The Barrow Downs Newspaper

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

You sound like a fangirl.

But he is sooooo adorable! That one was immensly funny!

Now who sounds like a fangirl here ;)

But well - why not? :D

[Hookbill the Goomba]

For those of you who loved Phanston and Ailsbry, we made this little picture to commemorate the special adventure;

ALIEN IS BURNING THE EVIDENCE!! (http://i39.tinypic.com/1126goz.png)

[wilwarin538]

ahhhh!....hehehehe, I heart him so big! <3

:eek: woah, I do sound like a fangirl.....

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Alisbury is the GREATEST EVER!!!!! I L<3VE HIM!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

News on the run!
Next week is the 150th edition. I can't believe I've been doing this for 150 weeks! More, if you include the Barrow and other parodies. After next week I'll be taking a break from the paper for a few weeks in the hope that my creative brain workings will recharge enough for some fresh ideas. Or something.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Week149.png

Extra special thanks and sausages to Oddwen for this, the first of a three part guest special!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/PandAfiller01.jpg

It's stored in the Comic Archive (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)!!

I hope you other guest artists are working hard. ;) (Not that I've ever worked hard on P&A...)

[Formendacil]

Oh dear...

Not even kidding...

How DID you know I'm much associated with strawberries?:eek:

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Oh dear...

Not even kidding...

How DID you know I'm much associated with strawberries?:eek:

Mysterious powers, Formy. Mysterious powers.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Teapot full of coffee causes Parliament to be dissolved.
NO! What a disgrace! A teapot full of coffee! HOW COULD THEY!?!?!?!?!?!

I was so happy for the Downer this week, and then I read the second article. It is one BIG Doctor Who reference! I just had to slap myself, it's not like I didn't enjoy it, because I did, it's just ANOTHER one. Of course, this is Hookbill we're talking about!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

And now for some SPORTS 'News' from Skip Spence and the phantom;

http://i40.tinypic.com/28soaa0.png

And the second part of Oddwen's excellent guest comic series of P&A!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/PandAfiller02.jpg

The last part will be on Friday.

Check the Comic Archive (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah), for everything else.

Now, the schedule;

Firday 22nd May = Oddwen's last comic

Monday 25th = TGEW's comic

Wednesday 27th May = Aganzir's Comic (if I get it)

Friday 29th May = Possibly the Prologue of Volume 3!!

Monday 1st June = EPISODE ONE!!

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Monday 25th = TGEW's comic So this means you got it then, Hookbill?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

So this means you got it then, Hookbill?

It does indeed. :) Thanks!

Right, now Oddwen's little epic finishes off in style! Goodbye squishy!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/pandafiller03.jpg

It's been stored in the Comic Archive (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/).

Fun times are ahead, I assure you. With volume three on the horizon, who knows what adventures await our heroes?

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Haha, hey, Oddster, that was quite good! I liked the "My stömách" referrence :D

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Haha, hey, Oddster, that was quite good! I liked the "My stömách" referrence :D
Me too! Good ol' Puts Accents Over every Vowel Man!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

A tad late, I'm afraid. I've only just got back from Scotland.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Week150.png

Is this the final Downer? Maybe. I haven't decided yet. Whatever happens, I'm taking a break. If you still have stories to send me, please do so. I will try and put together one or two papers before I go back to the regular updates. In any case, don't expect more than a couple in the next, say, month.
I may post up the odd 'Barrow' tabloid or 'Ye Downer' if I feel up to it. But at the moment I feel very creatively drained and want to focus my efforts on P&A 3 and my own novel.
I thank you all for supporting The Downer and I hope the following is strong enough to endure a little break. Perhaps it will even become a good paper, as opposed to something thrown together in the last hour...

Now, back to Phailain!! It's time for another guest comic. This time from TheGreatElvenWarrior. A life-long P&A fan. I think. So, many thanks and buckets of cheese to you.

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/TGEW1.png

Check it out in the Comic Archive (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

Aganzir, how is yours coming along? I'd like to get Volume Three started soon. The Prologue is already up on the archive website, but I may post it here for comments on Friday. In any case, the official start of Volume Three will be next Monday.

Volume 3, episode one: Peter Hampton. :eek:

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Oh, that really sounds sad and gloomy. But at least P&A will be here with us... hey, and TGEW, I actually liked your Alien! He looks quite good!

[Morthoron]

EDITORIAL REPLY

To the Editorial Staff:

I must take exception to the notion that the Barrow Downs is to be airlifted off the face of Arda with the intention that it shall be tossed 'into the void'. What did the void ever do to deserve such a transgression? The whole point of having a void is that it remains empty -- void meaning, of course, 'vacant'.

From an ethical standpoint, tossing something as toxic as the Barrow Downs into a perfectly pristine void presents an environmental nightmare. Perhaps, if this dubious venture is an eventuality, the large population of wights and the corpses they inhabit could be disinterred from their barrows, and buried in some place suitable for dead things. Like in Lobelia Sackville-Baggins' undergarments, for instance.

Thank you for your timely cooperation in this matter,
Lacuna Holloway
Barren Gulf, Miss.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

*should probably start planning it soon*

Any chance we could see this soon? :p

For now, the phantom and skip spence continue to take us through the weird world of spourterz!!!

http://i39.tinypic.com/9ql0sl.png

Just to remind you all...

PHANTOM AND ALIEN VOLUME 3 OFFICIALLY BEGINS ON MONDAY THE 1st OF JUNE!

[Aganzir]

Any chance we could see this soon? :p
On the 30th of May? ;)

Sorry, I've been both busy and lazy (how typical).

But really, you'll get it! :D

[Eönwë]

Gandalf Uncloaks
New Offensive
Strategy

I'm sure I speak for most people when I say that I didn't see the second two lines until afterwards.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Hookbill, I admire your noble efforts to give us a newspaper every week. It never ceases to cheer me up when I feel depressed.
I will send you articles!
hey, and TGEW, I actually liked your Alien! He looks quite good! Hooray! I have completed my goal in life! (Not really, no) But, thank you, I worked long and hard to make my Phantom and Alien look like... well, Phantom and Alien.:eek:;)

EDITORIAL REPLY

To the Editorial Staff:

I must take exception to the notion that the Barrow Downs is to be airlifted off the face of Arda with the intention that it shall be tossed 'into the void'. What did the void ever do to deserve such a transgression? The whole point of having a void is that it remains empty -- void meaning, of course, 'vacant'.

From an ethical standpoint, tossing something as toxic as the Barrow Downs into a perfectly pristine void presents an environmental nightmare. Perhaps, if this dubious venture is an eventuality, the large population of wights and the corpses they inhabit could be disinterred from their barrows, and buried in some place suitable for dead things. Like in Lobelia Sackville-Baggins' undergarments, for instance.

Thank you for your timely cooperation in this matter,
Lacuna Holloway
Barren Gulf, Miss.
The void is not 'clean', do you remember all those Cybermen and Daleks that got thrust in there?

... Oh, nevermind!

EDIT: The fact that Hookbill really does not like doing this 'Sport Paper' thing makes it even more funny, because he is so not enthused about it! You can tell just by looking at the top!:D

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Hooray! I have completed my goal in life! (Not really, no) But, thank you, I worked long and hard to make my Phantom and Alien look like... well, Phantom and Alien.:eek:;)

Well, the main point is that you gave him also a bit of a personalized look, kind of look you made on your own, so he's not just a copy. I like that one.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Right, I'm posting this now because I can't wait any longer!!

The prologue to The Legend of the Golden Bus Ticket!!

New adventures for The Phantom and Alien to get their teeth into. You may have already seen it on the website, but please comment about it here...

It's a whole new format. A new artist and a new setting. But, the same old writer and the same old style of humour. Hope you don't get bored with it...

