And with that, we end the story of the Crimson Claw. I’ll admit I’m a bit misty-eyed right now.
When I started this comic over six years ago, I honestly never thought it would go this far, let alone to a proper ending. I’d left a string of abandoned webcomics behind me, but this one…This one was different. I was more charged up, more inspired, and more invested in creating this one than any other of my previous work. The Claws weren’t even supposed to be the main characters. I originally had designed the comic to feature The Actioneer, and the Crimson Claw was just a throwaway gag villain. After fleshing out the character and his world, I switch gears and put him front and center.
I set a twice-a-week update schedule, which I’d never even attempted before, and I actually kept it up, only missing a few scattered updates over the entire life of the comic. I actually went YEARS between missed updates, and I’m proud of that.
This comic got me through some tough times, too. But it wasn’t just the work. There were a lot of people in my corner early on. I had my friends at Halforums, where I mirrored the comic. Spiderforest accepted me when I only had the bare minimum fifteen comics in an archive. I want to offer a special thanks to KEZ, Tiana, and all the other SF members who helped me build and maintain this site over the years. I also had a wonderful fan base that was incredibly supportive, and I’m very thankful for all of you.
When I first started, I was doing a number of things that were brand new to me. I was creating my comic entirely on an iPad, and I think I might have really been one of the first creators to really do that. I also invited my readers to create characters and even guest write strips involving the faceless henchmen. Thanks to all those who were a part of those events!
I can probably guess you’ve got a few questions, so I’ll see if I can answer some of them right now.
Is this really the end?
For now, it’s the end. Anything’s possible, and I might get the itch to return to this comic, but for now, I feel this is a good ending – one that’s probably best left as is.
What about a spin-off?
I am working on a new project, and it’s still in development. However, it’s a new, original project, and won’t feature any of the Supervillainous cast.
When will we see that? Give us some details, man!
I’m still working on fleshing some things out, and, to be honest, I don’t even have a page sketched yet. Again, I’m trying some new things, but I’m more competent with the apps I’ve elected to use, so…it might not be a long wait. I’d like to have something established and up by Christmas. I just might take a short break first, since I really haven’t done that in six years. I think I’ve earned it. I still intend to go through Spiderforest, and I’ll need to make sure it’s good to ensure that happens. Also, you might want to join Halforums. Besides having a great group of people on the message boards, it’s also where I always work out my comic projects. You’d get exclusive sneak peeks and other art goodies. Even better, now I’ve got time to be chatty over there! Come and hang out!
What happens to this website?
The website comes down on Monday, unfortunately. Nah – I’m kidding! I’m going to leave things as is. I’d prefer not to risk breaking anything, and, to be honest, everything, even the author notices in between some pages, is partly the story of my own life. I don’t want to take them down.
So, for now, we part ways, but it’s hardly a goodbye. But I will take one last opportunity to say thank you for all the years we’ve enjoyed together with this comic. Thank you for being fans. Thank you for making creating this work so enjoyable and rewarding. And thank you – THANK YOU – for reading.
Until the next time!
-Zappit
By craveneon Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 12:47 am
you’re welcome
By Gianluca T Burdon Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 12:51 am
Great Work, Zappit! It was a good run.
Part of the fun was how you kept us readers actively involved
Just going to reveal something I told myself I would keep about the character I created The GooFather until it was revealed in series or if the comic ended. In the comment section of this page:
http://supervillainous.spiderforest.com/comic/the-action-faction-finale-part-1/
I revealed the character info on GooFather, but kept the identity of his Son a secret, marking it only as a Spoiler, today I confirm that the Son is Captain Ultimo. I don’t know whether or not Zappit kept that as Canon, or if he changed it. If he did, then I’m cool with, this comic is his story, and it’s been a fun one to read
By Zappit Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 1:22 am
Thanks, Gianluca! As for that secret origin…i don’t think that part will be canon. I’d prefer that only things that made it into the strip be the official canon. However, if you want to headcanon it, you go right ahead, sir.
By Tigershark06 Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 1:29 am
My first reaction with that “reveal” You suck… you utter tease! LOL
But what an awesome way to end the tale. Congratulations on a successful run! This comic has been a lot of fun to follow!
