Chain Gang War #1

(503 votes, average 4.36 out of 5)
Comments (407)
  • Dr Mike07  - Bring back Linkara!
    I tire of these non-Linkaras, and hope this episode means the return of the real deal.
  • Jetman123
    Did the whole segment about "you have to give your readers something different" go way over your head? Linkara's just experimenting. Be patient.
  • wretchu
    I caught it, but I happen to feel it's misguided. It's true that variety is needed to keep it from getting stale, but when you're completely changing the premise of your entire show all you do is alienate your fans. People watch AT4W because we want to see [i]Linkara[/i] talking about bad comics.

    There was definitely an annoying feel to this video. It came off more as whining than it did as leveling valid criticisms against a bad comic. For example: beating the "this is news, not an editorial" thing to death. Maybe 20 years ago this is fine, but we're living in a society where people like O'Reilly and Olbermann are considered valid sources for news by many people. (Not saying I agree with this, but it is a fact.)

    Lewis should get back to what he does best: railing on bad comics as Linkara.
  • lycanfan
    avatar
    I agree. While I do agree that shaking things up to avoid falling into obsolescence and stagnation is wonderful, staying true to what and who you are is every bit as important. The last two, with Harvey and The 90's Kid, were fun, funny, charming and also manged to stir things up while maintaining that Atop the Fourth Wall feel. While those episodes were different, they still featured what we all want: Lewis, bad comics, and Lewis' style of comedy. This just didn't feel right.

    But those points aside, this was a very underwhelming video. No offense intended toward Liz, but this just wasn't very entertaining. The jokes were weak and felt forced, the presentation was stilted and overall the tone felt off. I appreciate that this was part the story that Linkara is doing, but it wasn't up to snuff, at least not to me.
  • Gjkl345  - re:
    I disagree, while the underwhelming part is true, its only because of her lesser experience talking into the camera. It was informative since the first cover analysis resembles a Linkara-esque feel, examining the cliches and comic book faults. Without Linkara's usual tone of sarcasm, Atop the Forth Wall may be a bit absent in its composure and presentation, but it was pretty decent to say the least.
  • Squeejee
    I'm with this guy, but I don't think you gave Liz enough credit. I think this video would have worked better if the dancing ninja hadn't been so underutilized - the character's presence was a part of what made her seem so unengaged. When there's another character onscreen, and you're both sitting evenly, it requires a certain intensity to draw in the audience that just wasn't there for this episode - but aside from that, the jokes were fine, if a bit sparse.

    I notice we're all looking forward to Linkara's return, and I can't help but thing that is EXACTLY what he wants.
  • cosmonaut
    avatar
    I'd go a step further and say it was exactly like Linkara, the script, the jokes, the accentuation, the costume, just played by someone else.
    I would have enjoyed it if Liz had contributed something of her own, but if it was there I missed it.

    Thus it feels like a cheap replacement, as if you would start publishing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Newts instead of the Turtles since you think fans grow tired of the old stories. So you publish the same stories, but now without the popular characters, so it's worse. Like Star Trek Voyager.

    What, for me, makes it even worser is Linkara sitting right next to Liz. If he was on vacation, alright, great, but this way it's an annoying tease.

    So, the 90's kid episode was fun, something different, Harvey is alright, too, but Linkara "as played by ..." isn't.

    Hey, Linkara, please come back, you're the guy I want see, right there on that couch, as Linkara! Pretty please? :)
  • Divide By Zero
    avatar
    Completely changing the premise? Are you seriously expecting a One More Day from Linkara? I point and laugh at you.

    Liz did a great job. I assume the script was Lewis' work, but Liz managed to pull off the jokes without sounding like an impersonator. If I had one criticism it would be that she should have gotten a better (read: worse) comic to review. This one kind of put me in mind of a very badly executed comic book version of Old Boy with less interesting characters.

    Also, that "this is news, not an editorial" thing [b]deserves [/b]to be beaten to death, resurrected, beaten to death again, then dragged down to the seventh pit of hell to be punished for all eternity. Just because something is pervasively common doesn't make it any less face-palmingly stupid.
  • 0dd1
    avatar
    Speaking about those news reporters in the comic (and yes, I do agree that editorializing when you should just be giving the facts is indeed idiotic, but hey, whatever), is it just me or did one of the reporters look a hell of a lot like Dick Tracy?
  • MissAshley
    avatar
    [i]People watch AT4W because we want to see Linkara talking about bad comics. [/i]

    It's still pretty obviously Lewis's writing, so you're really just complaining about the packaging, not the content.
  • Rock Golem
    The Fresh Prince of Bell air stars Will Smith not the guy who wrote his stuff, so your' metephor is just downright wrong.Delivery is every bit as important as the writing if not more so.Writers are not actors and actors are not wrighters.I get the feeling you're only saying what you're saying because you think that's what Linkara would want, perhaps you are right.No offense but this makes you a bad fan, yes men are useless to Linkara in terms of improving the show.