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/000%20Prologue.PNG


THAT'S RIGHT, EVERYONE!! VOLUME THREE IS... A PREQUEL!!!

So, you'll have to wait until Volume 4 to find out what happened to Alien, I'm afraid. But there will be clues in this volume.
What to expect in the next year-or-so...

- Action
- Explosions
- Sick
- John Fillis
- Formy!!
- Bus Drivers
- Alien's Mother!
- John Fillis!
- Alien's Father!
- BABY ALIEN
- Death!
- JOHN FILLIS!

And much more.

Follow the story in the comic archive, as usual (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah).

Will there be a legend involving a bus ticket, golden or otherwise? Probably not...

It's going to be a big ride, folks.

[Formendacil]

Ooooh!

Excellent first installment, Master Hookbill. Looking very much forward to seeing more. Death as the narrator is awesome.

[Laurinquë]

I really cannot believe The Downer is being discontinued temporarily or otherwise! It is by far my favourite thread and one that will be sorely missed by all Downers. This is the first bad news that you have ever published! :(

However, I do understand your reasons. I could have never put together ONE Downer, let alone 150. I admire your perseverance and constant hilarity, The Downer has provided distraction material for many a study hall and homework session, diversions for which I am eternally grateful.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I really cannot believe The Downer is being discontinued temporarily or otherwise! It is by far my favourite thread and one that will be sorely missed by all Downers. This is the first bad news that you have ever published! :(

However, I do understand your reasons. I could have never put together ONE Downer, let alone 150. I admire your perseverance and constant hilarity, The Downer has provided distraction material for many a study hall and homework session, diversions for which I am eternally grateful.

Don't worry yourself over much. For the next few weeks I'll be doing other Newspapers! That's right, The Barrow is making an unexpected and unwanted return. Followed by several other newspaper parodies, from the broadsheet to the crayon drawings of a three year old. :D

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Did I mention that I liked the prologue? :)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Did I mention that I liked the prologue? :)

I wonder why... ;)

So what do you all think of The Phantom's look? You'll never guess what picture he's based on. :D

[wilwarin538]

So what do you all think of The Phantom's look? You'll never guess what picture he's based on. :D

I have to say that I love it. Quite wonderful indeed. :D

I'm very much looking forward to a baby Alien, I'm sure he'll be absolutely adorable! <3

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

So what do you all think of The Phantom's look? You'll never guess what picture he's based on. :D

I think he looks a bit like you hooky

[Estelyn Telcontar]

I think this Phantom version looks like a cross between Doctor Who and Harry Potter... :)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Before you get too excited, here is Aganzir's quite excellent guest comic! Golly gosh! I'm in awe of the effort!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/phantomalien.jpg

It's been stored in the ARCHIVE.

Thanks a bundle to all you who made special comics for me. It's always nice to see how you each interpret the characters. They all seem to have one thing in common; Alien is destructive. But, that's how the comic works anyway, isn't it. :cool:

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

aww Alien is so cute!

[Morai]

Wow. Good work Aganzir and Hookbill! I loved both of the comics.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Aganzir inspired me to make some little icons.

Gardening Alien:
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/GardenAlien.png

Peter Hampton is pleased
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Pleased.png

Now he's not so impressed.
http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Unimpressed.png

[Aganzir]

Haha thanks everybody.

And aww Hookbill those small icons are cute! Phantom could take one of those for his avatar. ;)

Anyway I want to say I like their new looks... although Alien's a bit less. He looks better with fangs than with rabbit teeth. ;) And I absolutely love Legate, that looks so much like him! The face, the expressions! He even speaks like Legate! :D

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Anyway I want to say I like their new looks... although Alien's a bit less. He looks better with fangs than with rabbit teeth.

He IS supposed to be younger. It was the best way we could think to represent him as being more juvenile. BUCKED TEETH.... Tooth... Whatever...

Eventually, the origins of THE CLOAK will be disclosed. But for a long while, you'll have to get used to Peter Hampton and his tuxedo - purple flairs combo. :D

[Boromir88]

Holy...I would not even be able to trace that well, nice drawing and cartoon Agan. :)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I really cannot believe The Downer is being discontinued temporarily or otherwise! It is by far my favourite thread and one that will be sorely missed by all Downers. This is the first bad news that you have ever published! :(

However, I do understand your reasons. I could have never put together ONE Downer, let alone 150. I admire your perseverance and constant hilarity, The Downer has provided distraction material for many a study hall and homework session, diversions for which I am eternally grateful.First of all, I quite agree. It saddens me that the Downer is being discontinued. Secondly, I agree with your second statement as well. Many a study hall has been wasted because of the inevitable hilarity. And homework not being done...

Anyway, I rather like this Peter Hampton bloke, where can I get one?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Not only uninformative, but also unpunctual...?

The Barrow is the Downs' premier tabloid newspaper. Providing you with shock stories, celebrity 'gossip' and pointless prises. Enjoy this for the next three weeks, why don't you? ;)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Barrow003.png

And now... THE ADVENTURE REALLY BEGINS!
Episode one of the new volume of The Phantom and Alien. Let's meet this Peter Hampton and find out just haw awesome he thinks he is...

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20001.png

It will, as usual, be stored at the old Comic Archive (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah).

So, let speculation fly!

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Yes. I love the ending to that! "...another blasted.... bus driver."

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Well, just to get you all excited about Volume Three, I made a quick little trailer for you. I'm still pretty new to video editing, so it's not great. But it does it's job... sort of. ;)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blTWCMq-uuI

I hope you liked John Fillis' cameo.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Hool, cookbill! Or... hook, coolbill? ...whichever way it should be...
We is looking forward to upcoming P&A...

Just, concerning this horrible "The Barrow", makes me a bit sad we lost our reliable "The Downer", it is obvious that "The Barrow" is really a far worse sort of newspaper. If you can call it news. If you can call it paper.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Just, concerning this horrible "The Barrow", makes me a bit sad we lost our reliable "The Downer", it is obvious that "The Barrow" is really a far worse sort of newspaper. If you can call it news. If you can call it paper.

I was tempted to use the usual tabloid response of "but so many people read it", then I remembered that it's not exactly true in this case. :D

Glad you liked the trailer. I don't think it gives too much away about future episodes...

[Eönwë]

Loving the new P&A :D

If you can call it paper.
Who says its printed on paper? I always thought it was "Printed on the finest fell beast skin since 1876".

I also laughed the phrase "ruthlessly taking food in exchange for currency". Great work, Hooky!

[Morai]

Wow...that trailer was pretty epic. Especially the soundtrack. And the "stuff."

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Nice trailer, Hookbill! I couldn't have done something that good with any program. It made me giggle, and my brother was not even there to see it.:D

[Hookbill the Goomba]

The phantom and Skippy are still forcing sports on you. :p

http://i40.tinypic.com/vr3v9t.png

And now we turn to everyone's favourite green-slime creature! Oh, and introducing his accomplice for most of this volume, FORMY!!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20002.png

You can go back to the Archive (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/volume3.htm)and see what's going on!

I'll update the characters page at some point...

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Wowwww!!! Fantastic!!! Are we going to uncover something of Alien's past? SO COOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And, yes, okay, there is some Form as well. Interesting ;)

:)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Wowwww!!! Fantastic!!! Are we going to uncover something of Alien's past? SO COOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, that's mostly the whole point of this volume. To see The Phantom and Alien's back story. ;)
But remember, things are not always what they seem. Formy ISN'T out of waffles. :D

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Yes, that's mostly the whole point of this volume. To see The Phantom and Alien's back story. ;)
But remember, things are not always what they seem. Formy ISN'T out of waffles. :D
*Jaw drops, starts shaking uncontrollably!*
YES, YES, YES!!!!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

As part of my little series of alternate papers, here is, in contrast to last week’s tabloid, the broadsheet paper, The Wight Times. It’s a serious paper for serious people.

http://i42.tinypic.com/5mwz74.png

Let’s get into the weird and wonderful world of The Phantom and Alien. Today, Peter Hampton takes his bus out for a spin. But where has he stopped?

