that coming at you, like an electronic bloodhound. With biometric scanners. And access to databases. . Hmmmm. . .methinks secrets will soon be not-so-secret. Travis, you got somethin’ to hide, you gots two choices; spill the beans, or run away. Fast. And long.
If you’ve ever heard the thing, the sound it makes adds to the fear factor when it’s headed your way. It has a whine sort of like a small jet engine, coupled with the sound of its feet hitting ground.
Except the gas-powered version. Talk about fear factor; sounds like a high-tech high-speed Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Definitely not a stealth weapon.
These independant-armature projects, just like all of the various “powered armor” engineering tests over the years, all come down to the Power Problem.
If platinum were plentiful enough to make a direct-ethanol fuel cell economically practical, then maybe.
Look at the latest version of their ATLAS. It’s very quiet (and this was the source of MRADShooter’s comment, above).
B Woodman,
That one you are referring to is DARPA’s “Big Dog”. The Marines tested it and liked it, but it was loud (like two chainsaw motors) and real mules were cheaper and easier to use… (DUH… I’ve been a high technology, computer geek since 1982 and I’m not convinced it has made anything “better”).
And if besieged, you can always eat the Mules. Plus, the Mules “recharge” on grass, weeds, or anything green.
You had to give me this twist right before sleep. Thanks, Chris. Thanks oodles.
” A Boy and His Dog” ! That brings back many fond memories of Saturday midnight movies in the balcony at the Gothic theater. Loaded up with beer, blunts, and a bag full of Taco John’s finest roll-ups. Don Johnson’s greatest role ever. When Vic and Blood are roaming the wastelands, nothing and no one are safe. Even Quilla June got hers in the finale. ….even if she didn’t have particularly good taste. Imagine this flick and “Iron Sky” (extended version) together at a midnight venue together. A man’s reach should always exceed his grasp, or what’s a heaven for ?
If you really liked the movie try reading they story. By Harlen Ellison and should be in a collection.
I was beginning to think I was the only one who had ever read that story.
Possibly the best opening line of any Science Fiction store Ever!
Thanks Bob. I was thinking it was an Ellison story and now I don’t have to look it up. Harlan’s freaky as hell, which is probably why I like his stuff. Wrote the, by far, darkest episode for the original ‘Star Trek’ series, ‘City On The Edge Of Forever’.
I have an (early 70s?) graphic novel of that story. Good artwork, great story.
No correlation except the name, but that made me remember what is still today, for reasons way beyond what is between the covers, “A Boy and His Gun” by Janes. One of the most wonderful reads/experiences/influences ever to go to print…guided my life in so many ways.
And not a sci-fic page in there. Should be required reading for every young boy.
Now just looking at that perspective as the vehicle is large enough for comfortable transport, we get something small that the villain’s transport in The Wild Wild West (movie remake).
It would be sufficiently air purified to protect against the mind virus infected Progressives of the previous two editions here. And it may have sufficient armor and armament to deal with the mind virus afflicted Muslims.
A large dog, he says.
All problems are solvable in such matters. A new way to ride the dog.
All of the people can join in the efforts where they are to contain the several contagions spreading through the land. We usually have low grade infections of most everything. Outbreaks must be contained.
That dog, be it K-9 sized, or of a larger breed are imaginative ways to fight the outbreaks.
And my, do we let our imaginations roll here. And that is all it is so far. Imagination and steam letting, and mentally considering what may be. Be it sooner, or be it later. Until then, we let it be. With some truth-saying and speculation as to how do the right and best things.
I wonder who the ‘Q dude will turn out to be? Not that he is not who he is as he stands there.
I’ve been wondering if Travis looks familiar to these folks due to a family connection somewhere.
Hence my MC1R speculation above…
Chris, dose the dog bark? Great lords of space! Hint: “Q”, + “motorcycle ” = not oak, but “_ _ _ _”. Beam me up, Scotty!
