Introduction: One Webcomic That Has Kept Readers Hooked for Over 20 Years

Most webcomics fade out within a few years. El Goonish Shive, better known as EGSComics, has been running since January 2002 and still publishes new comics regularly today. That is over two decades of storytelling, character growth, and fan loyalty that very few webcomics have ever achieved.

If you have never heard of EGSComics before, you are not alone. It does not have the same mainstream fame as some other comics, but its dedicated fan base is massive and passionate. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from who the characters are to how the story works, and why so many readers stick around for years.

Whether you are thinking about starting the comic or you are already a fan looking for deeper context, this article covers it all clearly and honestly.

What Is EGSComics and Who Makes It?

EGSComics is the fan nickname for the webcomic El Goonish Shive, created and written by Dan Shive. The comic is published on the official website egscomics.com and is completely free to read. Dan Shive has been the sole creator from the beginning, handling both the writing and the artwork.

The name “El Goonish Shive” does not have a deep meaning behind it. Dan Shive has said publicly that he chose the name partly because it sounded quirky and stood out. What started as a goofy, lighthearted comedy comic has grown into something with real emotional depth, complex characters, and serious themes.

Dan Shive is also open about being transgender and has used the comic as a space to explore gender identity, personal growth, and self-acceptance in ways that feel genuine rather than preachy. That honesty is a big reason why so many readers feel a strong connection to the story.

The Art Style: How It Changed Over Two Decades

One of the first things new readers notice is how much the art has changed. Early EGSComics strips from 2002 look very different from the comics being published today. The early art was simple, sometimes rough, and clearly the work of someone still learning their craft.

Over the years, Dan Shive has improved dramatically. The current artwork is clean, expressive, and detailed. Characters have consistent designs, and emotional moments are drawn with real care. This growth is actually something many fans appreciate, because you can watch the creator improve in real time as you read through the archive.

Some readers start from the very beginning and enjoy seeing that progression. Others prefer to skip ahead to where the art gets more polished, usually around the middle of the archive. Both approaches are fine depending on what you are looking for.

Main Characters You Need to Know

EGSComics has a core group of characters who carry the story. They are all connected to each other through school, friendship, and some very unusual circumstances involving magic and science.

Ellen and Elliot Dunkel
Elliot is one of the two main leads of the comic. He is a kind, strong, and slightly naive teenager who gets caught up in the magical chaos that surrounds his friend Tedd. Ellen is Elliot’s female duplicate, created through a magical accident early in the story. What makes Ellen interesting is that she quickly develops her own personality and identity, separate from Elliot. Their relationship becomes one of the emotional cores of the comic.

Tedd Verres
Tedd is the science and magic obsessed character at the center of the story. Tedd’s house is where most of the strange experiments happen. Tedd also has a deep personal arc related to gender identity and self-discovery that becomes more prominent as the comic progresses. Tedd uses a transformation gun called the TF Gun, which is responsible for many of the comic’s early plots.

Susan Pompoms
Susan starts as a strict, rule-following character who seems cold on the surface. Over time, her backstory and emotional depth get revealed in ways that completely change how you see her. She is one of the most developed characters in the entire comic and has some of the most memorable story moments.

Sarah Brown
Sarah is Elliot’s girlfriend for a significant part of the comic. She is warm, grounded, and often serves as a practical voice among a group of people who tend to do very impractical things. Her arc is quieter than some others but still meaningful.

Grace Sciuridae
Grace is a half-alien, half-squirrel being who was created in a lab and later escapes to live with Tedd and his father. She is cheerful, optimistic, and deeply curious about human life. Grace has one of the most unique backstories in the comic and also becomes one of the most important characters in major story arcs.

Nanase Kitsune
Nanase is a skilled martial artist and magic user who is also Ellen’s love interest. Her coming out storyline is handled with care and authenticity, and it is widely praised by fans as one of the better representations of that experience in comics.

Justin Tolkiberry
Justin is one of the more overlooked characters in the main group but has his own important arc dealing with identity and acceptance. He is a good contrast to the more prominent characters and adds balance to the group dynamic.