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20003.png

The new series is drawn by my brother Joshua and he’s always eager to know what you think of his style. I quite like the look of it and am glad he’s decided to do it because I certainly couldn’t have drawn anything in today’s episode.

So, yes, for more of this sort of thing, and to catch up on season two, you can still look into;

THE COMIC ARCHIVE
OF DOOOOOM (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/)

Warning: may not actually cause or affect any doom of any kind.
Or, if it does cause some sort of doom, it will probably involve an explosion and a large balloon. With pudding.

[Lindale]

Oh my. I've been gone a couple of weeks and I miss a dreadful lot. To think that this thing is what keeps me to the Downs... Now I must begin reading! Great job, Hookbill.

[Aganzir]

Hookie you can tell your brother that he's doing great. I love the characters' facial expressions and how lively the pictures are.

[Valesse]

Hookbill, your brother has a great hand at using paint (must be a bizarre family trait--one of which I am indeed jealous of)... I can't get over the frog in the fifth frame. It's cute even if it was just cut into three sections by a bus! :p

That Wright Times is far too serious for me. I much prefer the Downer. I strongly disagree with this nonsense that they nabbed anyone's sanity. Snorkel. What would the Downer what with it anyway? Mud slinging, I say.

[Oddwen]

I have no idea what you are talking about, so here's a picture of an Oddwen with a box on its head.

:D

I also approve of your brother's artwork. Mayhaps you should recruit him to the Downs...

[wilwarin538]

I love the scared passenger inside the bus...and the random piano....and phantom's determined expression when he's driving....it's all wonderful, your brother is awesome! :D

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I also approve of your brother's artwork. Mayhaps you should recruit him to the Downs... The Downs' new slogan "The Barrow-Downs, a family website."

I have problems with this: "the hideous editor"
I would like you to know Hookbill, that you are anything but hideous!

I do like the new artwork for P and A, but I also miss the old one...

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I have problems with this: "the hideous editor"
I would like you to know Hookbill, that you are anything but hideous!

But Pseudo-Human is perfectly fine? :p

Joshua is very pleased with your feedback. We've now done about 60 of the episodes in this series, so we're up to the point at which he's saying "Wow, I've gotten better since then" :D

We're not sure if I'll take over for volume 4. It may be a mix-up, because there will be a good number that are back to the old format, but there will still be lots of ACTION sequences and... um... I don't know... giant... death... robot... clones?

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

But Pseudo-Human is perfectly fine? :p
No, how about "very cute".

My brother wants to know if a) Peter Hampton is Alien's brother and b) I want to know if Alien has siblings...

[Hookbill the Goomba]

My brother wants to know if a) Peter Hampton is Alien's brother and b) I want to know if Alien has siblings...

There's a reason 'Hampton' is an anagram of 'Phantom'. :p
Look through volume 1 for the answer to your second question... Or is it...? :eek:

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

There's a reason 'Hampton' is an anagram of 'Phantom'. :p
Look through volume 1 for the answer to your second question... Or is it...? :eek:
Awesome!
Will do!

[Eönwë]

My brother wants to know if a) Peter Hampton is Alien's brother and b) I want to know if Alien has siblings...
Doesn't the prologue sort of give away who he is?

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

I do like the new artwork for P and A, but I also miss the old one...
I love the scared passenger inside the bus...and the random piano....and phantom's determined expression when he's driving....it's all wonderful, your brother is awesome! :D

I must say I agree with both. I can agree with TGEW that I do like the new artwork, but at the same time miss the old one. But the new one is really good too!
I like the hand of the old woman in the last frame, and I like Hampton's expressions. And he's really cool, let's face it :D

Also, I like the piano... speaking of it... well, I am somewhat unnerved by it. Did you guys realise the pianos appeared in both the strips with Hampton and Formy? Is it the same piano? And what role does it have? Ever heard about a monster piano?

Likewise, the things in the background... like the burning birds in the first one, or the random nuclear explosion in the last one...

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Likewise, the things in the background... like the burning birds in the first one, or the random nuclear explosion in the last one...

What makes you think the explosion is random? ;)

Thanks for your support, folks! I hope the twists and turns this story takes will be most enjoyable for you. I've just done a big plot twist episode and there are more to come. :eek:

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

What makes you think the explosion is random? ;)

Well, I have been thinking about that, of course :) But simply, this far, it is random. Just like the birds... and the piano... and the frog? :eek: Who knows what we can expect?

[Eönwë]

Well, I have been thinking about that, of course :) But simply, this far, it is random. Just like the birds... and the piano... and the frog? :eek: Who knows what we can expect?

Silly Legate ;). Nothing is random in P&A.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

It's time to answer some questions. But, as is going to become ever more common, the answers will just raise further questions. ;)

http://i40.tinypic.com/28chiyd.png

It's all in good fun. Well, the 'Clowns Head Incident' probably wasn't... But oh well...

Keep up with the story in the old ARCHIVE OF SPECIAL DOOM!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/)

Today's episode is the first of a little two-part thing with Formy and Alien. Monday will see the aftermath of this 'random explosion'. Oh, and make sure you check in on next Thursday's episode. It's called "John Fillis - Part 1". For all you fans of the big monster thing.

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

Aww, poor Alien! When I see him on the second but last picture, I pity him. He is cute!

[Oddwen]

AWWWWWW! Poor li'l misunderstood baby slime creature!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

AWWWWWW! Poor li'l misunderstood baby slime creature!

That's exactly why he always gets away with it. ;)

[Thinlómien]

Alien = <3

[Hookbill the Goomba]

It's time for a truly horrible newspaper!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/DownyMail001.png

Now the adventure continues in the supposedly exciting third volume prequel of The Phantom and Alien!
Today, Formy's church has been blown up by Alien. What will he do about it?

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20005.png

Wasn't that great?

Catch up on previous episodes in THE COMIC ARCHIVE (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah).

Come back on Thursday for John Fillis - Part 1!! :eek:

[wilwarin538]

I love that Rune only has one fang. :D

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

What? I am not delusional!
I must complain to this week's paper, it makes me look like some sort of idiot! I like the Downer better!

Besides, I didn't realise it was Hookbill until too late!


I like the fact that Formy's sleeves are ripped off after the explosion but he doesn't seem to be hurt...

[Oddwen]

I love that Rune only has one fang. :D

Might it be drool?

[Eönwë]

Nice self-promotion by the Downy Mail. :D

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I like the fact that Formy's sleeves are ripped off after the explosion but he doesn't seem to be hurt...

Well, presumably he was hurt, but he's tough enough to live through it. ;) After all, one doesn't live with lego everywhere for so long without learning to deal with pain (specifically, stepping on lego blocks in bare feet. Owch!)

A little bit on an inside story on P&A3. The process of making each episode is somewhat laborious. More than the previous ones. First of all, I have empty templates I printed off onto which I do sketches of what I want to happen in each episode. You can see one of these in early development here (http://pics.livejournal.com/hukbillgoomba/pic/0004ey57).
Then I hand said sketch on to my brother for digitalising. He draws it up to my specifications and I give it a once-over to check it's as I want it. He then e-mails me the picture and I put the text in using Image composer.

We spent a lot of time wondering about the text, actually. I almost gave them speech bubbles. We decided against it because it took up to much space and I felt it distracted from a lot of the background funny stuff. :D

What do you think?

