December 29th, 2009
The End
Well, here we are, the final strip!
I’ve written a big long letter about my decision to end DAR and what you can expect to see from me next over here:
DAR! Volume Two should hopefully be released in early 2010.
If you would like to be notified when I launch my next projects, please sign up for my mailing list (extremely infrequently updated):
My various books are available through my store.
Thank you again for reading, I’m gunna go pass the fuck out now.
December 29th, 2009 at 4:05 am
This last comic is sad, happy, and full of promise all at once! Good luck with your future projects and thanks for dedicating six years of your life on this comic. :D
December 29th, 2009 at 4:06 am
Erika, DAR! has consistently been one of my favorite things in the internet. Thank you for sharing.
December 29th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Thank you for letting us take a peek into your life! It’s been inspiring and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next. Cheers!
December 29th, 2009 at 4:11 am
No, thank YOU for providing us with this most excellent comic for all these years !
I think I found out about your comics in 2004 or 2005 (just before you came to France) and I’ve been reading them ever since.
Love those last panels !
December 29th, 2009 at 4:18 am
*Sniff* That’s a very worthy end to a lovely era! I enjoyed DAR so much over the last months and I’m looking forward to your future projects!
Thanks for all your beautifully told little stories, Erika!!!
All the best from Germany!
December 29th, 2009 at 4:23 am
Love your comic, Dont know how I came across it years ago but really helped me at times :) Thank you xxxx
December 29th, 2009 at 4:39 am
Wooo!
Congrats, champ! Onto more COMICS!
December 29th, 2009 at 5:21 am
I´m starting drawing comics. Is this what awaits me? Oh my god…
December 29th, 2009 at 5:38 am
I feel like this is something that must be shared,
I just picked up this comic, spent the whole night reading it through from the very first to here, today, the same day that it ends.
………for some reason, I just find that amazing.
December 29th, 2009 at 5:42 am
Wow, this is just, wow. I know that I’ve come along your strip before. And it fell into the trap that many other good strips do for me. “Ooooh I really like this! Let me come back to this one and start from the beginning.” And then I didn’t bookmark it or forgot the bookmark and it was out of my head. Typical that I would find it NOW, for your last post. But I guess now I have years of archives to entertain myself with :)
But what a great final strip. And a great ending to this chapter of your life. I wish you lots of luck in your future projects. Now I’m going to get myself a latte and start reading. Oh and I’ve officially bookmarked it now so I won’t forget again :)
December 29th, 2009 at 5:47 am
I’m a college sophomore now and a huge fan of the comic. I hope I can be as fulfilled and happy as you are when I’m 26! Thank you for the comics…can’t wait to see what you do next.
December 29th, 2009 at 5:57 am
Aw, good-bye, DAR! You were so sweet and touching and kindhearted and farty. Thanks for the ride, Erika! Paul and I are looking forward to whatever stories you decide to tell next!
December 29th, 2009 at 6:11 am
Good job.
Congratulations on finishing. And I hope we’ll see you around.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:32 am
Only stumbled across DAR a short while ago, you can blame/thank Jennie Breeden for the heads up, and have been visiting ever since. Sad to see it go, will have to wade through the archives now, but glad to see it end on a happy positive note. Nice one :o)
December 29th, 2009 at 6:56 am
Gonna miss this comic. Even during the short time I’ve been keeping up with it (I had only discovered it this past summer), it’s inspired my work a great deal. So thanks for that. :)
December 29th, 2009 at 7:25 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Kip Manley, Hilton Price. Hilton Price said: It's the last installment of one of my favorite webcomics, DAR. http://bit.ly/64W6q9 Best of luck to creator @erikamoen [...]
December 29th, 2009 at 7:34 am
Cheers! Congrats! I’m sad! I’m happy! Thanks so much for all the comics, and I’ll be sure to check out the next project.
December 29th, 2009 at 7:49 am
Brilliant.
It’s funny, I don’t feel cheated out of anything, you ended it perfectly; I’ve been a reader since I was 14, I’m 16 now and it really changed some of my perspectives on life (and made some interesting new ones) and kept me going at points when I felt like I couldn’t. So thank you for being yourself and giving this to us. ^^
December 29th, 2009 at 7:55 am
End of DAR! Waaaah! I haz a sad. :( Erika, I will miss this comic so much, it’s meant a lot to me and I know I’m not the only one. I remember buying your mini comics back in ‘04. Wowzers. Congrats on…your life! I look forward to all the other great stuff you’re going to do.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:12 am
I happened upon this comic/blog by accident and I was instantly hooked. Thanks for being so open and honest with all your readers. Good luck with your future projects. I look forward to seeing them. Peace!
