Progress! (Happy Birthday, Parse!) #Spoilers

I know Parse is a very divisive character in fandom and I was never really clear on why. Parse is intriguing to me because he was Jack's past (possibly first bf?) and in some ways was his future (as a closeted hockey player). Jack is very clearly on a different path now and it would be interesting to see if this affects Parse and his trajectory. Thank you for giving us the content that *you* want to share. You do you, girl!

I'm so excited to read this in full! I have so many feelings even without the dialog. I'm sorry that the fandom at large is so negative toward Parse. I would love to see more into his story.

Nichole

I'm sorry that you've received such a negative reaction to this character that you don't feel comfortable sharing this as a normal update. I, for one, am super excited to read this episode when it's finished. Parse, for me, is one of the most complex characters I've ever read (and I don't know how much of that is fandom versus actual canon Parse), but despite my thoughts of him as a person, I find him to be an EXCELLENT character.

Thanks Ngozi

Some people confuse trauma and internalized oppression with generalized dickishness. Parse made mistakes, and in many ways he was the victim of his own poor decisions. And in OMGCP!, you can give him the chance to learn and grow. I had the impression from the scene in the bar when Bitty and Jack’s kiss was broadcast that you were writing that growth in, and that more might come.

Sorry to hear you get negativity! If only people could separate problematic characters from the creators. Thank you for sharing this despite past experiences!!

To be honest, when we first met Parse, I really disliked him for what he did to Jack. But then I came around and decided that he was someone who just needed a lot of hugs and love (I have so many headcanons, lol). I just love the fact that all of them are such complex characters with their flaws and issues. Always love your work, and can't wait to see more of everything :)

Raylen

i'm so sorry fandom became a strange place where people don't really have the maturity needed to keep their dislike of a character separate from the author? i quite like the idea of giving parse (and bitty, to some extent) closure, but i do have a question tho, you mention sharing the comic with patrons, is it in this form only or are you gonna post it again once it's no longer a WIP? or when it comes up in the natural progression of the comic?

You get fucking hate mail??? I love Parse. I’ve never seen him as a villain in Jack’s story.

That is a massive pity that people are so awful to you about Parse. I adore the comics with him, because they're always really interesting. :(

Sami Postma

Thanks for sharing with us! I'm sorry people have been awful to you about Parse. He's such an interesting character and I love that we'll get to see a bit of development and closure with him.

There you go! PIE!! Humble pie?

Ngozi

Thanks for reading! And yeah, he's a fun character who's been through some stuff.

Ngozi

He's a really fun character! Thank you for hearing me out, I appreciate it.

Ngozi

Thank you for sharing this! One thing I love about Check Please is that (in my opinion) there’s never been a main antagonist. It’s mostly about dealing with societal expectations, inner demons and past trauma, and I love that. It’s very true to life and part of the reason your characters can feel like real people. I’ve always loved Parse as a character, interesting in his own right and for the role he played in Jack’s past. I’ve always been attracted to characters/plots that are a little morally gray anyway, and I like when things get complicated. That’s how narratives work lol. I came into the fandom a little late (around the start of year 4 I think) and was shocked when I found out people had like...really strong opinions about him lol. But I’m glad you shared it here with us and I’ll look forward to reading it in its entirety! I love that Bitty invites him in for pie lol and that they’re both able to have a (seemingly) civil conversation. That’s-what-we-call-growth.gif

Bitty's smug face when Parse takes that first bite gives me LIFE I cannot wait to buy this book ❤️

Holy wow. Without the dialogue this comes across as so weird and sad and interesting. It visualizes a whole swath of meta I've had floating around this character for ages -- about exile and longing, belonging and benediction. I'm fangirling all over your composition, too -- who's higher or larger in the frame, who's centred, who's illuminated...I feel like I could write a mini position paper about it! I'm so sorry you've been harassed for posting Parse content. He extends the scope of the story and adds such a vital hue to your metaphorical palette. This is good, sharp stuff. Thank you for trusting us yahoos with it.

People are complex. Both well-written characters and IRL people (fans/haters). That's what make life interesting. I love me some Zimbits fluff, but I particularly like realistic conflict and exploring feelings. This looks like both.