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Well, presumably he was hurt, but he's tough enough to live through it. ;) After all, one doesn't live with lego everywhere for so long without learning to deal with pain (specifically, stepping on lego blocks in bare feet. Owch!)I get what you mean, stepping on legos hurts like Angband! We used to have them all over the floor of our house, but I haven't taken my legos out for a while, so we haven't had that problem...

A little bit on an inside story on P&A3. The process of making each episode is somewhat laborious. More than the previous ones. First of all, I have empty templates I printed off onto which I do sketches of what I want to happen in each episode. You can see one of these in early development here (http://pics.livejournal.com/hukbillgoomba/pic/0004ey57).
Then I hand said sketch on to my brother for digitalising. He draws it up to my specifications and I give it a once-over to check it's as I want it. He then e-mails me the picture and I put the text in using Image composer.
Wow! I am even more greatful for Phantom and Alien now (If that is even possible)! Why so much work to please people who only know you on a Tolkien discussion forum, Hookbill? It is very nice of you!
We spent a lot of time wondering about the text, actually. I almost gave them speech bubbles. We decided against it because it took up to much space and I felt it distracted from a lot of the background funny stuff. :D
I think you're right about the speech bubbles. They are a bit distracting. Even though the text is a little bit difficult to read at times...

[Eönwë]

Wow! I am even more greatful for Phantom and Alien now (If that is even possible)! Why so much work to please people who only know you on a Tolkien discussion forum, Hookbill? It is very nice of you!

But I think Hookbill's planning to go global and take over the world!

[wilwarin538]

Might it be drool?

I suppose it could, drool in the shape of a fang...;)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Okay everyone, prepare to question everything you thought you knew about John Fillis! :eek:

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20006.png

I hope you're shocked. :p

Keep up with Volume three here: THE ARCHIVE (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)!

Come back on Monday to see how this little exchange ends!

[wilwarin538]

:eek: I am shocked indeed.

[Eönwë]

I am shocked also. :eek: ;)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

You got to be KIDDING ME!!! :eek:

[Hookbill the Goomba]

MWAHAHAHAHA! :smokin:

It's interesting to note that John Fillis has become one of Joshua's favourite characters in this. I quite like writing him too, especially as the story goes on. He's cool, it's just a shame Peter is so mean to him. :(

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

MWAHAHAHAHA! :smokin:
Okay, now I'm scared!
Wow. That was interesting, I never thought that John Fillis was that normal looking once! I really like John Fillis!

Oh, Hookbill, could you try to wait to take over the world until later?:p

[Oddwen]

Oh, Hookbill, could you try to wait to take over the world until later?

We're all so engrossed in volume three, he's probably taken over the world already and we haven't noticed. :P

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

We're all so engrossed in volume three, he's probably taken over the world already and we haven't noticed. :POh, probably!

[Eönwë]

We're all so engrossed in volume three, he's probably taken over the world already and we haven't noticed. :P

I wouldn't be surprised. :rolleyes: :D

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Continuing our little series of other news sources, we turn to the distant past. Yes, it's time for another journey to the Barrow Downs of yesteryear in; Ye Downer. Jolly Good, I say!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/YeDowner002.png

But for our comic strip heroes, the adventure is just beginning. Peter Hampton takes John Fillis to his new job. But can our beloved driver actually, you know, drive?

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20007.png

Come back on Thursday to find out more about Alien in Episode 008: Alien!

Keep up with The Phantom and Alien in;

THE COMIC ARCHIVE
OF DOOOOOOM!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/volume3.htm)

There will be cakes and refreshments provided afterwards. Maybe. But for now, you can all ponder over the mysteries to come. When will Peter and Alien meet? (If you've read volume one, you could probably make a guess). What will Fr Formy do about his blown up church? Is that really John Fillis? Is that Piano a red herring? (No, it's a piano). Who exactly was Alien's mother? What is cheese?
Find out soon... Maybe... :p

[Oddwen]

Aha! I have proof that Sir Formendacil's Hat idea was stolen from a rudimentary idea on the internet!



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v58/Oddwen/formyhat-1.jpg

[Morai]

I love Ye Downer! Especially the article on top hats, and SPM's death...er...time management improvements.

Oh, and I'll come to cake and refreshments...as long as Alien isn't the one making the cake...or pouring the drinks. :p

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Oddwen, the number of captions that picture inspires is quite frightening. But I think the best thing I can do with it is this;

http://i41.tinypic.com/28thxs5.png

INFORMITY!

Oh, and I'll come to cake and refreshments...as long as Alien isn't the one making the cake...or pouring the drinks. :p

I can make no guarantees. ;)

[Eönwë]

Is it just me, or does Peter sound a lot like Alien (in volume 1) in episode 6?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Is it just me, or does Peter sound a lot like Alien (in volume 1) in episode 6?

There were two reasons I reused that line;

First, I liked that joke and wanted to do it again.

Second, I was interested in drawing a neat little picture of how Peter is quite similar to Alien, even though he would hate to admit it. And he eventually gets his comeuppance for his cruelty to John Fillis, I suppose. ;)

[Eönwë]

Peter is quite similar to Alien, even though he would hate to admit it.

It's true. :cool:

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

That Downer, err Ye Downer is jolly good! (I rather like the word 'Jolly', I've used it a lot recently.)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Okay everyone, prepare to question, once again, everything you know about someone. This time, everything you know about Alien. :eek:

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20008.png

It's all starting to heat up. This story is going to head in some weird and wonderful directions. Keep up using...

THE COMIC ARCHIVE
OF DOOM!!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

Don't you just love how much time and effort into annoying people? It's quite inspiring, don't you think? :p

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I rather like two things in this! First, that the drool coming from that child's mouth is increasing in size and, two, Alien (or 'Beef' as he once was called) is holding a book entitled How to Talk to People!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

TGEW, I'd like to remind you of something said on the 'Top Ten Signs You're addicted to the Barrow Downs' Thread;

Or whenever you think of the word 'beef', you think of Alien.

This is so much more appropriate than you know. :D

Hopefully, now you understand this. ;)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Hopefully, now you understand this. ;)
I do indeed! Wow. How things can connect!:D

[Oddwen]

I feel I must ask...is the man's name Bjarne? :D

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I feel I must ask...is the man's name Bjarne? :D

An interesting hypothesis... I may just incorporate it... :p

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

My brother likes this weeks Phantom and Alien, that means it was funny.
"So funny, an eight year old gets it!" should be the slogan for P and A!
(Funnily enough, my dad also thinks Phantom and Alien enjoyable)

[Formendacil]

That red balloon is a red herring; I kept expecting it to burst, either spontaneously or deliberately.:p

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Funnily enough, we did discuss having the balloon burst. I can't remember why we decided not to do it...

"So funny, an eight year old gets it!" should be the slogan for P and A!

I think there is a slogan somewhere on the website that says "The Phantom and Alien made my child cry tears of blood." :p

I don't know if you can tell, but in the background there are lots of little rats heading off to see Fr Formy. Thanks to Alien's 'gift' in their previous episode. :D

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

That red balloon is a red herring; I kept expecting it to burst, either spontaneously or deliberately.:p
Funnily enough, we did discuss having the balloon burst. I can't remember why we decided not to do it...

Only now that you mentioned it, I realised it's a baloon... a red baloon... if you know what I am talking about... that surely raises connotations... Fungoltch and Shcmurt?

(Speaking of them, I have seen recently some text which was obviously in the language in which Fungoltch and Shcmurt speak. It said "Marmor guglhupf". Just imagine it in a frame of the F&S story: "Marmor?" - "Guglhupf!"

- and for those who know what it means, yea, I know that too :D I have eaten it.)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I think there is a slogan somewhere on the website that says "The Phantom and Alien made my child cry tears of blood." :p

If you don't like my ideas, then you can just tell me you don't like them.;)
And, yes, I did know of the existence of this other slogan, although, I didn't know that that was supposed to be a slogan, I thought it was supposed to just be some sort of review...

