#476 - Cramp
I usually get started on a project right away when I arrive at work. I’ll be there for a few hours before taking my first break. I’ll walk up to the mirror in the bathroom and realize that I have a blob of toothpaste in the corner of my mouth or a big chunk of hair sticking out in a weird direction. I then have to playback the morning in my head trying to remember how many people I had talked to in person what the expression was on their face.
I only have 4 of the bonus sketches left for the book 2 pre-order. Thanks again for everyone that has pre-ordered the book! I wouldn’t be able to make these books without you.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:01 am e
Biff’s eyebrows! What’s happened?!?!
The Duck Has Spoken.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:05 am e
maybe the same thing that happened to his arm. except worse.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:07 am e
Nah, certianly Biff is getting an art update. Those eyebrows has annoyed the heck out of me for too darn long. Good riddance, I say.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:11 am e
Yeah I had been getting a lot of complaints lately about Biff’s eyebrows getting out of control so I decided to pull them back in a bit. I’m going to redraw the face on the recent comics over the next few weeks to bring them more in line with this improved look.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:15 am e
Whoa! Why did Biff’s eyebrows and mouth shrink? That was what gave Biff character, and to see them gone smaller makes him look odd. I would say bring them back, as it was part of his character appeal and his style.
Just my $.02
April 1st, 2008 at 12:25 am e
but the eyebrows were unique! They were your style! The crazier the better I say and to hell with everyone who says otherwise
April 1st, 2008 at 12:25 am e
nooo.
the holy eyebrows must not be desecrated. would you return us to the era of the short eyebrow biff? bring upon us a new dark age of biffdom?
April 1st, 2008 at 12:27 am e
He’s just not Biff anymore without the eyebrows. He was always an odd guy doing odd things, which was part of the appeal. Now he seems like just a normal guy.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:28 am e
Well you guys should have spoken up sooner. I seriously get emails everyday from people complaining. I’m just trying to give you what you want.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:43 am e
Agreed that the eyebrows are part of what makes Biff Biffy.
I hearts the eyebrows.
What kind of crazy people are complaining about the eyebrows?
April 1st, 2008 at 12:58 am e
Wow, I’d never imagine anyone would complain about his eyebrows or mouth. I mean, they made Biff.. Biff. Aside from his near insanity and seemingly indestructibility. Take it from someone who actually has thebookofbiff as their homepage, leave the eyebrows!
Also, I love how I can always relate to your little comment-type thing under the comic. I guess it’s just interesting hearing something so human, y’know?
But now I feel the need to check a mirror in case I have something on my face. Argh.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:59 am e
To quote everyone else, “Nooooo!”
The eyebrows make Biff Biff. I love them, he looks weird without them… We’ve known him like this from the start, so it’s going to be new readers that go “WTF?” and send you emails to make him more realistic. I know when I showed people the book and when I wear my Biff shirt people always say “what’s with the eyebrows?” Do you listen to the emails or comments of people who say “There’s no such thing as invisible green cars, stop being so silly”?
April 1st, 2008 at 1:13 am e
I was initially turned off by the brow, but I have grown to really like it. That said, you do want to attract new readers, naturally. So, I understand.
Also, I figured Biff could do anything with one hand tied behind his back.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:30 am e
I have to agree. The eyebrows and mouth are part of what make Biff who he is.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:34 am e
The eyebrows must stay! We love them.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:37 am e
Awww, biffs eyebrows and mouth are almost gone..
I agree with james, it was part of his charecter look and design.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:44 am e
why do the cords look like his eye brows. he looks so naked without thim is sad.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:51 am e
Aaah, but you’ll find people are fast to complain and slow to compliment… I agree with the majority of other posters here… The eyebrows and mouth are what make Biff, Biff… I nearly fell off my chair when I say this comic, it looks incomplete!
-Jimbo
April 1st, 2008 at 1:52 am e
I’ve been reading and enjoying your comic for a long time now. I’m only posting now to say that no matter what you do with Biffs eyebrows some people WILL be unhappy and complain about it. I say you should make them the way you want them. You cannot possibly please everybody, be true to yourself.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:52 am e
What if Biff were a real person? According to this comic, he’d be asian.
Chris, perhaps you could hold Biff’s original style for ransom. Perhaps you could state that you’ll only change it back if a hundred people post photos of themselves punching themselves in the face as hard as possible.
Then you could do a comic with Biff, arms spread out in awe, facing a wall consisting of those pictures, with the caption ‘Biff realizes that this must be what it’s like to be God.’