December 29th, 2009 at 8:17 am
A wonderful sendoff! Please be sure to post here what your next project is! :D
December 29th, 2009 at 8:48 am
I’ve loved reading the comic Erika, definitely gonna miss it, but can’t wait to see what you come out with next.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:49 am
WE FEAR CHANGE! CHANGE BAAAD!
Well, I just discovered your comic recently and became an instant fan. I’m going to miss Dar, but if it’s time for you to move on, then go for it.
I hope you’re keeping the URL as a link or portal to your new projects. (And if you ever felt like posting another journal comic thingy there, I wouldn’t mind and I bet your other fans would be OK with it too.)
P.S. Check out this platter – your comic about tentacles came out just as I was thinking about carving an octopus on some pottery. http://tiny.cc/octopusplate
December 29th, 2009 at 8:50 am
You have helped me so much to go through really bad things. Just by reading your comic I felt I could go through things knowing it’ll be better at the end. Your comic and you even were one of my influences at choosing my career. I was going to be a mechanical engineer. But I’m happily studying Graphic Design now. I hope one day I get to meet you. I wish you sucess to Matt and you and in your projects. I’ll keep following your work.
Best of the lucks and wishes,
Sofía Y.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Congratulations Erika! I have followed DAR through the years and have fallen in love with your style and characters. I look forward to your future works and will be on the lookout for them. Cheers!
December 29th, 2009 at 8:51 am
I don’t remember when exactly I started reading this. I think it was a little bit before Matt, but I didn’t start really checking frequently until about two years ago. It has been wonderful to go through this journey with you. You constantly brightened my day, and I cannot wait for your next project.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Gawhhh. *Tears!*
I love this! What a wonderful way to come to a conclusion (unfortunately I just started reading over the summer!!)–I can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you will do from here on in.
December 29th, 2009 at 9:11 am
Can you suggest an alternative source of high-quality fart jokes? My domestic bliss will be imperiled without them! =(
December 29th, 2009 at 9:31 am
Thank you for sharing such a large and significant part of your life with the world.
December 29th, 2009 at 9:58 am
What a wonderful note to end on!
Thanks for keeping DAR going for all these years and I look forward to whatever new projects you have coming!
*has joined mailing list*
December 29th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by urbalcloud: It’s the last installment of one of my favorite webcomics, DAR. http://bit.ly/64W6q9 Best of luck to creator @erikamoen…
December 29th, 2009 at 10:25 am
I’ve been reading this comic strip for close to 3 years. Once a week, I got to connect with a friend. Like a phone call or email, reading Dar felt personal and singular. I am sad to see it go, but am so happy Erika is kicking so much ass! She has many great things ahead of her. I am excited to see the greatness she will undoubtedly deliver. With a tear in my eye and a grin on my face, thank you Erika for making this comic strip.
December 29th, 2009 at 10:27 am
Thanks for the comfort from the time I started reading you in 2007. You popped my web journal comic cherry and got me reading so many more over the years.
Much Love!
Cassie
December 29th, 2009 at 11:09 am
Congratulations! I’ve been reading for years…I think since the second year you were writing it. Thank you for writing it, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:27 am
I’m really happy that you’re happy in your life now, that’s the most important thing !
I will miss DAR, but I guess I’ll get to see other awesome projects by you !
Good luck with everything :)
December 29th, 2009 at 11:36 am
Hi Erica
I was only introduced to your comic a few months ago by a friend, but I immediately read through it in its entirety and I’ve been following it ever since. I’m sorry to see it end, but I’m excited to see what directions you’ll be moving in now.
I wanted to leave a comment to tell you (and maybe this is lame) that I find your story hugely inspirational. I’m 21, about to finish my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, and I’ve been in a long distance relationship for almost three years. Reading about how you finished school and managed to establish yourself as a working artist doing what you love has made me more confident about my own life. I was also thrilled and relieved to see that your love story has had a happy ending. It’s good to know that I’m not the only person trying to make something like that work, and that it isn’t completely impossible.