The Story Structure: How EGSComics Is Organized

EGSComics is split into chapters and story arcs. The comic has both main story arcs and side stories called “EGS: NP” (Non-Playable) or “sketchbook” sections. The main story arcs are where the serious plot and character development happen. The NP sections are usually lighter, funnier, and sometimes non-canon.

For new readers, it is important to know that the comic takes time to find its footing. The early chapters are more comedic and less serious than what comes later. If you push through the first year or two of strips, you will get to a point where the story becomes much more engaging and emotionally rich.

The comic uses a chapter system that makes it easier to navigate the archive. Each chapter is labeled clearly on the website, and the table of contents is easy to use. This is helpful because the archive is very large, containing thousands of strips.

Key Storylines Every Reader Should Know

EGSComics has dozens of story arcs over its run, but some stand out as essential reading. These are the arcs that define the comic and show why it has lasted so long.

Sister and Sister II
These early arcs introduce Ellen and set up the core conflict between magic and science that runs through the whole comic. Ellen’s creation is accidental, but her struggle to define herself as her own person is intentional and emotionally powerful. The Sister II arc raises the stakes significantly and marks a shift toward more serious storytelling.

Painted Black
This is widely considered one of the first major dramatic arcs in EGSComics. It involves Grace’s past and the dangerous people she escaped from. The stakes feel real, the action is tense, and it is the arc where many readers say the comic stopped being just a goofy comedy and became something more.

The Hammerchlorians
This arc introduces important lore about magic in the EGS universe. It also develops Susan’s character in ways that add a lot of emotional weight to her story. Magic in the EGS universe has real rules and consequences, and this arc starts explaining them in detail.

Pandoras Box
This is one of the longer and more complex arcs in the comic’s history. It deals with magic on a global scale and involves a character named Pandora, who is one of the most fascinating figures in the entire story. Pandora’s motivations are layered and her relationship with one of the main characters is deeply emotional.

The New and Old Flames Arc
This arc deepens relationships between characters and handles some of the more personal moments in the story. It is a good example of how EGSComics balances action and character work without losing sight of either.

Themes That Make EGSComics Stand Out

EGSComics deals with several themes that are not common in most webcomics. These themes are handled with care and honesty, which is a big reason why the comic has earned such loyal readers.

Gender Identity and Self-Discovery
This is probably the most prominent theme in EGSComics. Multiple characters deal with questions about gender, identity, and what it means to be yourself. Dan Shive draws from personal experience, and that authenticity shows in how these topics are written. The comic does not lecture the reader. Instead, it shows characters going through real feelings and decisions.

Found Family
The main group of characters forms a tight bond that goes beyond regular friendship. They support each other through difficult situations, accept each other’s differences, and grow together. This found family dynamic resonates strongly with many readers who see their own social experiences reflected in the group.

Science vs. Magic
The comic plays with the idea that magic and science are not opposites. In the EGS universe, magic has rules and logic. Tedd approaches magic like a scientist, trying to understand and measure it. This creates interesting story possibilities and adds intellectual depth to what could have been a simple “magic is weird” premise.

Personal Growth Over Time
Characters in EGSComics do not stay the same. They make mistakes, learn from them, and genuinely change. This is rare in long-running comics where characters often feel frozen in time. Watching characters like Susan, Tedd, and Ellen grow over hundreds of strips is one of the most rewarding parts of reading the archive.

The EGSComics Fan Community

The fan community around EGSComics is one of its greatest strengths. Despite not being a mainstream hit, the comic has built a passionate and welcoming group of fans over the years.

Where Fans Gather
The main gathering spots for EGS fans are the official forums on the egscomics.com website, the EGS subreddit on Reddit, and various Discord servers dedicated to the comic. Each of these spaces has its own culture, but all of them share a generally positive and respectful atmosphere.

The official forums are the oldest gathering place and have years of discussion threads, fan theories, and commentary from long-time readers. The subreddit is more active for general discussion and new reader questions. Discord servers tend to be more casual and fast-moving.