April 1st, 2008 at 1:54 am e
i know hoow he can pull that look off paint him blue.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:06 am e
How many emails do you get?
Compare it to your amount of hits.
What’s the percentage? Usually only people who have issues voice them, not people who are happy with it as is.
Like this, there just is no character at all, just this bald, really white guy.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:16 am e
You’ve… you’ve de-Biffed him!
April 1st, 2008 at 2:20 am e
aww… We should’ve spoken up sooner, but we seemingly did not know about all those emails. how would we? we weren’t the ones sending them (at least I wasn’t). Anyway, I agree that we should keep biff’s eyebrows all long and cool. It makes the comics funnier. And I offer my condolences for your suffering. It’s hard to keep people happy. But you seem to be doing a really good job, just don’t work yourself too hard.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:23 am e
I agree, the eyebrows must stay! They’re the best part.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:25 am e
I, too, tend to find the eyebrows… distracting… but looking at this comic makes me realize that Biff wouldn’t be Biff without them.
Perhaps a happy medium could be obtained where the eyebrows are foot-long instead of yard-long.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:44 am e
but were they the people who actually read the comic?
April 1st, 2008 at 2:57 am e
You do have a very good point Chris, but you’ve got to remember the saying “squeaky wheel gets the oil”. Only the upset/annoyed people post. I loved the eyebrows… it just added to the almost always ridiculous nature of Biff. You’ll probably be getting a *LOT* of feedback on the change in his eyebrows, but in the end, it’s not up to us, it’s up to you. All of us who liked the eyebrows just sat back and enjoyed it.
I’m sure that there are a lot of people who are sorry about not speaking up sooner… Maybe there could be a poll? “Oldschool Biff eyebrows vs. shorter, newer, more streamlined eyebrows”
April 1st, 2008 at 3:16 am e
Most people that were content with the eyebrows were probably completely unaware that people were complaining so much. I suppose that could be what they get for reading only the comic and nothing else on the site though.
If I may add my two cents on the matter though, I have this to say: Who is the freak in today’s comic and why is he called Biff?
…that can’t be Biff. I dub him Steve. Who’s with me?
April 1st, 2008 at 3:33 am e
i agree, i’ve been enjoying biff for a long time, and its all about the eyebrows with him. i think i died a little on the inside.
April 1st, 2008 at 3:56 am e
I agree with most of the others who have posted.. the eyebrows ARE Biff.. there’s no messin’ with those!! It kind of made me sad to see a slightly ‘normalized’ Biff… Please don’t give in to the pressure, Chris!!
April 1st, 2008 at 3:57 am e
i think ppl are quieter when they have what they want. i also think that the ppl who like to complain tend to be louder. but hey - that’s just my €0.02
April 1st, 2008 at 4:01 am e
We never spoke sooner because there was no reason, Biff always was his unique self with his pointy nose, his squimpy eyes and overgrown mouth and eyebrows, eyebrows that never really changed in style only in length. But now he looks too human almost incapable of all the unique things he did, with fully readable expressions! what is next to stop his off-worldly handeling and make him just a regular human.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:01 am e
Bad arm day?!
What happened to Biff’s eyebrows?!
Biff ain’t Biff without those brows!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:11 am e
I’ve never posted before, but I’ve read all the comics.
Please….
PLEASE do not take his eyebrows and mouth out.
It’s what Made Biff, Biff!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:17 am e
Ah, common!
You cannot do a Biff with small eyebrows. What are the complaints than? I’m perfectly sure they can easily be ignored…
April 1st, 2008 at 4:22 am e
a little off the topic, but I have an idea for you, Chris.
I have blue tacked a small mirror on the side of my moniter at work. This way it looks like I’m absent-mindedly run my hands through my hair, looking at the screen- when I’m actually carefully styling my hair.
And I can check my teeth, makeup, etc., discreetly- the possibilities are endless!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:37 am e
Seriously, do not listen to the people who dislike the eyebrows. I love the eyebrows, but to be honest I didn’t realise they were gone until someone mentioned it, but I did notice that he looked different somehow. The eyebrows were awesome, a weird quirky touch that just added an extra sparkle. What exactly do people complain about anyway? I can’t imagine someone getting so enraged over eyebrows that they’d email about it.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:49 am e
the question is… will the eyebrows regrow? such dynamic changes to appearance might be useful - some will like the long eyebrow strips, the others- the no-eyebrow strips
April 1st, 2008 at 5:04 am e
Hi, this the first time I make a comment, but I watched all biff comics.