    With that being said, I have no problem with Linkara taking a vacation, he wants some time off, that's fine.I just can't help but feel like Liz might be on the show just because she knows someone.
  • SlappyTheSquirrel  - Why is everyone so upset?
    The premise of this arc is that Linkara is missing. Of course he'd have someone to fill in for him. No, she's not Linkara. THAT'S THE JOKE. She's trying to fill Linkara's shoes when obviously no one can. That's the whole point of the story, in my opinion.
  • masterem243  - Dude, relax.
    avatar
    It's fine, dude. People like variety, and this is just that. Variety. Plus, it's all leading up to a big conclusion, and I'm interested to see what it is!
  • LikaLaruku
    avatar
    Linkara is just showing off his awesome acting skills & trying to keep us entertained & spice things up with variety.

    How would you like it if your mom gave you the exact same thing for dinner every day? (For trolls, this is a simile)
  • danethefurry
    avatar
    I feed myself, thank you very much.
  • OgawaBurukku
    "If your mom"??? LOL I hope you did your homework before you got online.
  • Phred
    avatar
    Dude, it's summer, schools over.
  • mrskippy
    avatar
    I find it amusing that someone who goes by the name "OgawaBurukku" is laughing at someone else by virtue of their age. Class act.
  • Rock Golem
    Are you aware sir that that's not actually Lewis?
  • fierdemon0
    You sound so much like a bond villain.
  • Gamermage
    You DO realize how many thumbs down that statement has got you, do'nt you?
  • fziii  - Please give it a break
    avatar
    Third week in a row ... sigh :(
    All I am asking for is a normal review is that too much to ask for? Linkara didn't get me hooked by doing all these sad sad little cry for attention characters, he got me hooked by doing good honest comic reviews.
  • lionessempress
    avatar
    GREAT REVIEW! You did a great job! When Linkara comes back from where he has been capture both of you should review something together. If we ever find him.

    P.S Linkara is Batman! Both are so prepared it is crazy!
  • Jackass Mask
    In a world of waking sorrow, we look eagerly toward the morrow. For many bad comics will burn on the eve of Linkara's return...

    But, in the meantime, Liz was a nice change of pace. Nice job, and I look forward to see what else she does.
  • whatever42
    avatar
    I like that line there Jackass Mask. It sounds cool and is very true. Did you come up with that yourself?

    Anyway, regardless of what others say, I also thought that Liz did a good job. Yes, a couple lines seemed kind of forced, but, for an initial effort, it was great. I was entertained and I'd hope to see more of Liz in the future, maybe as an off and on reviewer with Linkara. :)

    I get the feeling that many of the people who disliked this review didn't dislike Liz so much as not like the lack of Linkara. To those people, don't worry. I'm sure Linkara will be back soon. For now, just be patient and try to enjoy the reviews as they come.

    I look forward to the next review and, if it's another guest reviewer, I also hope Ensign Monroe will be there.

  • GenericGeek
    Well that was cryptic
  • Pye Like Eye
    I can't wait 'till Linkara returns, too. Not that I'll have long to wait.
    Something about Iron Liz just annoyed me a little, maybe her voice? Was I simply spoiled and used to someone a little more experienced? I don't know. Good review anyway.

    EDIT: After watching it again, I still think there was something annoying about it. However, I will admit it was funny. Funnier, for some reason, the second time than the first for me.
  • Pye Like Eye
    Ok, I obviously said something I shouldn't have. What? Did I come off as insulting Iron Liz for no reason. Please help me understand why I'm being thumbed down so that I may refrain from making the same mistake in future comments.
  • TNT1991
    avatar
    Don't worry, you did nothing wrong. Some people just don't like others' opinions on something. Especially if it's not "praising" the video.

    Edit: See...told you. :D
  • RocketGruntKenny
    In the world of TGWTG, opinions are disliked :P
  • dennett316
    avatar
    Your opinion is your opinion, don't change it or try to censor what you think just to avoid a few thumbs down....they mean nothing.