In a few more months I’ll graduate and move home to be with my partner and try to establish myself as a working artist. And knowing that you got there makes me feel like maybe what I want isn’t so complicated after all.
So thanks, Erica. Thank you for sharing this story, and best of luck with whatever you do next. You should be very proud.
December 29th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Thanks for sharing the journey with me! I’m happy for you and Matt and look forward to seeing your new creations! :-)
December 29th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Congratulations Erica! I’ve loved where you’ve been and I can’t wait to see where you’re going! DAR was beautiful stuff, looking forward to what you will do next!! :)
December 29th, 2009 at 12:26 pm
I’ve only just found your comic some time this year so it feels way too soon for it to be ending, but I loved reading every single one. It’s been one of my favourites and while I’m sad to see it end I’m happy for you to have found such a good place to end it at.
It’s really been great to see the journey of another comic artist and see that I really could go places with my art. You’re a truly inspiring individual, I look forward to your future projects.
December 29th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Congratulations on the end of a long run. You’ve been inspiring me for years, not just as an artist but as a person. I wish you all the best of luck in all your future endeavors. ♥
December 29th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Thank you for sharing your life with us and showing that sometimes in the deepest of ruts, we can still come out of it successfully. It’s sad to see this go after reading it for two years, but also satisfying that so much influence has come out of it.
Congrats and good luck to your future~
December 29th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
Perfect ending to DAR, well done. I’ve loved and read this comic for years, and I can’t wait to see your new projects! Yay, happy Erika! :)
December 29th, 2009 at 12:59 pm
NOO!! *sniff* I’ll miss this comic. Certainly will be looking forward to your future projects, but I have still grown quite attached to DAR!.
December 29th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Always one to arrive at a party late, I just found your comic today. It was quite a rollercoaster to read in one sitting, really an amazing journey. Good luck with your future projects, I’m looking forward to catching your new stories (from the beginning this time). =0)
December 29th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
I feel like crying!! But I can’t WAIT to see what you do next!
December 29th, 2009 at 1:59 pm
Well…this stinks….I loved this comic ever since I started reading it. Oh well…so long and good luck from the parrot and his pirate
December 29th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Congratulations! Can’t wait to see what’s coming up next!
December 29th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
I’m really REALLY pleased that this was the way you chose to end your comic! I’ve been enjoying your art since the early 00’s and it was really awesome/comforting (when it came to my own life dilemmas) to have been able to follow your life lessons/shenanigans through these comics.
I wish you all the best, and thank you!
December 29th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
Thanks for sharing your life with us. May the days ahead be bright and clear.
December 29th, 2009 at 2:25 pm
I’ve been watching you since 2007.
I’m really lucky I found you.
I wish you the best for your future projects.
December 29th, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Another late arrival here, good stuff. Looking forward to future endeavors.
December 29th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
Now….. breathe.
It was a lovely project, Erika. Thank you for sharing.
December 29th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
This comic has been such a perfect way to feel in touch even though I don’t see you much these days, so I am sad to see it go. [I probably won't miss spraying coffee on my computer screen while reading it, though] BUT I’m sure everything else you have planned will be more than worth it! Much love from myself and Isaac too
December 29th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
*sniffle* so sad to see it’s over. thank you for sharing! i love your work, hope to see more in the future. blessings.
December 29th, 2009 at 4:03 pm
dude! you’re so great *squeal*
December 29th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
And in the end
The love you take
Is equal to the love you make
*has only been reading DAR for six months, but will miss it*
December 29th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Thank you for sharing so much through DAR over the years, Erika. I look forward to seeing what’s next for you.
December 29th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I only stumbled across your comic a couple of months ago (and immediately read the whole thing through), so to see it end just when I’ve gotten addicted is kind of sad. But what a perfect ending. :)
So I just wanted to wish you the best for your future projects, congratulate you on all that you have managed to achieve, and thank you as well. Because whether or not you are aware of it, and even though I only found this somewhat recently, your comic has been hugely inspirational and helpful.
Love your work! And all the best. :)
December 29th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
it’s been fun ride reading this. Beeing a gender queer pansexual it was kinda nice seeing someone coming into there own going through some of the same things i did and it helped me be okay with it alot sooner then i probably would have otherwise. I signed up for the updates on your new projects and I can’t wait to see them. until then I wish you and your husband the best of life and what it has to offer.