I just wanted to say your comics are great Chris, but please dont remove Biffs eyebrows thats one of the coolest parts about Biff.
Btw I think people didnt spoke up sooner because they didnt know others where complaining about his eyebrows.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:28 am e
Another vote in favour of the eyebrows! They’re what gives him his superhero(ish) powers of oddness, surely?
April 1st, 2008 at 5:31 am e
Seriously guys here’s an example of the complaints I get:
———-
Dear Biff drawer guy,
I do are sometimes finding of the funny your comic. I wish to be purchasing your book but I can not. The eyebrows are the distraction that is preventing this happen.
Yours sincierly,
Lord Thurston Tibbington III
———-
So guys, if I don’t listen to the people that aren’t buying my books then I’m never going to be successful.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:36 am e
Come on, do you see the spelling and grammar mistakes in that email? You can’t take something like that seriously.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:43 am e
Aren’t we buying? OK, I am not buying your book, but that’s because of money issues.
A look at today’s happenings in my mind:
…daily comics…sinfest… heh, funny… biff… BIFF! HAS! A FACE!… Eewwwwww, get it off!…yuck, who is this and where is Biff?
Now then. Listening to people who don’t buy your stuff is BAD. What happened if rappers listened to metalheads’ advice and vice versa? That’s right - fanbase lost, new one missing.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:52 am e
I think it’s time for a new look for Biff. The crazy eyebrows had their day in the sun, and it’s time for Chris to evolve his style. Me? I didn’t even notice the eyebrows were gone!
April 1st, 2008 at 6:08 am e
Long time reader, first time commenter. I have to say, GREAT change! The eyebrows look much better now. No more of that wild hippy crap going on here. Biff has a job and it’s about time he got on with the rest of the world and lined up like everyone else. No more barefoot doobie-smoking sillyness for him now, no sir. He’s on the road to becoming a responsible member of society now!
=)
Anyway, since this is my first comment, I just have to say that I love the comic. Pure gold, man.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:28 am e
Biff’s eyebrows were a part of him, and you have to take it away. this is awesome, but im poor, so i cant buy your book
April 1st, 2008 at 6:54 am e
I agree, the eyebrows were what made him Biff. Now he’s the guy from Powder. What’s next, Chris? Psychic powers? Or maybe you’ll introduce Jeff Goldblum to the series now.
(But then again, I’m not a pay customer, so…)
Sorry if this sounds harsh, I’m trying to come off sarcastic, but I do believe Biff should retain his trademark and not look like the dude from Powder.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:16 am e
Funny, Webcomics weekly just talkles about (well, I’m catching up, so it was a while ago) about changing characters all at once…
The eyebrows used to disturb me, but then they grew on me. I even grow my own eyebrows to be like that! Ok, not really, but I think they are awesome now.
Imagine, if someone just can’t possibly put up with the eyebrows, how the heck do they put up with all the other crazy stuff Biff does?
What if, Hey, Superman, I don’t like you S, or hey Batman, I don’t like your Bat, or hey Flash, I got a better symbol, it’s the guy with a trenchcoat and… you get the idea.
At least I know why there was over 40 comments this early.
Put the eyebrows back. That is my $0.03 (So many posts that inflation caused me to have to spend more by the time I posted this.)
April 1st, 2008 at 7:41 am e
I’m gonna go with the rest of the crowd here, and vote for biff to get his eyebrows back. I’ve been a longtime fan, they gave him character, this biff seems to generic. Its obvious you have a huge fan base that loved the eyebrows, so if your gonna please anyone it should be them, not the random person that can’t type sending you complaints.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:41 am e
aww
I miss the eyebrows, they’re what make him unique!
April 1st, 2008 at 7:42 am e
B-but… Eyebrows are what define Biff! That and no other seeable body hair.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:57 am e
What is this! With out the over-sized brows and mouth, it’s not even biff, It must be a imposter!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:00 am e
I’m shocked at all these comments defending Biff’s facial features. I never thought they stood out that much really. I always thought that his most defining feature was his left elbow.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:01 am e
I’m only commenting to support the original Biff look.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:34 am e
“You’ve… you’ve de-Biffed him!”
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Chord.
And he’s got actual eyes now?