[Hookbill the Goomba]

This week, we have a special version of The Downer, written and printed by four year olds. Some of you will say 'so what's new there'? Well... Um... I'm not sure...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/childishversion.png

If you want the original drawing, I'll send it to the first person to write me a story for next week. ;)

Oh, by the way, in two weeks, we'll be back to THE DOWNER proper. I hope you've enjoyed these experiments. But next week I'll do one more special thing.

But now, we have a special guest in P&A. See if you can guess who he is...

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20009.png

This adventure will get very, very silly. Just so you know.
Keep up with it at;

THE COMIC ARCHIVE
OF MEGA DOOOOM!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

Next week, we'll have another old character returning for a little cameo. Be on the look out for them. Familiar people will pop up from time to time.
Who knows, maybe we'll have some previously unseen Downers making an appearance... Some subtler than others...

[Bêthberry]

I can hear the cries of blame now rising against hippie parents who brainwashed these four years olds with incessant playing of 'If I had a hammer' by Peter, Paul, and Mary.

Either that or 'hole' language proponents.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Hammers, eh?
I wonder if they've been listening to 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' by the Beatles... I love that song!

I liked Teh Donwer today! It should be written by four year olds all of the time!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I liked Teh Donwer today! It should be written by four year olds all of the time!

I'm glad you think it isn't. :p

[narfforc]

I thought it was :confused:

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I'm glad you think it isn't. :pWell, I thought that it is written by you, Hookbill... And for some reason, I think you are a bit older than four...

[Hookbill the Goomba]

It's Phalian time again!!

We return to Alien and his constant annoying of Formy. Poor bloke.

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20010.png

Keep up with the story using;

THE COMIC ARCHIVE
OF DOOMY DOOOM!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

Come back on Monday to see how Peter and John get along at the Bus Company! It's sure to be the start of a great adventure...

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

No flamethrowers? That's it, Alien's life is ruined!

[narfforc]

Well, I thought that it is written by you, Hookbill... And for some reason, I think you are a bit older than four...

You haven't met him, have you seen the film Big.???.;)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

You haven't met him, have you seen the film Big.???.;)
No, but logically, I'm pretty sure that four year olds don't type things on the internet, and, if I'm correct, Hookbill the Goomba has been a member of the Barrow-Downs for more than four years...

Now, something that's actually on topic...
I like that Alien spent all of that money on a name change and NOT on a new church, like he was supposed to spend money on.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I have a selected team of four year olds that have been on a rota for the last twelve years writing everything attributed to me. It's a system that works for me. ;)

[Eönwë]

Like Squatter (http://forum.barrowdowns.com/member.php?u=270)and his monkeys?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Come with us now on a journey to the far flung future! To the world of D.O.W.N.E.R News Terminal.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/FURUTR.png

Next week, we return to the good old fashioned Downer. Won't that please you? No? Oh well, you can form an angry mob later, if you wish.

Back in Phantom and Alien world, Peter is showing John Fillis around Beef Buses. Yes, there's a reason it's called Beef Buses. See if you can guess!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20011.png

Keep up to date with everything Phalian at;

THE COMICAL ARCHIVEY THING OF
BADLY PUT TOGETHER COMIC STRIPS!
YAY!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

Now, on Thursday, what will Formy have to deal with? Well, probably Alien.

[Eönwë]

:eek: SPM!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

:eek: SPM!

Do you think he'll change his avatar? :D

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I am... flattered?

The lunch in that cafeteria looks great!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

The lunch in that cafeteria looks great!

John Fillis appears to agree. :D

BTW, everyone, I've been trying to come up with a name for the Downer's little mascot; that scull with the thumbs up guy. Any ideas on what he/she/it should be called?

Humphrey is the first name that springs to my mind...

[Inziladun]

BTW, everyone, I've been trying to come up with a name for the Downer's little mascot; that scull with the thumbs up guy. Any ideas on what he/she/it should be called?

Humphrey is the first name that springs to my mind...

Barry the Barrow Skull

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Back in Phantom and Alien world, Peter is showing John Fillis around Beef Buses. Yes, there's a reason it's called Beef Buses. See if you can guess!
Is this place run by Alien? Maybe it's the way that he raises money for the new church!

[Boromir88]

BTW, everyone, I've been trying to come up with a name for the Downer's little mascot; that scull with the thumbs up guy. Any ideas on what he/she/it should be called?

Humphrey is the first name that springs to my mind...

Captain Hubert ('Who-bear' or just 'Hugh-burt') Mort

[Nogrod]

How come this "future-Downer" look like a 'Downer from the late seventies or early eighties? :rolleyes:

[Inziladun]

How come this "future-Downer" look like a 'Downer from the late seventies or early eighties? :rolleyes:

Now that you mention it, you're right. I can almost hear Devo playing....

[Eönwë]

BTW, everyone, I've been trying to come up with a name for the Downer's little mascot; that scull with the thumbs up guy. Any ideas on what he/she/it should be called?
How about Bob?

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

How come this "future-Downer" look like a 'Downer from the late seventies or early eighties? :rolleyes:
I liked it a lot!!

And I must say, I also like the new P&A more and more. The drawings are really good too. And hard to admit it, but Peter Hampton is just cool. Though I like John Fillis too. And SpM. And of course Beef, sorry, Alien, he's just awesome even in this one. And everybody, basically...

The lunch in that cafeteria looks great!
Quite so! I am interested in John's in particular. It looks... well, it LOOKS.

BTW, everyone, I've been trying to come up with a name for the Downer's little mascot; that scull with the thumbs up guy. Any ideas on what he/she/it should be called?

(Boldening mine) You brought me to an idea. What about Hammond Scull? Or Hammond the Skull? Or something of that sort.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

(Boldening mine) You brought me to an idea. What about Hammond Scull? Or Hammond the Skull? Or something of that sort.

Hey, that's not a bad idea. :D

Glad you like the new P&A. I'm surprised Formy himself hasn't commented. (and the phantom, of course ;) )

[Boromir88]

Yes, in fact I withdraw my suggestion and throw a second behind Hammond Skull, or any variant. :D

[Pitchwife]

What about Pastor Skull (see here (http://www.blythpower.co.uk/lyrics/Pastor/pastor.htm))?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

How come this "future-Downer" look like a 'Downer from the late seventies or early eighties? :rolleyes:

Because the people at The Downer think that the Seventies and Eighties are futuristic. ;)

[Formendacil]

Hey, that's not a bad idea. :D

Glad you like the new P&A. I'm surprised Formy himself hasn't commented. (and the phantom, of course ;) )

Heh. I'm waiting to see how/if I die before I give it my mouldy seal of approval.:p

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Heh. I'm waiting to see how/if I die before I give it my mouldy seal of approval.:p

Let's just say that the future holds some strange and HORRIBLE things. And giant Strawberries. ;)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

And giant Strawberries. ;)What? Do they get eaten? And do I get to have some?

[Morai]

BTW, everyone, I've been trying to come up with a name for the Downer's little mascot; that scull with the thumbs up guy. Any ideas on what he/she/it should be called?

I thought I'd throw in "Larry."

"Hammond Skull" sounds pretty good too, though.

[Oddwen]

Hammond Scull
Pore Yorick
Poor Richard
The Reader's Digestions
Strande
Sherlock Bones
Skulduggery
Grave the Grave
Headly LeBonne
Bone Appetite
Bone Voyage


Are all amusing. To me at least.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

It's time to see what kind of stuff Formy and Alien are getting up to. This week, see a special guest. It's LAL!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20012.png

Previous episodes can be found in the:

COMICAL ARCHIVE
THING OF DOOM!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/)

Do you all feel okay with the quick flips between Peter and Alien? Or do you prefer, say, four of one and then four of the other? I've tried that sort of thing later on, but for now it's alternating one at a time... We shall see...