December 29th, 2009 at 4:47 pm
I will truly miss looking for your updates on Tuesday. I have loved your webcomic ever since I first found it. Hilarious, honest and just awesome. Good Luck and happy future endeavors
December 29th, 2009 at 5:00 pm
Erika, this comic has been great. I only just started reading it this past month or two, and the first two nights or so after I stumbled across it, I read from the very first, to the most recent and have checked up every tuesday since to read the new one, several times over the week going back just to read some favorites out of the archive. My girlfriend loves it too, and got alot out of it. Personally, you’ve opened my eyes to a whole bunch of new outlooks and viewpoints on alot of issues, and have influenced the way I think about sexuality greatly. In short, I’m going to miss this comic, but I definitely look forward to enjoying your future work. Good luck with everything, and know that you have the support of just one more stranger on the internet.
December 29th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
We love you, Erika ^_^ See you soon!
December 29th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
AWW! I’ve been watching this comic for a few years, and I’ve got to say, it’s rated highest among all the ones I watch. I love your stories, your drawings, and most of all the development I was able to watch, and glean some meaning from. You’re an amazing person!
December 29th, 2009 at 5:27 pm
;____________; I love you, Erika Moen! I’m so sad that DAR is over, but I look forward to what will come next! ;;hugs;;
December 29th, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Erika, I came upon DAR when I was first coming out and it was so monumental to me at the time. I immediately ordered the few “volumes” you had available at the time (which was no small thing as I was totally broke and venturing on not having enough to eat at the time!)
Watching your comic progression and knowing that so much of it was directly reflective of the life you were living was inspirational to me. And it continues to be so.
Congratulations on a phenomenal 6-year project. And thank you for (albeit unknowingly) making it easier for me to discover my own story.
Can’t wait to see what comes next!
December 29th, 2009 at 5:57 pm
Aw dang! I only found your comic in the recent past through my friend Lezley (http://lezleydavidson.com) and have really been enjoying it!
Funny, fresh, and raw, it’s been a real treat.
Thanks for writing it, and good luck with your other projects!
December 29th, 2009 at 6:03 pm
That was just beautiful…I love the choice of leaving the last panel borderless. This isn’t an ending, it’s a beginning.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:09 pm
[...] talented artist puts out next. Now, I’m not gonna lie, I teared up a little bit when I read that last strip today. The absence of DAR! is going to leave a huge hole in my Google Reader feed. I think Gary [...]
December 29th, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Congrats on the conclusion of a lovely, lovely thing! I’ve been following DAR since 2004– I’m 23 now and you’ve really been an inspiration to me, creatively and as a person. :) Thank you so much for sharing this. I can’t wait to see what you do next!
December 29th, 2009 at 6:15 pm
Erika, thank you for sharing your life with us. You truly are an inspiration to me, and my friends. Good luck with everything, and I can’t wait to see what’s next. :) Happy Happy Joy Joy! :D
December 29th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
It’s been a wild ride, Erika. A wild, crazy ride. With wildness.
Thank you!
December 29th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
No! I only discovered this comic last month!
December 29th, 2009 at 6:44 pm
awww, dude. this is excellent.
I had a lot of fun reading this comic, along with your kickass-ness. Good luck with all of your endeavors, its awesome that your life currently is great, and I can’t wait to see what you do in the future.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
(Clapping) Thanks! It was fresh and funny and insightful. All the best to you on the journey from here on.
December 29th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Thank you for your comic, and I can’t wait until the next creative adventure you bring us! Your comic reminds me of my (gay) moms – one of whom is from Oregon (and moved to California to marry my mom). As someone who’s been in the queer community most of my life, I appreciate your struggle with sexuality. For years I refused to be queer because my moms were – and I didn’t want to please any of those asshole people who ask my sexuality the moment they find out I come from a gay mum. Turns out, no matter what I want to label myself, I’ve still fallen in love with girls and gals.
Thanks for supporting me – and so many others – through it all. And thanks for sharing!
December 29th, 2009 at 7:36 pm
I’m sure you hear this a lot, but thank you for DAR!. i’m a bi girl in a monogamous marriage to a man, and too often i’m told that “that means [i'm] straight.” your comic has been a comfort to show that someone else gets that identity and love can only be personally defined, and to hell with labels.
not to mention the dick jokes are hilarious.