I’m surprised that Chris says he got so many e-mails when I’ve only seen one person react happily to this…
April 1st, 2008 at 8:43 am e
Wow, Biff is so much sexier without the huge eyebrows!!! Please send me a picture of him naked, especially his left elbow!!!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:54 am e
I have a definite preference on the ‘Biff’s eyebrows’ issue, but my opinion is not important. In fact, there is only one opinion that matters in all this, and Chris, that’s yours. Biff is your character, and you need to do with him what you will. Those who didn’t like the eyebrows as they were still read the comic despite their preferences, as will the other camp, should you choose to stay with the change. In either case, I will remain a loyal reader. And for what it’s worth, I apologize that this is where I make my first comment. I love reading Biff, I think it’s a great comic, and I should have said so long ago. Keep up the great work, Chris!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:57 am e
Wow! Busy comment day!
First - The eyebrows. That just ain’t right.
Second - The arm. I’m pretty flexible - I can shake hands with myself over my shoulder, behind my back. But sometimes, when I do that I get a horrible cramp. I don’t know why I continue to do that - I must be mental. When I get a cramp like that, it probably looks kinda like what Biff’s got going on. Except with a beard.
Third - I have a wife. She used to be an NCO. She doesn’t let me escape the house without a quick inspection, both from long-held NCO habits, and from a desire not to be humiliated by her clod of a husband. No stray toothpaste, no stained clothes, nor any of a hundred other possible grooming errors. Yay for me!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:58 am e
Thank you Chris. I’m glad you finally came to your senses and I can stop sending the mass emails to stuff your inbox. Those extra long eyebrows are ruining today’s society. Children running around around with the craziness, not listening to their parents. “I don’t have to shave my eyebrows because Biff doesn’t!” Bah, it’s about time we have better positive wholesome role models in our webcomics. Ones with correctly proportioned eyebrows that we can all salute in the morning right after we enjoy a warm bowl of oatmeal and cold prune juice. Thank you again Chris for doing the right thing for America and our children.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:29 am e
I was wondering what was up with Biff…I thought it was his nose…Then I realized it was his eyebrows and mouthstasch!
April 1st, 2008 at 9:32 am e
Please put the eyebrows back.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:39 am e
Wouldn’t the easiest thing to do is hold a vote? That would tell you if more people like his exaggerated features or don’t. Then you could base the design off of that.
Besides, I’m here for the crazy ideas Biff comes up with.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:43 am e
Here’s my two cents.
I think that the mouth and eyebrows was unique to Biff’s… biffyness. But sometimes it was hard to see his expression because they may be TOO long or TOO exaggerated. But don’t cut them back so much they look normal. I personally REALLY liked the style with Biff’s mouth and eyebrows. I had no idea people were actually complaining about it.
But whatever you think is best, I’m fine with. Its not my comic. XD
So, bottom line, Biff is your character, not mine. Though I liked the unique style with his eyebrows, I just can’t see him changing in the middle of the series like that. I always pictured Biff as that crazy surreal guy with crazy eyebrows/mouth. To get rid of that is like changing the character himself. But, my opinion doesn’t matter. Do what you wanna do.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:49 am e
The originial wonky face of biff is his signature to comic awesomeness, with out it, he isnt much of a biff at all, more like, like a joe.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:49 am e
Chris, eyebrows or no, keep up the excellent work. I agree with many of the comments above saying that the eyebrows gave Biff character…it kept him from being just an ordinary dude. But what REALLY makes Biff Biff are the absurd situations he finds himself in, and I have a feeling that’ll continue no matter the length of his eyebrows.
Consider this a vote in favor of eyebrows, but a stronger vote for the one, the only Biff.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:55 am e
@Mr Pickles: I strongly agree. That’s exactly how I feel.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:05 am e
WE WANT THE EYEBROWS BACK!!!!!
April 1st, 2008 at 10:11 am e
….that look SUCKS! You might as well give him a new name while you’re at it! What’s next? A plot!?!
April 1st, 2008 at 10:11 am e
@TOwns - I don’t know. I’ve just spent the last few hours improving comics #400-475. It would be a shame to waste all that work and not upload the new versions.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:12 am e
Yay its bifftime! oh no!
Where are the eyebrows?
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
they outsourced Biff to asia.
The horror, the horror.
I dont think i have had an arm cramp but when i sleep on a an arm and wake up the arm is really sensitive and if it touches anything it is painful and i have to wait a few minutes for it to go away
Wow momma look at all dem posts! few!
April 1st, 2008 at 10:21 am e
Nuuu! I wants the eyebrows! I say make a poll, best trouble solver ever. Or maybe make a series of polls every morning with a simple question.