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Why do the two last frames look strangely familiar?:p;)

[Legate of Amon Lanc]

It's time to see what kind of stuff Formy and Alien are getting up to. This week, see a special guest. It's LAL!
Obviously! Pretty cool, I like these appearances of characters we all know from a long time before...

Do you all feel okay with the quick flips between Peter and Alien? Or do you prefer, say, four of one and then four of the other? I've tried that sort of thing later on, but for now it's alternating one at a time... We shall see...

It's okay with me, it works with the classic way of switching heroes before they start to be boring: this way, it makes the story more vivid. Although I think it won't be a problem even if it was a few volumes after each other, especially if the story starts to be more "action-packed" later on.

[Eönwë]

Well, at least Alien got a job. ;)


Do you all feel okay with the quick flips between Peter and Alien? Or do you prefer, say, four of one and then four of the other? I've tried that sort of thing later on, but for now it's alternating one at a time... We shall see...
Either is good... I think that the quick switching builds up suspense, like at the end of the last P&A.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Why do the two last frames look strangely familiar?

It's a sort of running gag. :D Alien doesn't know what constitutes food and so always ends up making some random filth. Bird droppings, medical waste, laxatives... the list goes on... and on... down from the door where... never mind...

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

It's a sort of running gag. :D Alien doesn't know what constitutes food and so always ends up making some random filth. Bird droppings, medical waste, laxatives... the list goes on... and on... down from the door where... never mind...I noticed! It's still funny, I don't think it could be overused as long as it's spaced just right...

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Okay peoples, today sees the dramatically untriumphant return of The Downer! I've revamped it a bit, but kept the format roughly the same. Hope you like the new look for Hammond the Skull. Yes, that's the name I've chosen. :)

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Week151.png

Thanks a bundle to TheGreatElvenWarrior for her story. Special prizes will go to people who send me stories in the future.

Now, back to Philip and John. Today we learn a bit more about the Bus Company. Philip also drinks some milk. That's good... isn't it.

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20013.png

On Thursday we'll see exactly how Alien got the job in that bar. Maybe.

As always,

KEEP UP WITH THE PHANTOM AND ALINE
IN THIS SPECIAL ARCHIVE OF DOOM!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

Incidental, I have no idea if the real phantom gets blind, stinking drunk as often as the cartoon character will do after he meets Alien. But then, can you blame him? The only reason Formy hasn't drunk all the wine in his church was because Alien put soap in it all...

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I liked this weeks newspaper, especially the second story.:p I see you added some of your own writing.

[Formendacil]

Incidentally, I have no idea if the real phantom gets blind, stinking drunk as often as the cartoon character will do after he meets Alien. But then, can you blame him? The only reason Formy hasn't drunk all the wine in his church was because Alien put soap in it all...

He should have drunk it anyway.. even the soapiest of wine won't take well to the destruction of the parish plant. Now he'll never have the chance!:p

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I liked this weeks newspaper, especially the second story.:p I see you added some of your own writing.

I sometimes have to edit small parts in order to make them fit in the space. Or if a sentence doesn't make sense after editing, it requires some other changes.


He should have drunk it anyway.. even the soapiest of wine won't take well to the destruction of the parish plant. Now he'll never have the chance!

You never know, Alien might actually get that new church... Maybe... :D

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I sometimes have to edit small parts in order to make them fit in the space. Or if a sentence doesn't make sense after editing, it requires some other changes.
I know. I just thought that the one that you edited was just a bit unlike me... That's all...

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Good day to you all!

We return to the adventures of Alien and Formy. Perhaps we will discover just what kind of person employed Alien...

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20014.png

Well, there's your answer. ;)

Keep up with the story in

THE ARCHIVE OF
PHALIAN DOOOM! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

On Monday we'll see the return of an old foe with funny legs. Can you guess who it is? Probably.

[Hakon]

I just started looking at the Phantom and Alien comics, they are great. Dude(Hookbill) keep up the good work. Also the The Downer is a great newspaper. Nice article TGEW.

[Oddwen]

...so why does Hammond have a fleshy hand to make a thumbs up with?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

...so why does Hammond have a fleshy hand to make a thumbs up with?

It's not his hand. :p

--------------------------------------

Now it's time for some serious and informative news.
Thanks to Oddwen for the second story!

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Week152.png

That was fun.

Now it's time to rejoin Peter Hampton as he goes on an adventure... to the toilet...

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20015.png

Don't forget about ...
The Phantom and Alien's
BACK CATALOGUE!! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/)

Otherwise you'll die.

Come back on Thursday to see if Alien's hit songs can cheer Formy up.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

That was GREAT! In the toilet!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

That was GREAT! In the toilet!

Yep. Now you know the reason for Mosrul's drive to weird and inexplicable vendettas. :D

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Yep. Now you know the reason for Mosrul's drive to weird and inexplicable vendettas. :D
Phantom didn't eat Morsul's sandwich once! (Well, maybe he did, I don't know) BUt that's not the reason why he doesn't like Phantom! Phantom is so mean!

[Morai]

Morsul the Dark has feet! :eek:

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Morsul the Dark has feet! :eek:

Indeed he does. As established HERE (http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Episode013.jpg) in volume two. ;)

[Hakon]

Earlier today I read through every Phantom and Alien comic published. It was worth it.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Earlier today I read through every Phantom and Alien comic published. It was worth it.
I do this just about every two weeks. When I'm bored or need to get cheered up, or just need to have my daily dose of disgusting things.

Oh, I LOVE Morsie's legs! Always have.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Earlier today I read through every Phantom and Alien comic published. It was worth it.

:) Thank you! It's always encouraging to have people enjoy these insane, hastily cobbled together comic strips. Hope you look forward to the epic adventures ahead!

Incidentally, the tentative title of Volume Four is 'The Quest for the Epic Adventure'. :D

Oh, I LOVE Morsie's legs! Always have.

Taken out of context, this could be quite incriminating. I mean, if Morsul some how lost his legs in some bizarre lawn mower incident and said legs were stolen, we'd know where to start looking. ;)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Taken out of context, this could be quite incriminating. I mean, if Morsul some how lost his legs in some bizarre lawn mower incident and said legs were stolen, we'd know where to start looking. ;) Wait. You'd know where to start looking? Thar's a bit creepy.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

It's Thursday, so it's time for another instalment of Phalian!!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20016.png

Woot! Alien's CD of all his hit songs is available from all bad record shops.

THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN
COMIC ARCHIVE OF DOOM (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

The adventure continues on Monday! :eek:

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I was wondering why Formy had a nice red mark on the back of his head, then it dawned on me that Alien's instrument whacked him on the back of the head!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I was wondering why Formy had a nice red mark on the back of his head, then it dawned on me that Alien's instrument whacked him on the back of the head!

Haha! Yes! I'm glad you spotted that!
We had a bit of a discussion about what instrument Alien is 'playing'. We call it a Mandanjo.

I'm posting up the Paper a bit early this week as I have to go to work tomorrow and need to be up early. Ho Hum...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Week153.png

Peter Hampton takes John Fillis on a tour of the Hall of Bosses. Now you can see all the people who used to own Beef Buses and the current owner, Miss Collins.

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20017.png

Fun times on the internet! That's what P&A is!

THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN
COMIC ARCHIVE THING (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

On Thursday Alien meets someone of like-mind. Who could it be?

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Haha! Yes! I'm glad you spotted that!
We had a bit of a discussion about what instrument Alien is 'playing'. We call it a Mandanjo.
I'm glad I spotted that too! A Mandanjo? Interesting name. Sounds like some sort of fruit.