Fan Art and Creative Work
EGS fans are creatively active. There is a strong fan art tradition around the comic, and Dan Shive regularly acknowledges and shares fan work. Some fans write fan fiction set in the EGS universe, exploring stories and scenarios that the main comic does not cover.

The creative community around EGSComics is friendly to newcomers. Fans share their work openly and give encouraging feedback to new creators. If you enjoy making art or writing and you are an EGS fan, the community is a good place to share your work.

Community Tone and Culture
The EGSComics fan community is generally thoughtful and kind. Because the comic deals with sensitive topics like gender identity and personal trauma, the community has developed norms around respectful discussion. Debates about story decisions happen, but the community tends to stay civil.

Long-time fans are often eager to help new readers find their footing. If you post a question about where to start or what a certain arc means, you will usually get helpful and patient responses. That kind of welcoming attitude is not something every fan community can claim.

How to Support Dan Shive and EGSComics

Reading EGSComics is free, but there are ways to support Dan Shive and help keep the comic going. Dan has a Patreon page where supporters can contribute monthly in exchange for extra content, behind-the-scenes commentary, and other perks.

Supporting the Patreon helps Dan focus more time on the comic and related work. Even small contributions add up when many fans participate. The Patreon has different tiers, so you can choose how much you want to contribute based on what you can afford.

Beyond Patreon, simply sharing the comic with others is a meaningful form of support. Recommending EGSComics to a friend or posting about it on social media helps grow the audience. More readers mean more community discussion and more long-term support for the creator.

Common Questions New Readers Ask

New readers often have the same questions when they find EGSComics for the first time. Here are straightforward answers to the most common ones.

Do I have to start from the beginning?
Technically, no. But starting from the beginning will give you the full experience and help you understand how the characters and story developed. Many readers who skip ahead end up going back to the start anyway because they want the full context.

How long does it take to read the whole archive?
The archive is large. If you read at a casual pace, it could take several weeks to get through everything. Some readers set aside time each day and work through it steadily. Others do focused reading sessions over a few weekends.

Is the comic kid-friendly?
EGSComics is generally appropriate for older teens and adults. It has some mature themes related to identity and personal trauma, and occasional mild suggestive humor. It is not explicit, but it is not written for young children either.

How often does the comic update?
Dan Shive has had different update schedules over the years. Updates happen regularly, but the frequency has varied. Checking the official website or following Dan Shive on social media is the best way to stay current on new strips.

EGSComics vs. Other Long-Running Webcomics

It is worth putting EGSComics in context with other long-running webcomics to show what makes it different.

Feature	EGSComics	Typical Long-Running Webcomic
Single creator from start	Yes	Often changes over time
Free to read	Yes	Usually yes
Consistent character growth	Strong	Variable
LGBTQ+ themes handled well	Yes	Inconsistent
Active fan community	Yes	Depends on the comic
Regular updates after 20 years	Yes	Many go on hiatus

What stands out about EGSComics is the consistency. One creator, one vision, and a story that has kept moving forward for over 20 years. That level of dedication is rare in any creative medium, let alone webcomics where many projects start strong and then stop without warning.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of EGSComics

If you are starting the comic or returning after a break, a few simple habits will make the experience better.

First, give the early comics time. The first year of strips is rougher in both art and writing. Push through to around 2004 or 2005 and you will see a clear improvement in quality. Second, use the chapter index on the website rather than clicking through one strip at a time. It makes tracking your progress much easier.

Third, check the author commentary when it appears. Dan Shive often adds notes below strips that explain the thinking behind certain decisions or give extra context. These notes are valuable for understanding the story more deeply. Finally, consider joining the community. Reading alone is fine, but discussing the comic with other fans adds a whole layer of enjoyment to the experience.

Why EGSComics Has Lasted Over 20 Years

Most creative projects do not survive two decades. EGSComics has, and there are real reasons why.