By Vasu Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 1:38 am
Huh, So This is my first and last comment for this site. Thanks a bunch for this webcomic Zappit! Whenever I was sick I would make a habit of doing an archive binge of this comic.
A few questions however, namely what happened to Meat and Lori and their search for Meat’s bother?
Regardless, thank you for one of the best comics I kept up with for the past 4 years.
By Zaneko Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 1:41 am
It’s come to an end. A bittersweet one. It was a satisfying story. You’ve taken us so far and what a ride it was. We’ve seen them face the world, and we’ve seen them change it. Most importantly, we’ve watched then grow and develop. But it’s sad because it’s come to an end. I’ll miss this comic a lot, but thank you for your wonderful work and wonderful world.
By Gadget Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 3:23 am
I have enjoyed this comic since I came across it 3 years ago, the characters are funny, but realistic to the setting. I am sad to see it end, what will Meat’s family grow up to be like? So many wonderful characters that I have come to care about and wonder what will happen to them. Thank you for your great work.
By Geowend Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 3:38 am
Amazing work…thank you for the comic. It has been a pleasure to check in on for the past 6 years.
I was waiting to find out what his….escape claws was going to be from his masked fate….
By CK Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 4:14 am
OOOooohhh,, pun-ishment time!
By CK Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 4:10 am
Ah, I knew we would not see his face! It is better that way, leaves the mystery.
Thank you for a wonderful ride. Thanks, so much.
By Iron Ed Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 4:13 am
You’re welcome, Zappit! And Thank YOU for making such a story for me to read!
I wish you equal or even better success in your future ventures!
By that_jedi_girl Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 4:32 am
Thanks for brightening my nights twice a week (I could usually access a new page as I was winding down). It was a mom and sons communal event – hey, Supervillainous is up – come and check it out.
And it was incredibly cool when you accepted and illustrated my henchmen submission. It got me a small bit of cred in the house. 🙂
Will eagerly await the next grand adventure you share.
Until then (and beyond) — live long, prosper, and create cool things.
By Sabrina Pandora Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 5:11 am
I signed on because we were members of the Collective together, and I found that I loved the strip. I’ve followed it for years now, and i will admit, I am sad to see it go. But I appreciate you sharing it with all of us.
By NiteStick Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 5:42 am
Damn man, I was not expecting to show up tonight and see THE END. I really enjoyed your comic and blew threw it to get up to date quick. I’m sad we never got to do anything for CoH but I am super excited for what you got coming next. Thanks for the fun time, congrats on a job well done, and Excelsior!
By Claymore Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 6:01 am
This has been an awesome read, dude. Thank you for writing such an awesome comic and sharing it with the world. Take care and enjoy whatever you choose to do next.
By Ladon Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 6:21 am
So, this is it, huh? Yeah, I can see that. It’s been a spectacular journey. I’m really going to miss checking in on Sunday and Thursday nights when I’m supposed to be doing homework. Man, I got into this comic when I was a sophomore in high school. Now I’m a sophomore in college. I’ve read more webcomics than I can count but it’s really rare I’ve seen them end. I think the only other two were Homestuck (oy gavult) and I was there for the last two pages of Demon’s Mirror. A webcomic is such a huge time commitment. It takes ages to tell the most simple stories. I don’t know how you stuck through it like you did but you did. And you told a LOT of stories. Do you think you’ll ever do a thing where you just answer reader’s questions? Or will some mysteries just be left to our imagination? Anyway, thanks again so much. You’re comic has been with me through some of the most dramatic periods of my life and has never failed to brighten my nights. I’ll miss it but I’m glad you saw this through to the end and I’m glad it got the ending it deserved. Best of luck to you, Zappit and I’ll see you in the comments section of your next creation.
By scared192 Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 6:44 am
All must come to an end but this comic did jokes until the very last page and that is great.
Not every webcomic can mainten the same level of humor from start to end.
By miyto Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 9:10 am
Thanks for the ride!
When should I check back for news on your next project?