Oh, and if the conclusion says cut off brows, IT’S WRONG!!! >=(
Anywho, I’ve posted a few times already but still - awsome comics, it’s how I wake up =D
April 1st, 2008 at 10:29 am e
I’m in agreement with everyone else: Keep the eyebrows, their part of what makes Biff Biff.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:33 am e
I always thought Biff’s facial… irregularities were quite funny. And you could always post them in the forums just for giggles and “So THAT’S what it’d look like”s.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:52 am e
The new eyebrows are a lie… it must not be this way!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:00 am e
I’m probably a little late, but I would just like to say that I enjoyed the eyebrows as well.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:14 am e
Do NOT listen to the naysayers. THE EYEBROWS NEED TO STAY!!
Seriously, his previous look was what made him endearing. It was what made him unique and charming.
Removing those eyebrows and the mouth make him far too GENERIC.
You don’t want that Chris, because you KNOW that Biff is ANYTHING but generic.
Restore the glory my good man… restore it. We know you want to.
Also, giving Biff eyeballs is something else you don’t need to do. Part of the awesomeness of Biff was that we just kind of KNOW what he’s giving attention to. Having eyeballs kind of detracts from his wackiness. And if there is one thing Biff IS, it’s wacky. Which is why we LOVE HIM JUST THE WAY HE WAS!!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:32 am e
Not to sound like a broken record, but I too loved Biff’s unique facial features. Like everyone says, it made him Biff. It’s honestly what made this comic stick out to me and got me interested in reading it. I’m a hardcore Biffer now and I really think they should stay. Even if they’re not as long, that’s ok. Bring us back our Biff-brows please!.
April 1st, 2008 at 11:33 am e
ok, my say…
biff looks scary. VERY scary. i dont see whats not to like about his eyebrows (or at least, how they were). its just silly, asking to make them short. its like asking to make elephants’ ears smaller, because they’re too big; they want to take away his uniqueness. if someone wants to draw biff for some strange reason, they wont be able to, because without his bizzare brows, he looks like anyone else.
Also, on the forums, the smileys all have biffbrows. what would be the point if biffs eyebrows werent really liike that?
Anyway, even with my view, it is totally up to Chris to decide whether he has long brows. either way, it’d still be one of my favourite webcomics.
@ Jekai: ok, short eyebrows i can just about understand, only just, and on a brief exposure to drugs, but you sound as if you want biff to stop doing the sort of things he does. that would make this comic boring. with stuff like “biff made a presentation after being told to by his boss.” biff is not a conformist or whatever the word is. do you not understand this?
sorry about the essay, but i wanted my veiws heard. ta ta!
oh, and whats all this stuff about “giving my 2 cents”?
April 1st, 2008 at 11:35 am e
NOOOOOOOOO. no no no no no.
No new Biff, Bring back Biff classic!
This is as bad as Coke Classic! Bring back Biff’s Feelers!
April 1st, 2008 at 11:50 am e
You guys must have gone to a different business school than I did. The only way I’m going to expand my market share is if I bend to the wishes of people that don’t read my comic. I think I’m doing the right thing here in the long run.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:00 pm e
@BiggerJ- I love his idea, I would be happy to punch my self in the face for biff.
@Draco Advigilat- Yes, his name shall be Steve, seems like a good name fo some on as normal looking as him.
Well I say bring back the eyebows it was the first thing I saw when the page loaded. I was like WTFBBQ.. who’s in biff’s comic!! Well the choice is up to you Chris but im waring you if you don’t fix biff i’ll blow up pluto because it seems that know one cares about poor pluto. Zulu
April 1st, 2008 at 12:02 pm e
You know Chris, you are right. Just forget the people who only read your comic and post all the time on your comments and side with the MAN who only cares about money money money money. I quit. I’m never reading Biff again. This sucks.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:12 pm e
Like everyone else has commented, woah, eyebrow change! Maybe Biff’s having a bad eyebrow day too.
Also, Biff is evidently left-handed. Or at least he has to be today, making it an even worse arm day.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:12 pm e
After a good night’s sleep, I’m still not sure how to react to this.
People changing so drastically can be hard to adjust to.
Removing Biff’s eyebrows is no small change, either!
I wonder how many people complained…
Looks like we’ll just have to get used to Biff’s new look.
For who are we to judge the opinions and choices of others?
Our thoughts cannot sway the thoughts of others.
Only they can decide what they think.
Looks like we’ll just have to get used to the new Biff.
Sucks, though.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:20 pm e
“You guys must have gone to a different business school than I did. The only way I’m going to expand my market share is if I bend to the wishes of people that don’t read my comic. I think I’m doing the right thing here in the long run.”