There’s nothing about those “dogs” that a dose of .30cal. “anything” won’t settle. That Boston Dynamics demo really disturbs me; once upgraded armored versions are eventually fielded there’ll be a push to make ’em autonomous. I damn sure don’t want some pimply-faced kid’s “algorythms” deciding if I live or die. Bet yer boots the first direction will be military/law enforcement; those things aren’t meant for empathetic medical applications.
“I, Robot” with Will Smith.
I had enough problems with pack mules in my youth. They can hurt you on the trail.
Jim autonomous really isn’t required for LE use. Get them jam-resistant secure com and proof against most small arms fire and I think you’ve pretty much arrived at the “Officer Drone.” A human officer/operator sits in a remote, safe facility and runs the drone.
LE use probably offers easier solutions to the power problem than military. If a drone can’t operate for an entire shift before returning to its alcove, buses, trucks (or military-surplus MRAPs) carrying replenishment drones could meet power-depleted drones at rallying points, allowing the operators to change-over to fresh units. The power-depleted drone just has to end its shift with enough capacity to reach the rendezvous and board the MRAP, then it gets returned to the collective for recharge, reammunition, etc.
I fear the judgement “if you live or die” shifts when officer/operators don’t have to worry that excessive behavior could have consequences to anything other than their drone(s) … No autonomous algorithms required.
My hat’s off to Tennessee for naming the Barrett M82 as the state’s official rifle, but I think ordinary citizens are way behind the power curve.
In the world of DBD, will there be a day when the shoot-down of Damon’s observation drone is accompanied by the ATF/Homeland pulling up with the operator command vehicle, the big-rig full of drones in their charging alcoves, and the first squad of drones deploying and marching on the house(s)?
Wait a minute. Javier wrote half the code? At how old?
All I can say is Damon and Jan need to make sure he learns to do things old school and not become some cave troll dependent on Tech.
Wade!
And for goodness sake make sure (or try to) Javier doesn’t get into playing with viruses and such. Back when I was a PC (computer type) tech I did a service call to an office. While I was getting things sorted out and working on fixing the situation, one of the workers there started telling me how smart her kid was. Seems her teen-aged son was into computers big time and was even writing/experimenting with computer viruses. She was so proud. Damned near bit my tongue clean through. Like there weren’t already ENOUGH assholes writing malware this airhead was proud her baby boy was preparing to join their ranks!
My husband taught guys to fix computers, set up networks etc.
One class was hot to identify and contain viruses.
He actually tore the thing apart and found the signature and phone number of the idiot.
Yeah, and if some self important a-hole decided to sic his robo-dog on me as a background check, well, his friend just lost a chef and bought himself and his friends a whole bunch of legal trouble. Does no one here think of the consequences of their actions?
Hmmm do I detect the aroma of a troll, simmering in his own juices?
Seems to be starting to smoke a little.
So… this ‘Q’ guy will turn out to be the guy that previously beat-up Skye and was, in turn, visited by Zed, right?
For more on the clueless git in Frisco, check Michele Malkin.
A keyboard warrior getting all legal indignant about a comic strip story, wow, colour me unimpressed.
In the world of DBD, one sometimes forgets this is only a “comic strip story”. One finds that Chris Muir’s mind makes the story line seem so real to the reader…
Is Javier going to become this strip’s answer to Will Robinson? This trope has been running for over 50 years, but the only in the only instance where we follow the boy to adulthood, he doesn’t turn out so well.
I thought Wesley Crusher turned out OK – after a bit of problems @ Starfleet Academy.
I think Red Beard is most likely packing a small Kimber, Colt, Remington, Detonics in 45ACP as he’s a Harley guy. One shot to the logic unit, thorax, joints and robo doggie is toast. This could be interesting.
Spin
Who or what is Javier? I get the BD ref, and they have the robot dog, but….
Damon and Jan’s 7 year old son.
Interesting Video of BD’s robot. But, according to the BBC.com story I read, “We learned in December last year that plans to develop a four-legged dog-like robot had been shelved after it was deemed too noisy for its purpose on combat zones.”
Sounds about right. For now, can’t beat “organic” for extra load bearing.
provacateur – provocateur I may learn to spell one of these days.