By JB Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 10:22 am
Could we get a print version? I’d put money into having the Crimson Claw on dead trees!
By Otaku Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 10:54 am
I thank you for all your hard work and time, Zappit. There was the odd comic I really didn’t like, but far more that I loved, so I only mention the former so ya know I’m being honest. 🙂 It was a great ride, and I’ll miss this strip but I also agree; this is a good place to end it.
By Brother Parvus Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 1:38 pm
Go raibh mile maith agatsa, a-Zap; go m-beirimid beo ar an am seo aris!
By Yalashanda Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 2:12 pm
This has been a great ride! It was fun to see the transition from henchmen smoothies to the comics current form. Not only was Supervillainous in my top three superhero webcomics that I have read just for being what it is, but it also had a special place for me since I have that guest script you accepted. I will miss my twice weekly Supervillainous fix. Thank you for your hard work, a great comic, and a satisfying conclusion.
By Saurotitan Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 3:19 pm
What a truly wonderful ride it has been. From start to finish, things have never been dull. Tropes have been played straight, subverted, and thrown out the window, and all along the characters have had their own identities in a genre known for just using duplicates of existing heroes. So long, thanks for all the laughs, and I look forward to seeing what you do next.
By MehMyLife Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 3:26 pm
You deserve an award and a standing ovation.
Your Villian/Antihero story is definitely better than a lot of movies put out there.
Best comic strip I’ve ever read. Better than most movies of the genre.
By Keith Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 4:28 pm
It’s been fun. Now run along, play nice, if you can’t play nice hide the bodies well. Oh and you better be home when the street lights come on. 😉
By Adam Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 7:03 pm
Thank you – realy enjoyed the comic and your work on it. Looking forward to your next project.
By AshAngelV Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 9:44 pm
Parting is such sweet sorrow. *sniff*
By Sevvack Fri Oct 25th 2019 at 11:44 pm
Been reading for three years or so now. Never commented before. I’ve loved your comic and even gotten at least one friend into reading it regularly. Looking forward to following your next project from the beginning. Good luck!
By LadyDeliz Sat Oct 26th 2019 at 3:47 am
Oh wow I can’t believe it’s over! I remember finding you several years ago and following off-and-on all that time.
It makes me sad to think that’s it for the series, but I’m also relieved you chose to end it when the story prompted, rather than keep it running for running’s sake. (Think Gravity Falls vs The Simpsons – sometimes it’s better to just end it.)
Good luck with future projects, and I hope to see more of you, and the Claw family, at some later date 🙂
By gasbandit Sat Oct 26th 2019 at 3:33 pm
It’s been a great series.
By Chaostraveler Sat Oct 26th 2019 at 5:00 pm
*Runs around in circles screaming* WOOOO!
This has been a great series, I actually started it over and I’m up to the Game Night/Stockholm’s check arc. I love this series, thanks for making it Zappit.
By ezra87d Sat Oct 26th 2019 at 5:44 pm
This is an awesome ending of an awesome comic! Thank You!!
By 4LS Sat Oct 26th 2019 at 7:41 pm
CONGRATULATIONS!
I know I haven’t really posted here much, but I’ve really enjoyed following Supervillainous over the years. It’s been a fun and funny read, and also really touching on occasion (like today 🙂 ). You’ve done an amazing job, and well done for finishing it! It’s a massive achievement!
By Turtle Sat Oct 26th 2019 at 9:47 pm
Definitely enjoyed reading this for the years I have been and I’m glad to see it get a proper finale.
With that being said, there’s a grammar error in the second panel.
“Kiddo, the only reason I put the mask was to make things better for my family.”
If you don’t have the room add “on” after put, you could change it to “wore,” but I feel like “put on” fits better.
By Zappit Sun Oct 27th 2019 at 3:20 am
Oops! Yeah, I missed that! Thanks!
By Turtle Mon Oct 28th 2019 at 4:51 am
No problem, dude!
By Vandegraffe Sun Oct 27th 2019 at 4:04 am
No, thank *you* for all the comics. While I am sorry to see the strip end, must say you wrapped up all the loose ends and nailed the ending. Thanks for sharing your tale of a very well red main character. 🙂
By Naemanth Sun Oct 27th 2019 at 6:11 am
I only recently found this comic, and I binged on it right through to the end.