Dan Shive has stayed honest and consistent. The comic has evolved naturally rather than being forced in new directions for attention or money. The characters feel like real people because they change and grow the way real people do. The themes resonate with readers because they are handled with genuine care rather than as marketing tactics.

The fan community has also played a role. A loyal, engaged audience keeps a creator motivated and gives the work cultural staying power. EGSComics fans talk about the comic, share it with others, and create their own work inspired by it. That kind of community energy keeps the comic alive in between updates and helps new readers find it.

There is also something to be said for the fact that EGSComics tackles topics that many readers do not see reflected in other media. For readers dealing with questions about gender, identity, or belonging, the comic offers something genuinely useful and comforting. That kind of value is not something readers forget easily.

Conclusion: Is EGSComics Worth Your Time?

Yes, absolutely. EGSComics is one of the most consistently rewarding webcomics you can read for free. It has strong characters, genuine emotional depth, real story stakes, and a creator who has dedicated over 20 years to building something worth reading.

It is not perfect. The early strips are rough, and the archive is large enough that committing to reading it from the start takes real time. But for readers who stick with it, the payoff is significant. The characters feel like people you actually know, and the story touches on experiences that many readers find personally meaningful.

If you are ready to start, go to egscomics.com, find the beginning of the archive, and give it a real chance. If you want to talk about it with other fans, head to the subreddit or find a Discord server. The community is welcoming and the conversation is always interesting.

EGSComics has earned its place as one of the best long-running webcomics on the internet. The best way to understand why is simply to start reading it.

KissAnime was once one of the most popular anime streaming websites on the internet. For many anime fans around the world, it served as a gateway to discovering Japanese animation, offering thousands of anime episodes and movies for free. Although the original website is no longer available, its impact on anime culture remains significant. This article explores the history of KissAnime, its features, popularity, benefits, drawbacks, and its legacy in the anime community.

What Was KissAnime?

KissAnime was a free anime streaming website that provided access to a massive collection of anime series, movies, OVAs, and specials. It gained popularity because users could watch anime online without requiring a subscription. The platform featured both subbed and dubbed anime, making it accessible to a global audience.

Anime fans visited KissAnime to watch popular titles such as Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Attack on Titan, Death Note, Dragon Ball, Fullmetal Alchemist, and many others. The website became one of the most visited anime streaming platforms worldwide.

History of KissAnime

KissAnime launched during a period when legal anime streaming services were limited in many countries. The website quickly attracted millions of users due to its extensive anime library and easy-to-use interface.

Over the years, KissAnime expanded its collection and introduced features such as episode bookmarking, user comments, recommendations, and multiple streaming servers. However, copyright concerns followed the platform throughout its existence.

In August 2020, the original KissAnime website officially shut down after copyright enforcement actions. The closure marked the end of an era for many anime enthusiasts.

Features of KissAnime

Several features contributed to the popularity of KissAnime:

Extensive Anime Library

KissAnime hosted thousands of anime episodes across various genres including:

• Action
• Adventure
• Comedy
• Romance
• Fantasy
• Horror
• Sci-Fi
• Sports
• Mystery

Subbed and Dubbed Content

Users could choose between Japanese audio with subtitles or English dubbed versions depending on their preferences.

Free Access

One of the biggest attractions was free streaming. Users did not need to pay monthly subscription fees.

User-Friendly Interface

The website categorized anime by genre, release year, popularity, and alphabetical order, making content easy to find.

Community Interaction

Fans could leave comments, discuss episodes, and share recommendations with other anime viewers.

Why Was KissAnime So Popular?

The popularity of KissAnime can be attributed to several factors:

Accessibility

Anime fans from countries with limited streaming options could easily access content.

Large Content Collection

The platform often offered anime titles unavailable elsewhere.

Fast Updates

New episodes were typically uploaded shortly after release.

No Subscription Cost

Many users preferred a free platform rather than paying for premium services.

Global Reach

The website attracted visitors from North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions.

Advantages of KissAnime

Huge Selection

Users could watch both classic and modern anime.

Cost Savings

The service allowed anime fans to enjoy content without spending money.