That is the exact same thing that TSR thought when they revised D&D to make it more PC. They experienced a remarkable downturn in sales and interest in response to homogenizing their product. You’re pandering to the people who don’t like your product, and alienating the ones who do. From a purely business standpoint, that’s a bad idea.
I disagree with the change from an artistic standpoint as well. It cheapens a creative outlet when the creator compromises his vision by allowing others to determine its direction.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:23 pm e
Out of curiosity, what is the magnitude of the messages against the traditional Biff? Are they a couple, or are they in the hundreds?
April 1st, 2008 at 12:25 pm e
@Jake - At least 3 in the past 2 years.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:26 pm e
Oh my god, it’s Biff’s evil half-identical-twin-clone-third-cousin!
April 1st, 2008 at 12:30 pm e
Yeah, I liked Biff’s crazy eyebrows. Alas, statistically, people are more likely to take the initiative when they have a negative opinion (as opposed to a postive one) to voice, so it’s understandable that people have sent more e-mails complaining than complimenting. =(
April 1st, 2008 at 12:45 pm e
So you’re going with the Powder look because of 3 people? Well, you better start practicing your Jeff Goldblum art now, dude. You’ll need it.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:07 pm e
@Sarah - “I disagree with the change from an artistic standpoint as well. It cheapens a creative outlet when the creator compromises his vision by allowing others to determine its direction.” - I totally agree. I suppose it doesn’t matter in the end though, nothing we say will change it. I’ll still be here everyday to see Biff’s wacky adventures. They just won’t be quite as wacky now that he’s normal…
April 1st, 2008 at 1:27 pm e
I just thought he took off the eyebrows to plug in his mouse and keyboard.
April 1st, 2008 at 1:32 pm e
bring back biff!!
April 1st, 2008 at 2:16 pm e
you can’t muck around with his eyebrows!! They r an institution of there own!!
April 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm e
Oh noes! Trent stoled Biff’s eyebrows!
April 1st, 2008 at 2:56 pm e
Chris: I wholeheartedly agree that this is the best possible business decision you could have made. I think the average person will now be able to relate to Biff better, and good relation breeds good sales. I think the reason that some of my fellow readers are having trouble coping with the change is that they are not currently having a bad arm day and cannot relate with this particular topic (most of the people that can relate ARE having a bad arm day and can’t navigate to the comments in order to commend you).
I’m sure if you redo all of your old comic in this new style (and destroy all copies of the old style) that each person will be able to find one that they can relate to and continue to admire all of your work.
April 1st, 2008 at 2:57 pm e
Don’t ditch the eyebrow!!! but if you INSIST, at least give him a unicorn horn to replace the void!!
April 1st, 2008 at 2:57 pm e
Hey Chris,
Long time reader, posted a couple of times.
And here’s my large number of pennies, to go with the flow:
Again, sounding like a battered, beaten and spat on record,
I agree with practically everyone here.
The eyebrows gave biff something different.
Imagine this webcomic as a sort of kingdom with you as king,
and one peasant sends you a letter going “I don’t like you wearing that colour robe, change it or I’m not paying my taxes this year” but everyone else loves you for it. Are you going to change it and make many more upset or are you gunna behead the man for treason?
I’m sorry, that was a really bad metaphor,
My point is that you shouldn’t just change him because a couple of people dislike how he is. You’ll never please EVERYONE.
Oh and to quote you before “I’ve just spent the last few hours improving comics #400-475″ ‘Improving’? If you remove the eyebrows, you remove part of biff, quite litterially.
I really enjoy your comics, and biff being.. well, being biff; and I think his eyebrows should stay
[/rant]
Keep up the good work
Noodles x
April 1st, 2008 at 3:20 pm e
Wait a second! That man in the border ad has stolen his brows!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:05 pm e
Hey, Biff lost his eye brows! WHY?! They were one of the major characteristics that made biff!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:24 pm e
WOW!!! I already posted a comment on this saying I support biff’s old eyebrows, but I just had a horrible thought… what would happen to the comic where biff discovers that he dislikes helicopters? they cut off his eyebrows, and if there’s no eyebrows to cut off, what happens then? I actually agree with chris in what he’s done, but I still don’t like it. It’s not as bad for me, because I have a new girlfriend to distract me, but it’s still… ergh.