So thank you for DAR!. Thank you for being unabashed, fearless, insecure, depressed, overjoyed, in love, heartbroken, goofy, graceful, fan-girlish, horny, and smelly. Thanks for talking about sex frankly and with humour, and for being clever and self-effacing and talented. Thank you, and i’ll def be following your next endeavor.
December 29th, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I’ve been in love with DAR since the day i first read it about a year ago. and i read all the back comics in an hour or two. i’m sad to see it go.
my favorite comic is still “i’ll touch you with my wiener/i’ll make you gay”. i still re-enact that to my fiance occasionally. :D
December 29th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
I only started reading you comic a bout a 2 years ago, but I loved it from the start. I can’t wait to see what your next project is. :)
December 29th, 2009 at 7:53 pm
Congrats on the long run Erika, it’s been a total thrill to read your adventures on DAR! every tuesday :D AND… and, and, your comic page just arrived in the mail today, hurrraaaaaay! Thank you so much, it’s going up on the wall :)
December 29th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
[...] here: DAR: A Super Girly Top Secret Comic Diary » Archive » The End Tags: around-reaches, comic-strip, daily, eyes, felt-personal, rochester, sigas, [...]
December 29th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
thanks
December 29th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
And to think, all this time Matt has been wearing the same shirt.
I love you Erika!!!!!
Q_Q I cried… I’ll miss DAR.
December 29th, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Thanks Erika – I’ve really enjoyed your comic and could relate to a lot of things from the queerness to farts. This last comic really hit home with me though as I’ve been struggling with a relapse of depression lately which has been job related. Thanks for making me feel like I can get through it and find happiness. Good luck with your future work and I’m definitely going to keep posted :)
December 29th, 2009 at 8:31 pm
Thank you so much for your amazing updates. Your comic is the only one my boyfriend and I both like (HOW CAN YOU HATE GIRLS WITH SLINGSHOTS?), you’ve always come off as really honest about both your successes and your shortcomings. Not to mention you have the best sense of humor of anyone I know. It’s been highly enjoyable reading about your life from a distance. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors, Erika. Thank you so much. <3
December 29th, 2009 at 8:38 pm
The last panel made me all bleary-eyed. *sniff*
Thanks for sharing your life with us, Erika. Thank you for being honest and open with the most private of your life’s events and giving us a smile and more than enough laughs throughout the years.
I will intently keep an ear out on your Twitter for your upcoming projects! Lots of love and blessings to you in the future!
December 29th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Thank you Erika. I’ve followed your work for so long, basically back during the pants press days… (Maybe it’s been more than 7 years…? ) And I feel like I’ve grown up along and seeing your work improve is just an inspiration. You tell your stories so poignantly, I can read them over and over again. You are such a gifted artist and storyteller, and I wish you all the best! Thank you for sharing =)
December 29th, 2009 at 9:11 pm
I find that I am disappointed that I had not found this until Jeph linked you. This is one of the most enjoyable comics I’ve read in a while. Thanks!
December 29th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Erika, I’m not a man that cries often. And I didn’t just now, because that was a fantastic ending to this comic.
I’m very happy for you, you really give me something to look up to. Keep giving us the hits!
December 29th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
UWAAH! Just as I was finally getting into the flow of reading regularly…
I signed up for the mail-list immediately. I love your work, and eagerly look forward to the future.
December 29th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Good luck Erika, you are by far my most favourite comic artist.
You’re so real, and it’s been fascinating being able to look into your life.
You’ve inspired me to try new things, and I hope I can to brave enough to go through with them.
All the best for the future, I can’t wait to see what you get up to next! :)
December 29th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
My heart is all a-broke in a million billion pieces now. Thank you so very, very much.
December 29th, 2009 at 10:50 pm
Thanks for sharing DAR with us, I’ll be on the look out for your new projects!
December 29th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
Just stumbled upon this site for the first time tonight. I read through them all in a few hours. Definitely worth my time. Thanks for the great read, and I can only hope that the future remains bright for you.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
Cool, thanks for sharing and I’ll definitely be watching out for your future offerings :) Take care.
December 29th, 2009 at 11:46 pm
I’ll miss you DAR! Can’t wait to see what else you have in store for us. I’ll never stop readin’! :)
December 30th, 2009 at 1:09 am
…
Goddamnit.