Convenience

Streaming could be done directly from a browser without downloading files.

Discovering New Anime

Recommendation systems helped viewers find similar series.

Disadvantages of KissAnime

Copyright Issues

The website operated without official licensing agreements for much of its content.

Advertisements

Users frequently encountered ads and pop-ups.

Security Concerns

Some mirror websites contained potentially harmful advertisements or suspicious downloads.

Uncertain Availability

Because of legal challenges, access to the website was often unstable.

The Closure of KissAnime

In August 2020, the original KissAnime website announced its permanent shutdown. The site’s database and servers were reportedly affected by copyright enforcement measures.

The closure disappointed millions of anime fans. Social media platforms saw an outpouring of messages from users sharing memories and favorite anime discoveries made through KissAnime.

Despite the shutdown, numerous clone websites appeared online claiming to be KissAnime. Users should exercise caution when visiting unofficial websites because their safety and legitimacy may vary.

Legal Anime Streaming Alternatives

Following KissAnime’s closure, many anime fans turned to legal streaming services. Popular alternatives include:

• Crunchyroll
• Netflix
• Hulu
• HIDIVE
• Disney+
• Amazon Prime Video

These services support anime creators, studios, and distributors through licensing agreements and subscription revenue.

Impact on Anime Culture

KissAnime played an important role in introducing anime to international audiences. Many viewers watched their first anime series through the platform.

The website contributed to the growth of anime fandom worldwide by making content accessible during a time when legal streaming options were less widespread. While its legality was controversial, its influence on anime culture is undeniable.

Simple Calculation Example

Suppose an anime fan watches:

• 3 episodes per day
• Each episode is 24 minutes long

Daily viewing time:

3 × 24 = 72 minutes

Weekly viewing time:

72 × 7 = 504 minutes

Convert to hours:

504 ÷ 60 = 8.4 hours

Therefore, watching 3 anime episodes daily results in approximately 8.4 hours of anime viewing per week.

The Legacy of KissAnime

Although the original KissAnime no longer exists, its legacy continues within the anime community. The platform helped countless fans discover anime series, engage with fellow viewers, and explore Japanese animation.

Today, the anime industry offers more legal streaming choices than ever before. Many former KissAnime users now support official services while continuing to enjoy the diverse world of anime.

Conclusion

KissAnime was one of the most influential anime streaming websites of its time. Its extensive anime library, free access, and global popularity made it a favorite destination for anime enthusiasts. Despite its closure in 2020, the platform remains a memorable part of anime history. As the anime industry continues to grow, legal streaming services provide fans with convenient ways to enjoy their favorite series while supporting creators and studios.

FAQs

What was KissAnime?

KissAnime was a free anime streaming website that offered thousands of anime episodes and movies.

Is KissAnime still available?

No, the original KissAnime shut down permanently in August 2020.

Why did KissAnime close?

The website closed due to copyright-related enforcement actions.

Was KissAnime free to use?

Yes, users could watch anime without paying subscription fees.

Did KissAnime offer dubbed anime?

Yes, many anime series were available in both subbed and dubbed formats.

Are there legal alternatives to KissAnime?

Yes, legal alternatives include Crunchyroll, Netflix, HIDIVE, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Was KissAnime popular?

Yes, it was one of the world’s most visited anime streaming websites before its closure.

What genres were available on KissAnime?

Action, romance, comedy, fantasy, horror, adventure, sci-fi, sports, and many more.

Can I still watch anime legally online?

Yes, numerous licensed streaming services now provide legal anime access worldwide.

What is KissAnime’s legacy?

KissAnime helped introduce anime to millions of viewers and played a major role in expanding global anime fandom.

TaleWorlds Entertainment is a well-known independent video game development company based in Ankara, Turkey. Founded in 2005 by co-founders Armağan Yavuz and İpek Yavuz, the studio has gained international recognition for creating the popular Mount & Blade series. Over the years, TaleWorlds has become one of Turkey’s most successful gaming companies, attracting millions of players worldwide through its unique blend of strategy, role-playing, and action gameplay.