April 1st, 2008 at 4:29 pm e
NOO!!!!!! BIff isn’t Biff anymore!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:33 pm e
Now Chris,
I have bought both books and I need the eyebrows!!!!!!!!! Biff isn’t without them. Please………………..return the brows to their former glory, please
April 1st, 2008 at 4:35 pm e
to Batdan: Who on earth shaves their eyebrows?! I’ve heard of girl’s plucking them, but I’ve never done anything to mine. You’re such a jerk. If you don’t like Biff you don’t have to insult him!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:40 pm e
Hey Chris,
long time reader, haven’t commented much. but
Biff was awesome, and if people don’t like the eyebrows how about a compromise? you could draw his eyebrows like, long but not as long as they were before! half as long!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:42 pm e
@Diane - that’s what I’m talking about. You already bought the books so I don’t need to worry about you. I’m making these improvements to impress people that will never come back to the website to see that they have happened. My book sales are going to triple by tomorrow!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:44 pm e
And Chris,
While his left elbow is thing of beauty, and I am sure that many songs have been sung about it, his eyebrows are what make him Biff. Please do not remove them from older comics, we brow-fans have to have someplace to go to see our old friends and not just this new, brow less freak of a Biff impostor.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:21 pm e
Bad arm day, bad eyebrow (Bad eyebrows! BAD!) day too. It’s obvious the batteries went dead in Biff’s cordless mouse and keyboard so he had to use the closest conductive thing.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:26 pm e
Woah, they burned off again?
April 1st, 2008 at 5:32 pm e
This… May take some getting used to. I liked the crazy brows and the crazy mouth. Anything to please the masses, I suppose.
April 1st, 2008 at 5:45 pm e
Chris,
I love-ed you eyebrows. I love-ed you. T_T
Keep the eyebrows. Biff isn’t the same without them. The few times that Biff has lost his eyebrows (I’m thinking it was a few. I know it happened at least once) there was a real good reason why they were lost. I’m sure that it involved a huge fire. KEEP THE EYEBROWS!! They are what make’s Biff ‘Biff’. If you want to stop drawing the eyebrows for a while I’m sure you can come up with a fantastic Biff themed idea to do so.
The Halfcat loves the comic. ^_^
April 1st, 2008 at 5:58 pm e
…That is not Biff. I don’t care what you say! D:
-runs off faliling and crying-
April 1st, 2008 at 6:04 pm e
@ Draco Advigilat
Agreed.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:08 pm e
“La gasp! What is this madness?! Where are Biff’s eyebrows?!” Is what I thought as soon as I realized that Biffs eyebrows were missing, not because of some “Biff-ish” accident, but because Biff had a makeover. I understand that you are doing this to please the mass of Biff Eyebrow and mouth haters, but Come on!! Not the eyebrows!! *Sigh…* I guess I’ll have to adjust to the lack of crazy eyebrows v_v . . .
April 1st, 2008 at 6:10 pm e
Wow… I used to love to read the Biff comic, and one of my favorite parts was Chris’ commentary on them. I loved that I got to know Chris a little bit, as well as laugh at the funny incidents that relate to the wonderful comic of the day. Whether or not Biff is Biff w/o the eyebrows is almost a non-issue. (granted, Biff ISN’T Biff w/o them) This is because the integrity and creative insight I saw in Chris, is now crushed. I used to respect him, but the comments he is leaving to support his actions, are very disappointing to say the least. It seems as though Biff’s own creator has less stock in him than his readers. Biff is no longer a quirky product of creativity, he is a monetary product alone. I will no longer read Biff. Even if the eyebrows go back, I simply no longer have any respect for Chris. You let me down.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:14 pm e
Besides! How ironic and sad is it that the day the eyebrows are removed, the ad for the t-n-t comic is a reference to none other than BIFF’S EYEBROWS. It doesn’t even make sense.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:36 pm e
Wow it’s astounding the number of people who have commented in all seriousness demanding Biff’s eyebrows back. Excellent comic Chris!
I especially love the several-paragraphs-long arguments.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:40 pm e
wow…I’ve never seen so many comments.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:58 pm e
NO!!! don’t get rid of the eyebrows! I’ll add my voice that the brows and mouth is what makes Biff. DO NOT GET RID OF THEM!
April 1st, 2008 at 7:02 pm e
Chris:
You can’t always make everyone happy, I simply suggest you to do what you think is right, if you literally listened to everyone who has something to suggest and did what they want, you would simply end up ruining everything.
That’s why I insist. Do what you think is right.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:02 pm e
EDIT: I ended up drawing in the eyebrows and mouth on my monitor, but now I have 3 squiggly lines in the middle of the screed. I shouldn’t have used the permanent marker I guess. you owe me a new monitor Chris, since it is your fault.