    I mean, despite my obvious awesomeness I'm lucky to get one or two thumbs up votes...I mean come on people!!

    :lol:
  • Tinker
    avatar
    I think the reason you're getting thumbed down is because you said Iron Liz's voice annoyed you and she's already said her voice is like that because of a medical reason and that she's sensitive about it.

    Not that you were to know, but yeah... I think that's why.
  • Pye Like Eye
    Makes sense. Fortunately that was something I got used to the second time watching. I still say that she could use more practice and wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but she's new to this kind of thing and she'll only get better.
  • gaaralee1234
    avatar
    Wow, I love the variety of characters he's doing it becoming quite entertaining, WHOS NEXT :D
    oh and CARMEDELLADANCER...or something like that
  • laizu  - Caramelldansen :P
    that was a great review :woohoo: as always :P
  • Jetman123
    Ninja style dancer! How I've missed you!

    "Not enough ninjas. Not enough dancers." AND HOW.
  • srv_is_god88
    I remember being a kid and not being able to find someone to talk to about comics... oh how the internet has made nerds even nerdier and happier... Great review as always Linkara!
  • emosucks5856
    avatar
    I am also bored of the non linkara reviews. Doesn't mean i don't love him!!! but i want my old linkara back :(

  • eddievercetti
    avatar
    Linkara, did you facepalm when you found out about the cue cards? :D

    Iron Liz was great and hopefully, she'll stand beside Linkara in the future!

    EDIT: My spelling sucks
  • OneAngryArtist
    avatar
    BUT EXCUSE ME...
    I think that was a naked woman about to go to the bathroom.

    That aside I was entertained. I do miss Linkara but at least I got a review of a bad comic.

    Because that's totally what I need from life.
    YES
  • Linkara
    avatar
    Yeah, the things you realize when you zoom in on pictures. XD From the regular panel, the statue didn't look like that. XD

    Furthermore it's probably a painting and not a statue. XD
  • Kari
    I dunno, it's the same color as the surrounding wall, implying bas relief- oh wait. That's how people with more money than brains buy art. If it matches, it's good.

    Sooooo- Rise of Arsenal isn't exactly GOOD, but you've got it ranked with One More Day? Eh, I guess opiate hallucination zombie-Lian does score more than a few "oh, gods, they went there" points.
  • Linkara
    avatar
    In addition to heroin-addicted Roy Harper defending the dead cat.
  • Kari
    Yeah, that too. (Dammit, I had nearly blocked that cat from my mind.) Heroin doesn't even WORK THAT WAY.

    I also didn't care for Roy's and Cheshire's attempted hate-screw, though a confrontation might have been heartbreaking (in a literarily good way) if handled differently.

    Edit: I'm betting you weren't foolish enough o actually buy it, whereas I didn't notice it in my pull pile and have two of them! Want one?
  • KyleL  - You might want to buy this
    avatar
    Saw this. Thought of you. http://www.gamegavel.com/ item.cgi? show_item=0000386938
  • The_Mad_Dragon
    avatar
    Is good to share the nerdy with someone you care about.
  • Shroud
    avatar
    My god...all those notes...the hat...LINKARA IS THE QUESTION!?!
  • That Alien  - Of course!
    At least he wasn't going on about the 33rd flavor or going through anyone's trash...
  • Linkara
    avatar
    Oh, PLEASE.

    ...

    ...I go through EVERYONE'S trash.
  • jibjab
    is this a way to bring a new face to TGWTG or is linkara leving for good? great ep btw
  • Szasz  - re:
    Oh man, so good! I love Ninja-style dancer and Liz was really great too, but I miss Linkara!

    PS those conspiracy theories are awesome!

    Edit:
    [quote=Linkara]Oh, PLEASE.

    ...

    ...I go through EVERYONE'S trash.[/quote]
    Linkara, you're my hero.
  • testzero
    avatar
    Did anyone else think the temporary replacement was going to be Spoony at first?
  • Phred
    avatar
    I hoped so, but Spoony would be way to busy to do that.
  • Mckaysproductions
    avatar
    I did, was really hoping spoony was going to do an episode.
  • Linkara  - re:
    avatar
    [quote=Shroud]My god...all those notes...the hat...LINKARA IS THE QUESTION!?![/quote]
    Obvious, in hindsight.
  • RanHakubi
    avatar
    Sorry Linkara, you don't strike me as a young, long-haired lesbian. But I've been wrong about these things before...
  • mcgoverntt
    Nice job, Liz, you filled Linkara's shoes and hat and jacket nicely.
  • KyleL  - Title Card
    avatar
    That song... "Tea! For! You!" :D
    Very suitable reference for the mood of the series recently.
  • JoeCat
    avatar
    Dude... Dancing Ninja is slacking at his job.