The story of TaleWorlds began as a small hobby project. Armağan Yavuz started developing a medieval-themed game that would later become Mount & Blade. The project quickly gained attention from gamers who appreciated its open-world gameplay and realistic combat mechanics. Encouraged by positive feedback, the founders established TaleWorlds Entertainment and continued developing the game into a full commercial release.

One of the key reasons behind TaleWorlds’ success is its focus on player freedom. Unlike many role-playing games that follow a fixed storyline, Mount & Blade allows players to create their own adventures. Players can become warriors, merchants, rulers, or mercenaries while exploring a large medieval world. This freedom has helped the franchise build a loyal fan community over the years.

The company’s first major release, Mount & Blade, launched in 2008 and received praise for its innovative gameplay. It combined real-time combat with strategic kingdom management, creating a unique experience that was rare in the gaming industry at the time. The success of the game led to several expansions and sequels, including Mount & Blade: Warband, Mount & Blade: With Fire & Sword, and Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.

Mount & Blade: Warband became especially popular among gamers due to its multiplayer mode and enhanced gameplay features. It expanded on the original game while introducing new mechanics and improved graphics. Many players still consider Warband one of the best medieval strategy RPGs ever created. Its strong modding community has also helped extend the game’s lifespan significantly.

Perhaps the most ambitious project from TaleWorlds is Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord. Announced years before its release, the game generated enormous excitement among fans. After a long development period, Bannerlord entered early access in 2020 and received its full release in 2022. The game features improved graphics, deeper kingdom management systems, larger battles, and enhanced character progression mechanics.

Bannerlord allows players to command massive armies, participate in political negotiations, trade goods across cities, and build their own kingdoms. The game’s dynamic world and sandbox design provide countless hours of gameplay. Many players appreciate the balance between action combat and strategic decision-making.

TaleWorlds is also known for supporting its games through updates and patches. The company regularly releases improvements, bug fixes, and gameplay adjustments based on community feedback. This ongoing support has helped maintain player interest and improve overall game quality.

Another strength of TaleWorlds is its commitment to independent development. Rather than relying heavily on large publishers, the company has often maintained creative control over its projects. This independence allows the developers to focus on their vision and respond directly to community feedback.

Today, TaleWorlds employs a large international team and continues to be one of the leading independent game studios in Turkey. Its games have reached players across the world, with a significant percentage of sales coming from international markets. The studio’s success demonstrates how a small independent project can evolve into a globally recognized gaming franchise.

Calculation Example

Suppose a gamer purchases Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord for $50 and spends 250 hours playing it.

Cost per hour = Total Cost ÷ Total Hours Played

Cost per hour = $50 ÷ 250

Cost per hour = $0.20

This means the player spends only 20 cents per hour of entertainment, showing why many gamers consider long-lasting strategy games to be excellent value.

FAQs

What is TaleWorlds?

TaleWorlds Entertainment is an independent video game development company founded in 2005 and located in Ankara, Turkey.

What is TaleWorlds famous for?

The company is best known for developing the Mount & Blade series, including Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord.

When was TaleWorlds founded?

TaleWorlds was founded in 2005.

Who founded TaleWorlds?

The company was founded by Armağan Yavuz and İpek Yavuz.

What is Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord?

Bannerlord is a medieval action role-playing and strategy game that combines large-scale battles, kingdom management, and open-world exploration.

Is TaleWorlds an independent studio?

Yes, TaleWorlds operates as an independent game development company.

Does TaleWorlds support modding?

Yes, the Mount & Blade series is widely known for its active modding community and user-created content.

Where is TaleWorlds located?

The company is headquartered in Ankara, Turkey.

Conclusion

TaleWorlds Entertainment has established itself as a respected name in the gaming industry through innovation, independence, and dedication to player freedom. From the original Mount & Blade to the expansive world of Bannerlord, the company has consistently delivered unique experiences that blend action, strategy, and role-playing elements. As the studio continues to grow and support its games, it remains a major influence in the medieval gaming genre and an inspiring example of independent game development success.