April 1st, 2008 at 7:34 pm e
You may take the crazy eyebrows, but you can never take OUR FREEDOM!!!!!!!
(sorry i couldnt resist)
April 1st, 2008 at 7:59 pm e
Psycho Duck for the first time in awhile haven’t said “The Duck has spoken” 0_0
That is not a good sign.
Chris, I have been silently reading your comic for about 6 months (or more) and I have truly enjoyed your own sense of creativity. Goodness, I’d be surprise if you are not already an internet celebrity.
However, what is up with bending your own creativity to satisfy few complaints over large number of supporter? Plus, it is not very business-like to disappoint large number of people over few complaints. If you truly want to make some business out of your creativity, thats fine, nothing wrong with that. Improving some artwork (nothing removed), thats fine too.
Unfortunately, removing one of the icon (I repeat, ICON) from this popular comic takes the uniqueness out of the comic itself. This by itself may send away some longtime and/or loyal costumers.
Although the eyebrow (and the mouth) have nothing to do with the actual intent of the story, it is there to add more fun-like bizarre atmosphere to the comic, and create a very unique physical trait to Biff. I mean how many bald, wide mouthed, foot long eyebrowed, invincible, pale character in this world? Not very many if any.
Chances are likely that I wouldn’t have written this had you only created the artwork out of your own creativity. However, now that I found your reason amidst all those comments, it isn’t the same. Having a favorite comic and someone’s unique form of style taken over by money is actually quite scary.
All I request here, Chris, is not to let few complaints and money fear control the epicness of this comic. If it does, I can guarantee you that any more art, made out of your creative range due to those two reasons stated, the comic would come to portray itself with false atmosphere.
Change only if YOU, and ONLY YOU like. Not by few complaints.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:26 pm e
I liked the eyebrows…i say keep them long!
April 1st, 2008 at 8:30 pm e
After reading these comments, I have come to a conclusion.
Part of Biff is in those eyebrows, and taking them away is very BAD…
Really, if there were people here commenting all lot the time about his bad eyebrows I would understand, but they aren’t.
I think that taking away the eyebrows takes out a big chunk of his very Biffness.
Love is all I feel for them, and somehow I doubt that so many other people would feel differently.
Fine, it would attract more buyers, but it would alienate many of the people here who might buy a book in the future.
Oh sure, you get a few more buys now but a lot less later!
Operating the comic as a business is a bad idea anyway.
Losing longtime fans to a simple decision like this is also bad.
Seriously, the only good chose is to keep the eyebrows.
Lexor
April 1st, 2008 at 8:40 pm e
How about a compromise? Keep one eyebrow long and have the other short. That way you will appeal to both the people who aren’t remotely interested in the comic and never read it, as well as those that do.
April 1st, 2008 at 8:51 pm e
@Chris
This is my first comment on your website.
I and many other readers have been highly turned off by the new change.
I was planning on buying The Book of Biff when I got a job, but if you start changing the artwork in it to conform to this new and (in my opinion) negative change, I don’t think I’ll want to buy it anymore.
Most of the arguments presented in this comment section have cited one of the following points: (A) only a few people requested this change, so it is not worth making, and (B) you are trying to sell out your artistic integrity.
I have two suggestions for what to do with Biff’s appearance.
1. Make two versions of the Book: one with the original look, and one with the new look. If you stop selling the Book with the original look, I’m just not going to buy it.
2. Have a poll with the following options: (A) I dislike the change, and I no longer want to buy the Book, (B) I dislike the change, but I still want to buy the Book, (C) I like the change, but it did not convince me to buy the Book, (D) I like the change, and now I want to buy the Book, (E) I like the change, but I already bought the Book in its original form, (F) I dislike the change, and I am glad that I already bought the Book in its original form. If more people answer “D” than all of the other choices combined, THEN AND ONLY THEN should you carry through with the change. (I am willing to bet that option “D” will actually receive the LEAST votes.)
What do you think, Chris? I hope you will at least seriously consider my suggestions.
April 1st, 2008 at 9:03 pm e
What!?
you have Defaced.. well… more like De-Browed Biff!
Return him to normal at once!
…please?
April 1st, 2008 at 9:37 pm e
Biff without eyebrows?!?!?! No…
Just…no…
April 1st, 2008 at 10:29 pm e
Every year, 233 feet of eyebrows are shaven, waxed, or plucked.
Please…Save the eyebrows.
April 1st, 2008 at 10:32 pm e
I am lazy, and normally take a rest before going to work on anything =p