I know I should be happy for you, and Darwin knows I am, but I’m also terribly, terribly sad.
It was kind of a thing that was always there. Something I could relate to. Not nessicarily actively, but thinking of it being gone makes me scared. Your comic has been a great inspiration to me and made me even more enthousiastic about starting my own. Maybe. Once.
I do not live in the USA, so I never visited an exposition you did, and chances are I probably never will.
But who knows.
I guess there is not much left to say, but that your comic was a great support, relief, sign of creativity and talent, and a damn good laugh.
This is the first time I actually left a comment here.
Beter late than never.
Thank you, Erika Moen.
December 30th, 2009 at 1:37 am
Thanks so much for doing this. I only just met you and discovered your comic but I’m really glad that I did. Even though I was only a reader for a short time I’m glad I got to be a part of this. You’re one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Keep doing good work. Thank you again.
December 30th, 2009 at 1:38 am
Thanks for sharing this part of your life with us. I wish you and Matt all the best.
December 30th, 2009 at 3:21 am
Hey Erica,
I haven’t been with the comic long, 4 days to be exact actually! But it immediately caught at held my attention. That night I was just browsing through a few various online strips while doing computer geek stuff when I came across a mention of yours and found your site. Before I knew it, it was 2am and I had read every strip you have posted. But that is not the strange part. As I mentioned a few lines up, I was doing computer geek stuff. Installing a Windows 7 to be exact and that is some MAJOR geek stuff that requires many hours to get my computer up and EXACTLY how I want it again… Except DAR came along and held my complete attention for hours. DAR was so penetrating that it was able to rip away something that is so strong in my own personality. And for that I will always be connected to DAR :)
You really created something great here. The personal level that your strips get to, while keeping an amazing mix of laid back yet earnestly meaningful moods, made them one of a kind.
It’s kind of annoying to see DAR go so fast (for me that is) =P But I definitely look forward to your future projects =]
If you ever need tickets to the San Diego ComiCon (free of course) I’d be more than happy to arrange it (just because you’re so awesome) :D
December 30th, 2009 at 4:39 am
It makes me so sad to see the end of DAR. I loved it when I first caught on to it earlier this year. Thank you for the many laughs. I wish you the best with your next projects. :)
December 30th, 2009 at 6:12 am
Thank you for sharing this with us. Though you probably never felt it at the time, you are a strong woman and brave to share your failures and your successes with a group of strangers.
Wishing you and Matt the best. I look forward to your future projects.
Most Sincerely,
Me.
December 30th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. I’m looking forward to your new adventures!
December 30th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Erica,
Having followed you since…I guess 2003/04 (it feels like so long ago that I cannot even specifically remember) after having come across Dylan’s artwork/comics, I must admit I’m sad to the DAR finish up, but am glad to see you moving on and am super eager to see your future works!!
Thanks again for sharing with us and the internet, and for raising awareness on numerous topics! You really are a remarkable woman, and I wish you all the best in future endeavors and a happy life full of enjoyable adventures with your loved ones.
Sincerely,
Robyn
PS: Your nude modeling gave me the push to do the same, so thank you!!
December 30th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Well, thanks. I’ve enjoyed the ride.
December 30th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Congratulations on your fantastic comic run. Thank you for sharing with all of us your hardships and successes, and helping us to find the laughter in our own problems. It’s been wonderful, seeing your progress through life, from all the confusion to a happy ending. I’m so glad you’ve found such immense happiness in your life, and I wish you and your husband even more in the future. :3
December 30th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
*applause*
Wow, just wow. Can’t wait to see what you do next. (I thought cousin and I were the only ones who used “kindred spirits” lol) all the best to you!
Christine
December 30th, 2009 at 2:08 pm
I’m sad to see you go, but it’s been a great run. From your self-identity problems to Matt’s green card, you’ve shown us a little insight into your life, so really, you’re a part of all of us now, and like many readers, you’ll never really go away. :)
It’s wonderful to see you so happy, doing what you love to do, being with whom you love to be with. I feel happy “seeing” you happy.
Anyway, thank you very much for sharing your life with us, you’re a prime example that dreams can and do come true, just depends on how you get there.
Good luck in the future, and drop us a hint/line if a Little Matt or Little Erika comes along! Hope to see you at one of your cons.