    8:15 = Dick Tracy!

    Come on man, major missed jokes.

    Terrible attempt at imitating 90s boy aside, good review regardless of that missed opportunity.

    Shall Iron Liz replace Spoony as Linkara's sidekick against the forces of evil?
  • rosenhacker  - Stop the Hate
    avatar
    Look, Liz did a really good job, so don't complain that you don't like it just because it's not the normal host.
  • Valhalas
    But I watch AT4W to see Linkara, not some other person, why shouldn't I complain? I don't care how "good" of a job some other person may do, that's just not why I watch this show.
  • dennett316
    avatar
    Why shouldn't you complain? Because it's tough to complain about something that's free, and secondly because he's trying something different and creating a nice little arc while he's at it. Nothing wrong with experimentation, I wouldn't want Linkara to get creatively burnt out on his character like James Rolfe has with the Nerd.
  • Thammuz
    avatar
    I agree, experimantation is necessary in order for a show not to become stale.

    It would be nice if it weren't so concentrated though... :unsure:

    Anyway, great job for a first time, Liz!
  • mercuryfan
    so you dont like liz becaus she not linkara. WHAT thas STUPID
  • Lëzen  - re: Stop the Hate
    [quote=rosenhacker]Look, Liz did a really good job, so don't complain that you don't like it just because it's not the normal host. [/quote]
    Wow. You sure have some balls, telling people whether or not to have...oh, you know...an [i]opinion.[/i] Is there some unspoken rule around TGWTG dictating that all comments pertaining to videos with female hosts should be given endless praise? Because that sure is what it feels like.

    Any time someone makes a legitimate criticism about one of the Nostalgia Critic's reviews - provided they're well thought out and not just full of "tihs vid is teh sux0rs cuz i liek taht movie" rhetoric - people seem to respect it. But whenever someone does the same to one of the Nostalgia Chick's reviews, they get blasted. Why?

    And now that someone has a legitimate complaint about Linkara's token girl (for want of a less degrading term) not being what they expected, they can't have an opinion either? And considering the fact that reviewers such as Linkara base their entire reviews on opinion, isn't it kind of spitting in their face to tell other observers to "shut up and feel how we tell you to feel" about the reviews?

    Just being truthful here, people.
  • KingGramJohnson
    avatar
    Linkara's reviews rock, no matter what version of himself he's using!

    Wow...that sounds like he's mentally unstable.


    Well, you know what I mean!

    But this new chick...I'm okay with this! She's no Linkara, but she's not bad either.
  • JSlayes
    avatar
    I thought Iron Liz did a great job. Gotta like someone wearing an Iron Maiden T Shirt. Well I do at least.
    Keep up the good work Linkara.
  • giniku
    Good on you, Iron Liz! I think you did a great job for your first time. And this does sound a bit weird, but I rather like your voice- there are some people's voices who don't sound right on recordings, but your voice sounds lovely.
  • M.Seijin
    avatar
    How come you didn't tell us about Iron Liz sooner, Lewis? Are you so embarrassed by your fans that you can't tell us when a wonderful lady comes into your life so we can be happy for you? *sob* We thought we raised you better!

    :P
    Seriously though, Liz is a great gal and I am very happy for you. I just wish we could have met her sooner.
  • midevalexponents2sqr
    avatar
    How could Linkara not make a Dick Tracy joke?!

    Oh, and LMAO at the messed up title cards :D
  • Teveuen
    good review
  • KaitoKid
    avatar
    Next week: Edson Munroe!
    Though I think Finevoice and 90's kid deserved their own 'Gunslinger opening' parodys too.

    Also: I am not getting bored of the change at all. As was implied in the review itself, too little change makes boring. And I agree with this.
    As a not-actual-comic-reader I have to be entertained by the rablings of the reviewer and the plot Lewis makes up.
    Anyway, I'm digging the change and am convinced Lewis is gonna keep up the entertaining nonsense.
  • Prius  - re:
    [quote=KaitoKid]Next week: Edson Munroe!
    [/quote]

    Thats's ensign Munroe. ;)
  • kevwaffles
    Suddenly 14:43 of the Warrior 2-3 review makes a lot more sense. Foreshadowing!
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