Basil is getting bigger mmmm

Is he ? I see no major difference

There is no difference. Any perception of change is because my art is generally inconsistent.

The way he phrased it seems fine for addressing regulars. But I can see where that’s coming from.

Umm.. gym patrons don't behave like that around here. Most of them started with nothing and they know how hard it is, so if someone asks for help, they will help.

You're right! Gym goers are very supportive. There are reasons (petty reasons) this is happening. You'll see.

Are these all old fuckbuddies of a certain rabbit

🤔 hmmm.

In my 8 years of gym going, I haven't seen anyone refusing to help, really. The only ones that might've been unable to help are newcomers mistaken as experienced or staff members, but I don't recall that happening.

Hostile much? Geeze..friendly as a porcupine with a hernia

The way everyone's acting, you'd think Basil made a loud, racist joke when coming into the gym that morning. Or pigs just have a really bad reputation in general. One way or another, real asshole moves. (And yes, I know it's just for the story and not like that in real life)

You're not far off from guessing why (though of course Basil would never say / do anything horrible!)

Awwww. Poor Basil.

Is this a cameo I see? (Also, Mikro, be nicer to him :< everyone is so mean...)

Evil twin brother, Mykro. He browsed r/politics and turned into a big jerk. Mom doesn't like him either.

Ahh okay. Thank you for clarifying. I was worried for a moment.

kill them

Geez. Basil just can't catch a break. I would help him.

I think my brain is currently thinking of 2 situations.

1st Being that Basil is "hogging" (:V) the hottest fitness instructor and other gym patrons hate it. (This would be like lame of them to do and fucked to just be rude, but like some folks act up.)

the 2nd... is it deals with him being born if a hybrid, and for some reason, the patrons are straight up being the equivalent of passive-aggressive racists due to him being part pig and part goat.

He is "different," and it was a foreshadowed vibe I got from the start of the story, from his childhood.

I am definitely leaning towards the racist theory. I feel that the beginning of this issue was not only a flashback, but possible foreshadowing.

Wow rude...

(last panel): I wanna do THIS ta those jack-asses: https://www.youtube.com/clip/Ugkxlw.....lctObPt7wIQtG3

Is this a speciest thing?

So rude! Stop mean to my Boy!

If this was a comic of wacky cartoon violence, I'd say throw those dumbbells at their stupid skulls.

Mikro, don't be mean to your own soft boy, he's trying to improve himself is all. Also this is my #2 reason why I can't stand going to gyms, I'd be terrified of people being assholes like that wolf.l; yeah I got you don't work there but you don't have to be such a dick when responding to someone!! (Though props for invoking true emotions with this page, I legit hope that wolf drops a dumbell on his foot cause he annoyed me so much)

Anyways thank you for this page and I can't wait to see more, hopefully somebody will actually be nice to Basil soon.

Yeah Basil deserves better. While it's scary to approach people and risk them being jerks, I've seen a lot of people be supportive in the comments and say that they make sure to help anyone who asks for advice while at the gym. So I think you're safe to ask!

Things will look up for piggo soon.

Glad to hear that, people should support one another. :)

I can reassure you that it isn't like this in gyms. I think in this case it's for story purposes, but in general, people in the gym are more than happy to help a fellow gym goer. I speak from experience myself when I used to go. Don't be afraid to go and ask for help if you need it. :)

I know that it's for thr story but it still makes me upset to see it cause I do know some people are like that. But yeah, if I ever go to a gym I'll probably ask. Tbh I'd be more worried about the other way around as dor some unknown reason that nobody, including myself, can understand I absolutely HATE when people are trying to be encouraging to me while I'm at the gym. It just sends all sorts of ick to my brain for no reason lmao

Oop, based on your interaction in the comments.. I'm gonna guess Brother is back in some shape or form.

anyone else wanna punch these two with their weights cause im kinda wanting to

I get that they're being mean, but they're not obligated to help him either way. If I were at the gym I'd want to be left in piece to get my own workout done, especially since that's actually a rather nuanced question given that not all beginners are beginning at the same place.

you are correct that the fellow patrons weren't / aren't obligated to provide assistance, of any sort

---

with that in mind:
if i were the owner of that facility, and i happened to catch these patrons acting like this, to someone who i know hasn't been problematic?

let's just say, their patronage would be coming to an abrupt end

they won't be getting their money back (because, naturally, i'd have a clause in the contract, stipulating that abusing anyone, especially someone who's working at a disadvantage, serves as grounds for immediate dismissal)
and i'll be messaging other franchisers with their information — for the intent of blacklisting the bastards

(private businesses reserve the right to refuse business to anyone)


a simple "i'm sorry man, i wish i could help; perhaps a staff member could answer your question" suffices

While "We don't work here" isn't exactly the same as what you wanted there at the end, it does indicate that he should contact someone that does work there (which a reminder that those employees are paid to help folks learn how to use the gym and giving away their services for free at their place of work is poor form). He continued to prod them after pretty clear language that they weren't going to help. While they got unpleasant there afterwards, and that was unnecessary, he's not exactly blameless either. Honestly, as someone that gets real anxious in those situations, I don't even know how he continued forward there.

As someone with anxiety, my instinct from getting turned down after asking is to try and clarify why in a way that indicates a well meaning-ness. Which is what Basil did.

Anxiety takes all forms *nods*

Suddenly feel the need to clarify that I was in no way trying to call his reaction unrealistic.

(Best Cagney) “Why you dirty gym rats!” :(

Sounds like some of the gyms I've been too.

holy shit the micro-aggression what the fuck

pig/boar discrimination is so fucked up </3

With every panel, you make it clearer and clearer what is going on.
If i am right, then the vindictiveness is off the charts for the suspected individual.

Ah yes charming gym folk.

Buncha folks are guessing so, figure I'll put my 2 cents. As a trainer in the gym, I'm guessing she told folks that Basil convinced Abe to cheat on her. (With most folks not really understanding what kinda relationship they had.)

that's fine and good: so long as these two priggards field that Same Energy for abe


as, i'd hate to think, someone wants to punch down on someone who's already so-profoundly-vulnerable, yet they don't have the balls to bear their fangs to someone [who's more "traditionally" attractive and] stronger

---

as for ruby:

if this is true..
..well, let's just say, the benefit of the doubt that i had been trying to lend her, would be out of the window


though..
..considering the circumstances, i'm not inclined to believe, ruby's sabotaging basil




moreöver: if she has an inkling, in her mind, of wanting to maintain—or, eventually, fortify—any sort of relationship (in particular, a sexual one), at all, with abe. . . . .
. . . . .i should presume it, in ruby's better interest, to not fuck with The Pig





i respect mikro's thoughtfulness / conscientiousness, as a worldbuilder, to account for all of this — to not indulge in Cheap Drama..
..or, to engage in storytelling which could be interpreted as promoting Misogyny

Yeesh....

Why is everyone so mean to this poor piggy lad? :O

What are these dudes problems? Who shit in their protein drink?

(last panel): I wanna do THIS ta those jack-asses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYM.....oes%26Villains

That's SO unlucky. Basil is already self-conscious, he'll feel terrible with this.
Real gym-bros help the newbies out, not treat them like that! So unrespectful!!

Poor Basil. I get the impression there is major discrimination against pigs but especially hybrids so he is not truly given the opportunity to feel like he can have a community to help him out.

That and Ruby potentially spreading rumours about Basil and Abe’s relationship would be rather cruel all things considered. If she is doing that, she needs to get her priorities straight.

Basil seems so alone. I feel awful for the poor guy.

Hmm... Is that a cameo i see mayhaps of a certain someone in the bottom of the page?

Mayhaps