Thanks for sharing your creation with us, I enjoyed getting to know the characters and their stories and the many laugh out loud moments in the comic.
By Siva Smith Sun Oct 27th 2019 at 3:20 pm
What would you call a sequel/spinoff? I like the idea of its title being close in name to the original.
‘Supervillainless,’ might work if it’s about how someone isn’t coping well with the fact that there’s no more Crimson Claw, supervillain… or maybe there secretly is, but our new protagonist is looking for proof. Paranoid or not?
Supervillageous – I’m too lazy to look it up, but this would be about that town in Alaska that Claw had the bully family move to. I somehow envision everyone besides them being Claw minions – but what do I know; maybe they’re not.
Then again, maybe they don’t have to follow that theme.
Here’s an idea if you are an IRL dad with kids who like to draw pictures: Have them draw Joey’s adventures in school. Childish art with maybe notes by Claw (or, you know, one adult per page) or maybe just a conversation, such as one may have with Joey about the drawing. ‘Ooh, fresh refrigerator art! What’d you draw today, Joey?’
…I have a lot of ideas, and no skill at making any of them happen. I imagine a lot of people are like me in this.
If any of them look good… yay! If not, oh well.
By Sam Horne Mon Oct 28th 2019 at 2:33 am
I had the pleasure of meeting some of your Spiderforest colleagues at SPX a couple years back. When I mentioned being a fan of this comic they told me you weren’t around, but what surprised me was how they went on to mention what a cool person you were. They said you never missed an opportunity to boost your fellow creators and that you were a real pleasure to work with.
I can tell you, this is easily one of my favorite superhero comics. Especially as a father, this one really came home. Thank you for sharing this with us, and please never stop creating.
By webkilla Mon Oct 28th 2019 at 9:30 am
good times
good times indeed
I’ve been watching the comic for years – had a lot of great laughs
can’t wait to see what you’ll do next
By That Swedish Guy Mon Oct 28th 2019 at 12:00 pm
Thanks for a most excellent read. *Hat off*
By The Dark Lord Skepticism Mon Oct 28th 2019 at 9:29 pm
Always a treasure when a webcomic ends on its own terms
By Michael P Leahy Mon Oct 28th 2019 at 9:49 pm
I will miss you. Thank you. But you worked so hard and so well for so long to entertain us. So all I can say is, “Go now you faithful servant.”
By Otaku Tue Oct 29th 2019 at 4:31 pm
Oh, hey, I had an idea. Just to keep us from going into withdrawal right away, maybe you could post some unused sketches and stuff in the Voter Incentives… which would also remind us to keep voting for Supervillainous a little while longer. 😉 Of course you do not have to! I mean, I just voted for you already. 😛
By wright1 Tue Oct 29th 2019 at 6:08 pm
A sweet, simple note to end such a family-driven epic. Many thanks!
By Justonalark Wed Oct 30th 2019 at 12:20 am
A fine ending to one of the best webcomics I’ve read. Good night, sweet prince. We’ll all miss you.
…
Seriously, though, not gonna show his face, huh? Not even once? Not even when he actually TOOK OFF HIS MASK with the implication that he’s going to STOP WEARING IT, still not gonna let us see him? Fine. Fine! That’s fiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiine.
By Brassthorn Wed Oct 30th 2019 at 4:45 pm
For the laughs, for the tears, for the heartfelt moments, and for all the time spent wonderful cast of characters, thank you.
By Brother Parvus Wed Oct 30th 2019 at 4:50 pm
Regardless of any invotive I’ll continue to vote early and vote often; it’s 27 out of thirty days this month!
By Walsh Thu Oct 31st 2019 at 9:01 am
Thank you for making my all time favorite webcomic. I have read a lot of webcomics over the years and yours is the only one I never really lost interest in. Yours is also the only one that I’ve read that’s actually ended. While that does make me incredibly sad, it also makes incredibly happy that you are such a competent writer that you knew where to end. You were one of the few good constants these passed 6 years. With everything I have, I thank you for everything.