Surprisingly, I can understand, for the most part, the second story. That probably has something to do with the fact that I have a friend who writes in internet slang, no matter what she's writing.:rolleyes:

[Eönwë]

So now we know the truth (or at least a truth) about Miss Collins.

A Mandanjo? Interesting name. Sounds like some sort of fruit.Or an "Andanjo" for men (I have no idea what an Andanjo is though).


I wonder what the notorious "Hammond the Skull" will be up to next week...

[Oddwen]

...So Alien's birth name was Beef Collins?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

...So Alien's birth name was Beef Collins?

Yes indeed!! Well done. Have a biscuit. :D

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

...So Alien's birth name was Beef Collins?
Oh! Now I see it!

[Hakon]

On Thursday Alien meets someone of like-mind. Who could it be?

I am guessing it is the Soap Pope.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I am guessing it is the Soap Pope.
Perhaps it is John Fillis?
I bet that Hookbill finds these guessing games amusing, for he does know what's happening next. Our guesses must look rather silly.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Perhaps it is John Fillis?
I bet that Hookbill finds these guessing games amusing, for he does know what's happening next. Our guesses must look rather silly.

Not really. It makes me happy to see people guessing about what's happening; right or wrong, it's encouraging. But, this is the Barrow Downs and its full of big brains, so it's hard to keep everyone in the dark. ;)

[Hakon]

Well if one of the guesses is correct then it is far from silly.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Not really. It makes me happy to see people guessing about what's happening; right or wrong, it's encouraging. But, this is the Barrow Downs and its full of big brains, so it's hard to keep everyone in the dark. ;)Well, that's good! I agree with you there, the BD is chock full of very clever people, unfortunately, not all of us are very clever (like me.)

[Hakon]

TGEW, do not beat yourself up over being clever. Cause you are probably being clever right now by making that last post and saying you are not. That way someone is all nice and feels bad for you. You gain a lot from that. Genius idea. Now I am jealous that I did not think of something like that.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

TGEW, do not beat yourself up over being clever. Cause you are probably being clever right now by making that last post and saying you are not. That way someone is all nice and feels bad for you. You gain a lot from that. Genius idea. Now I am jealous that I did not think of something like that.You, jealous of me? I cannot even imagine it! If I said I was the cleverest person in the entire Universe, would that make me loose something?;)

[Hakon]

If you start feeling arrogant about being clever then I can no longer be jealous of you.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

If you start feeling arrogant about being clever then I can no longer be jealous of you.
Okay, I'll remember that!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

With Formy stressing over the Soap Pope's immanent visit, Alien has a visitation from someone of very like mind.

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20018.png

Don't you just love future!Alien? I do. He's so... um... different?

THE PHALIAN
COMIC ARCHIVE (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

On Monday John Fillis is shown to the Bus Room! :eek:

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Didn't Future!Alien come in Volume 2? Still, time travel is strange like that...
I love how Formy has totally given up on everything!

[wilwarin538]

I love how mesmerized present Alien looks when he sees Future!Alien, hehe, it's sooooo cute!!!

So I guess he grows some adult teeth at some point, haha, and loses the bow tie....too bad, I like the bow tie....

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I love how mesmerized present Alien looks when he sees Future!Alien, hehe, it's sooooo cute!!!

So I guess he grows some adult teeth at some point, haha, and loses the bow tie....too bad, I like the bow tie....
I like bow ties! They are always good! Present Alien is cute, I have to say, I don't really want one though...

[Hakon]

Why does the hat say Tiem?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Didn't Future!Alien come in Volume 2? Still, time travel is strange like that...

Yep. Alien's adventures with time travel aren't over. Indeed, his appearance in volume 2 was one of his last trips, I think. (You'll notice the label is still on at this point, so it's quite an early trip).

Why does the hat say Tiem?

Why indeed? ;)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Yep. Alien's adventures with time travel aren't over. Indeed, his appearance in volume 2 was one of his last trips, I think. (You'll notice the label is still on at this point, so it's quite an early trip).

Oh, I see! Alien does quite a lot of Time Travel. Will he go into a parallel universe too?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Oh, I see! Alien does quite a lot of Time Travel. Will he go into a parallel universe too?

... No... Yes... Yes and no... It's complicated... :o

[Hakon]

Send him to the universe that those aliens in Peter Jackson's new movie are from.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

... No... Yes... Yes and no... It's complicated... :o
Does this have something to do with Wibbly, wobbly, timey wimey stuff? ;)
I hope that Alien doesn't blow a hole in the Space Time Continuum with this time travel!:eek:

[Hookbill the Goomba]

News is like a child. Noisy, smelly and it may try to bite your fingers if you get too close. Science is still trying to work out exactly why this is...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Week154.png

If anyone wants to send in stories for the front page, please feel free. I don't want to feel so drained at the prospect of writing a full front page every single week. :p

Anyway, Peter Hampton is now going to take you into the realm of Buses!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20019.png

How many Buses are there? Well, only the boss would know that... Maybe.

THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN'S
VERY OWN ARCHIVE THING! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/)

It's just occurred to me that I missed the third birthday both of The Downer and The Phantom and Alien. Poop. Oh well, I'll try and make up for it at Christmas or something. We've got another cartoon in the works.

[McCaber]

I'd totally drive Bus #G. And that "Obey" sign just hanging on the wall there is hilarious.

I must be watching too much Top Gear lately, because whenever I see Hammond Skull mentioned, all I can think of is Jeremy Clarkson yelling to his co-host.

[wilwarin538]

I love the random piano that always manages to make it's way into the background....

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Brilliant! I've been eagerly waiting for this all week long! The last mini headline was the best EVER!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I'd totally drive Bus #G.

One of them was Bus # √-1
That was my favourite. :D

Do keep an eye on John Fillis, by the way. He's not looking too well at the moment, is he...

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Looks like there was a bus number Pi? That is the bus I want!

[narfforc]

Who drives Bus 666?

[Lindale]

Bus number √-1? It's driving me nuts.

[Hakon]

Who drives Bus 666?

Hopefully me.

[wilwarin538]

Bus number √-1? It's driving me nuts.

4th last scene, where it says 'Ha! Here's 74." It's the last bus in that row. :) Kinda hard to see though.

I wanted bus # pi! But it seems TGEW already claimed it, :p. I'll go with bus # -3 I suppose, haha.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

4th last scene, where it says 'Ha! Here's 74." It's the last bus in that row. :) Kinda hard to see though.

I wanted bus # pi! But it seems TGEW already claimed it, :p. I'll go with bus # -3 I suppose, haha.

There'll be more of them next Monday, don't worry. There's enough to go around. I mean, there's only Four Drivers after all. ;)

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

I mean, there's only Four Drivers after all. ;)
I think you just got more. Your four drivers will have to contend with us Downers to get those buses!

[narfforc]

There'll be more of them next Monday, don't worry. There's enough to go around. I mean, there's only Four Drivers after all. ;)

The Four Drivers of the Apocalypse????

[Laurinquë]

Do I detect a faint orange tinge to the back of John Fillis's neck? :eek: And then there is the matter of his humped back. . . It may be too late for him now.

Perhaps he actually ate some of that food with the eyestalk back in Episode 11!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I forgot it was Thursday. Sorry everyone! Here's Alien's latest adventure...

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20020.png

Don't forget about...

THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN'S
COMIC ARCHIVE OF DOOM! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

It's fun times, but on the internet!

[Nessa Telrunya]

I've just discovered the wonders of The Phantom and Alien. Alien is so cute when he has that vacant expression!

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I've just discovered the wonders of The Phantom and Alien. Alien is so cute when he has that vacant expression!

You mean, pretty much all of the time? :p

[Nessa Telrunya]

You mean, pretty much all of the time? :p

Yea. XD I'm busy catching up with the first two volumes on your site. Great job with the comics! I love how random Downers manage to show up.