This comic looks amazing! And I am all for Parse-redemption. Even though I didn't like the way he talked to Jack, Parse has his own issues and problems. I love that Bitty confronts him but also - PIE!!! This is awesome.

Diana Williams

I honestly have such a soft spot in my heart for Parse, and I am so sorry you’ve had people say nasty things to you when you’ve posted things with him publicly. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

sunshine_sas

I'm so sad to hear that. That sounds super frustrating and upsetting, and I'm sorry so had ti deal with it. I'm glad you shared it with us at least. Admitedly, Parse is my favourite.

Agreed agreed. I think Bitty isn't naturally a spiteful person?? So when Bitty confronts Parse, it's hard? But its necessary. He needs that peace in his soul, lol. And thank you so much!

Ngozi

Hate to hear that people are taking things too far. It’s fine not to like or even hate a character, but projecting that hatred onto a creator is beyond my comprehension. Can’t wait to see the rest of this comic! I really like the idea of Bitty coming to better terms with his opinion of Parse. I like to think that Bitty isn’t used to harboring grudges towards people and it’s eating him up inside. Some closure could be really good for both of them!

Thanks!!! And it's okay--I've learned how to navigate fandom better! 💕

Ngozi

Thank you for your words!! Yeah, I realize it actually has very little to do with me or Kent Parson? Because it happens in nearly every fandom....I want to continue to write characters that make people feel! And I want to share their stories with as many people as possible. Thank you again! 💕 I'll be relaxing soon.

Ngozi

It is GROSS. 😂

Ngozi

And I appreciate you saying that. Thank you!

Ngozi

Bitty is a Southern Boy and will tussle with ya if ya sneak up on him! Also, he probably is a *bit* on edge nowadays....but I definitely feel Bitty's more comfortable with confrontation.

Ngozi

Yeah, I agree! He's an interesting character....and I love redemption. (Zuko!!) Treading into that complexity often ends up with fandom not being great towards me. I've seen the same thing happen in other fandoms--Steven Universe comes to mind. And to be fair to the people who send negative stuff--(😂??) It's equally people on either side who want to take out their fandom frustrations on me. (I.E. "How could you feel positive towards parse???? he's awful. You're awful!!" and "you're so negative to parse!! he's being treated unfairly. You're awful!"" ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I really enjoy your take. I like Parse as a character and think he's complex! Again, it's just hard to explore these things during the current social media climate. I'm glad I can do this on Patreon, truly! Thank you again for reading.

Ngozi

Oh wow, I can't wait to read this! It looks really good. I'm sorry people are such jerks. :(

I'm sorry people are being inconsiderate. While not everyone manages their feelings well about some of the characters, that means you've made a huge impact. You're making people feel. How they deal with those feelings is not your responsibility. Anyway, thanks for the peek at Bitty and Parse having a serious conversation, complete with pie. I love what you're doing. I hope you get a chance to relax!

Octavia Atlas

I appreciate anything you give us with Parse. Thank you!

Sara Tibbs

Bitty looked ready to fight off an attack at first! I love this!

That’s terrible that people are so negative. Character development is awesome. Redemption character arcs are awesome. Just because someone has issues doesn’t mean they don’t deserve to grow or change as a person or have good things in their life. I’m really glad you’re including this in the book, I’ve really been hoping Parse would get that chance to redeem himself even a little bit. It’s been obvious how much he’s been hurting throughout most of the story, and watching him tear up about Jack’s pre-game interview in Year 3 juxtaposed against Jack telling Bitty it was just physical and didn’t really mean anything was heart-wrenching.

Dang, that couch is in tatters, isn't it? I think that's the worst it's ever looked.

He is!! And I think I'm being bolder with his character now more than ever? In a way. I hope to share with you guys soon!

Ngozi

It's still part of the storyline, and I'll see how the waters are after the book is published. I don't want anyone to HAVE to check out a library book, but we'll see.

Ngozi

<3 It's a good one, I think!!

Ngozi

i’m sorry people are awful, but i’m happy to see a little more insight to this storyline!! parse is /such/ an interesting character and i’m curious about what he’s actually saying here

Masquerace

Well I for one can’t wait to read this!!!

I’m sorry about all the parse negativity that has hindered you from including this in your storyline. I think it’s an interesting character arch and I’m happy to see it!