By Chives Fri Nov 1st 2019 at 2:51 am
Thank you for this comic. It’s been awesome every step of the way.
By Newton Sat Nov 2nd 2019 at 5:21 am
Only my third time posting but, “third time’s a charm”
Only discovered this web comic last week and enjoyed it so much I missed many hours of sleep trying to find out, “what happens next?” and telling myself, “just one more, before I go to sleep”. [repeat]
Only to find out the web comic is over, leaving me both sad (no more reading about the Claw family (& friends)) and elated (I got to read it all without having to anxiously await each new strip!)
Only, now how am I supposed to find out what happened to Meat’s younger brother?
Only really wanted to thank Zappit for sharing his talent with all of us. So,
“Thank you Zappit”!
Enjoy your well earned break.
Not always so good with my own writing, so I’ll stop here.
By Raymond C Duke Sat Nov 2nd 2019 at 4:31 pm
Thanks for the laughs! It’s a great comic. I’d like to have a print copy.
Cheers, I hope to see more from you!
R. DUke
By LoneCourier6 Sun Nov 3rd 2019 at 1:12 am
I discovered the comic fairly early on, i think when ultimo told claw about the invasion? It’s been a wonderful heartwarming and hilarious ride, I look forward to seeing more of your work in the future, even now I’m checking every Friday and monday cause it became such a habbit.
By Mujaki Tue Nov 5th 2019 at 8:45 pm
Panel three: Oh, you son of a…
Well, we still got to see SOME of his face in the flashback arc!
That old costume design only his his eyes/upper face. We could still see his hair and jaw.
By Doug C. Sat Nov 9th 2019 at 7:17 pm
Thank you so much for this webcomic. It has been a pleasure to read, and even though it’s sad to end, I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
By Pichan Tue Nov 12th 2019 at 3:53 pm
Thanks so much for this great comic!
I’ve been following you for a few years, just re-read all again and just wanted to say how immensely I enjoyed the story and how much I adore the characters you created.
Thanks a bunch!
By wilder125 Mon Dec 2nd 2019 at 8:50 am
On the one hand I’ll miss this series. though I’ll re-read at some point. on the other. I love happy endings. Also love in the earlier ones that he was able to say he was proud of her being a hero, and promised the retching was supportive. not many villains can be proud of a superhero son or daughter.
By Dry Fri Dec 6th 2019 at 7:18 pm
Man I’ve been reading this for awhile,,I had stopped reading it for few monthe but a friend told me its over.so I had to come and catch up and say how much I loved this to my surprise.It was a good time
By Shadowsnail Mon Dec 9th 2019 at 5:51 pm
It’s Chuck Goodrich, right? It’s Chuck Goodrich every time.
By Mister Fri Apr 24th 2020 at 3:21 am
That was a great story 🙂
I really enjoyed reading it.
By Beregorn Tue Jun 2nd 2020 at 4:48 pm
Thank you for the hard work and for giving it a proper ending!
I personally think an Actioneer spin-off would be awesome
By Alvar Sat Jan 8th 2022 at 2:03 am
This was so great, what a wholesome superheroes story, all in a family format!!! Thank you so much for your efforts!
By Fish Sun Jul 10th 2022 at 10:32 am
Amazing story, compelling characters, and I cried at the end. Thank you for making this!!
By sinesdex Thu Nov 10th 2022 at 8:02 pm
Hey Zappit, if you still ever take note of our comments here:
I’ve just finished my first-ever complete archive crawl of the comic, and it still holds up just as well as it did ever since that hazy day way back in 2014 when I first stumbled upon it.
Awsome job, and all the best to ya!
By Scared192 Sat Dec 16th 2023 at 2:26 pm
Yesterday I finished reading this webcomic that I hadn’t watched for years and I have to say that it still remains one of the funniest I’ve read. Every page made me smile and the characters have changed and evolved over the course of the series although not all of them. Considering the number of characters that appeared it is also normal.
I hope this artist dedicates himself to other projects of this type. Good luck.