[narfforc]

Yea. XD I'm busy catching up with the first two volumes on your site. Great job with the comics! I love how random Downers manage to show up.


Apart from me, because he is going to die a horrible death at Oxonmoot in Eight Weeks time, Hookbill the Goner.;)

[Nessa Telrunya]

Apart from me, because he is going to die a horrible death at Oxonmoot in Eight Weeks time, Hookbill the Goner.;)

Ahaha, I wonder what Hookbill will think of your play on words. Genius, as I've come to expect from you. ;)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

It's time to catch up on some real events. Or, possibly real events.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Week155.png

Now it's time for Peter and John to go looking for an engine. Will they find one?

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20021.png

What do you know? They did! How about that.
Don't forget the...

THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN
COMIC ARCHIVE OF DOOM! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

It's a bit like being entertained. Only with more vomiting.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

TGEW is not actually a warrior or an elf.
You found me out!:p

I don't know what else to say about the newspaper this week, other than it was BRIL! I loved the part with the nappies, my little brother found it amusing too! I also like how Peter Hampton just walks out on John Fillis when he needs help.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

One of my favourite things about that episode of P&A are the plasters that have been stuck on the bus once they're fixed it. I didn't notice them at first. :D Ah, the benefits of not being the artist.

Hope you like some of the new and weird Bus numbers. ;)

[Nerwen]

Hope you like some of the new and weird Bus numbers. ;)

I didn't even notice that at first.:cool:

[wilwarin538]

I totally want bus # Piano!!!! hahaha :D

[Morai]

I totally own the Bus #...triangle. If only it had an engine.

Maybe they just buy new busses instead of fixing the old ones? Except they save money by not buying new engines?

It's a good thing there's only four drivers, I can only imagine how long it would take to drive all of them out of the garage each morning, when they're all so tightly parked together.

[Lindale]

Hope you like some of the new and weird Bus numbers. ;)

Very entertaining indeed. :smokin:

[Hookbill the Goomba]

AARRGG! Sorry this is so late! I almost forgot about it! :(

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20022.png

Don't forget to catch up on the previous episodes on;

THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN
COMIC ARCHIVE OF DOOM! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah)

It's fun. Next week I'll try and do better...

[wilwarin538]

haha, I love that he's dressed up as Mario....soooo cute!!!

[Nogrod]

I wash my hands from the footballer but with the oral surgeon I'm quite happy... well, not exactly as his wife maybe, but who am I to complain? :rolleyes:

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Love the last panel! It's a Dalek!

[Hakon]

Love the past panel! It's a Dalek!

What is a dalek?

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

What is a dalek?
You should ask Hookbill. He knows all about Daleks and everything that they ever had anything to do with.

[Hakon]

Okay. Why does he know all about daleks? All I know is that daleks do with doctor who. That is it.

[Boromir88]

Has it ever been answered how Alien managed to wear any type of clothing when he has no shoulders? :p

[Hakon]

Has it ever been answered how Alien managed to wear any type of clothing when he has no shoulders? :p

Well the suit, mario and spaceman costume all are very tight as you can see in the pictures. The Sherlock costume is tied around his neck. The dalek one I have no idea.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Okay. Why does he know all about daleks? All I know is that daleks do with doctor who. That is it.Because, he has watched every episode of Doctor Who. You just don't know how much there are references to that programme in the Downer until you start watching it too.

Going back on topic, I think it was quite funny that Formy just noticed that Alien was changing costumes in the last panel.:D

[Hakon]

I think he noticed in the fifth panel when he said "besides your costumes are just well weird." In the last panel he was asking how Alien kept changing so fast.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

What is a dalek?

It's not that important. I was going for iconic looks; Sherlock Holms, space man, Mario, Dalek and so on. Not to mention Formy's incredibly stylish costume. ;)
But, basically, a Dalek is a thing from Doctor Who. a quick google search will clear most things up if you're really that interested. :)

Has it ever been answered how Alien managed to wear any type of clothing when he has no shoulders?

Alien's physiognomy just plain baffles me.

[narfforc]

What's Doctor Who?:rolleyes:

[wilwarin538]

Oh! I just noticed he still has his bowtie as an astronaut, hehe. Too cute!


Doctor Who is a TV show isn't it? I believe it was a much older one that has recently been re-done, but I could be mistaken.

[narfforc]

I believe that Irony has lost all it's power, and is wasted on humans.

[wilwarin538]

I believe that Irony has lost all it's power, and is wasted on humans.

Ahaha. I'm sick ok? :p I don't understand irony/satire/puns or anything of the sort when my head aches and my eyes are all watery. :o;)

[narfforc]

I'll forgive you, but it won't stop me killing Hooky at Oxomoot, I need something to eat I'm sick of Maggoty Bread.

[Eönwë]

Alien's physiognomy just plain baffles me.

Well, there is episode 24 of Series 1. After seeing that I gave up on Alien having a logical body :p.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

I have to post this up a bit early. I have to get up at a 'normal' time tomorrow and can't stay up until midnight, I'm afraid. So, here's the news...

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i291/JoelCornah/Week156.png

And here we have Peter Hampton leaving John Fillis to his devices.

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20023.png

Come back on Thursday when we'll finally meet the legendary Soap Pope! I wonder what he'll have running down his face. ;)

THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN
COMIC ARCHIVE OF DOOM (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/)

Don't forget that I'm always open to story submissions, by the way. It does make a nice change to have other writers on the Downer, doesn't it?

[Laurinquë]

P&A this week was priceless. I was giggling uncontrollably and now the people in the airport are giving me odd looks! Score! :rolleyes:

Ents are always good news; but is it still a pile of nappies as you say? I just noticed the comment below the picture, but I think it adds to the hilarity of the whole thing. Excellent second article by the way.

[Hookbill the Goomba]

Ents are always good news; but is it still a pile of nappies as you say? I just noticed the comment below the picture, but I think it adds to the hilarity of the whole thing. Excellent second article by the way.

Yes, I noticed that mistake. :o Decided to keep it because it looked funny, though. ;)

[narfforc]

As the only Vegetarian working for R-Q-B, I would like to state that we have fooled you all by putting 199%Beef in miniature, on all Linda MucKorneys Veggie Burgers Full Flavoured with Cardboard Texture.

[narfforc]

Extra, Extra read all about it, Hookbill plans to go to Oxonmoot in a Lift (that's an Elevator, for those who don't speak English), a friend suggests it's quicker by car.

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Extra, Extra read all about it, Hookbill plans to go to Oxonmoot in a Lift (that's an Elevator, for those who don't speak English), a friend suggests it's quicker by car.So, does Hook live above or below Oxford?

[Hookbill the Goomba]

So, does Hook live above or below Oxford?

Both. :p

While I'm posting here, I notice it is Thursday. So... Time for PHALIAN RESURRECTION!

http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/Episode%20024.png

THE PHANTOM AND ALIEN
COMIC ARCHIVE OF DOOM! (http://www.freewebs.com/joelcornah/)

It's all fun and games until Alien vomits in your face.

[wilwarin538]

Cardinal Mardinal??? hehehe

[TheGreatElvenWarrior]

Looks like Alien was actually useful for once (or twice).

[Rune Son of Bjarne]

I think the company needs to be more secret about its secret plans, or atleast just not tell the press about them.

[Lindale]

"Old Woman of the Sea." Highly entertaining. :p

[Morai]

"Old Woman of the Sea." Highly entertaining.

Agreed. Probably one of my favorite P & A's this "season." The list seems to grow longer. ;)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

"Old Woman of the Sea." Highly entertaining.

Hehehe! It was one of those random on the spot decisions for Alien's alias. :D
Alien does get to take on some more odd (and just as unnecessary) disguises in the future. ;)