Cheers,
Perls
December 30th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Good luck in all your future endeavors–I can’t wait to see what you do!
December 30th, 2009 at 2:51 pm
Thank you for DAR! I discovered it recently from Lucy Knisley’s website (after reading French Milk) and have since read almost all of your entries. Best of luck to you in the future and I hope you will post about your future work.
December 30th, 2009 at 5:35 pm
Hello from brazil
don’t even know if u’ll read it, but, i’ll try anyway :)
been “readin you” for the last 5 months and almost cried in this last strip
felt so happy for you like it was myself
wish you all goods in life.
have a amazing new year
:)
December 30th, 2009 at 5:41 pm
May sound weird, but I hope you have a nice life… And I hope I encounter your work somewhere else one day =)
December 30th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
Thanks for doing DAR. Reading it sort of helped me gain the courage to be more open about myself and my sexuality. I had always wanted to cut my hair super short, but was afraid it would give away that I was kind of a dyke. Hehe. My brother started calling me one (although he always has), but people actually liked it. Even if they didn’t I don’t think I would care too much. Seeing your adventures in establishing your identity (and your silly antics) made me realize I should do the same. :D I’m a pansexual, but I’ve only been with men because all the girls I’ve liked are straight. Some people think I’m only doing it for the “attention”, but I don’t really care because I know what I am. :3 Thanks for sharing this with us. <3
December 30th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
I only started reading your comic a few months ago, but I wanted to say that I think your very graceful and reflective exit is brilliant.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Thank you.
December 30th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
I only finally read your comic, in its entirety, today, and I wish I’d done it sooner! I at least should have read it after I saw you at SPX. But I think that today is a fortuitous day to read it. All day has been about getting out of my constant depressed slump, and reading DAR has helped with that. I just hope it sticks tomorrow!
A prosperous new year to you, Erica, and I look forward to your next project!
December 30th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
Thank you so much!!!!!!!!!! This has been amazing. I have loved finding new updates of the comic and every moment reading this has been a blast. :] I really can’t wait to see what happens next for you!
December 31st, 2009 at 12:05 am
Thanks for everything. Good luck with the rest of your life.
December 31st, 2009 at 2:39 am
All the best, mate, and thanks for the ride. I’m gonna miss DAR, definitely.
December 31st, 2009 at 5:39 am
[...] The final DAR strip. Erika Moen is such a talented cartoonist, and I look forward to her next project — whatever [...]
December 31st, 2009 at 6:49 am
I’ll miss you! I’ve really enjoyed a peep into your life; hopefully, you’re next endeavor will be just as exciting! If not, come back and start DAR 2.0!
December 31st, 2009 at 8:14 am
I CAN NOT believe that I found this comic only two weeks before it ended. goodness it’s not fair
December 31st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Wow! I will miss DAR a lot, but thank you so much for making it! And this was an absolutely beautiful final comic–a fantastic ending to a fantastic series. Thanks for letting the internet peek into your life these past six or so years!
December 31st, 2009 at 10:35 am
thank you for the years of free entertainment, good luck in all your future endeavours.
December 31st, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Sad. Face.
Sure did love this thing you made. I hope there’s lots more great stuff coming your way, and more great comics coming our way. Thanks for sharing with us!
January 1st, 2010 at 12:47 am
I found this comic by accident a few years ago, and fell totally in love with it! The art was beautiful, and the stories were so honest (and hilarious!) that I went back to the beginning and read it to the one I started on in one sitting. It was an instant addiction. Something for me to look forward to weekly. It was amazing to literally watch as someone went from having a dream, to fulfilling it. I agree, what a beautiful note to end DAR on! Good luck with everything in the future, I know you will succeed! And I’ll be waiting to see what you come up with next! Can’t wait!
January 1st, 2010 at 5:31 am
We will certainly miss DAR. such a lovely and truthful comic.. you are a wonderful artist, you’ve certainly improved even further over all these years.
I’ve been a fan for a long time, haven’t ever posted… but I wanted to say Goodbye, and good luck. Cant wait for whatever comes next from you Erika.
Hope the years to come are just as great as they are for you now. :D
January 1st, 2010 at 7:04 am
i fell in love with this comic… and definetly i will re-read it ^ ^ thank you for having shared it with us
may life be fulfilling to you and that everything stays on the up…
best wishes
January 1st, 2010 at 9:13 am
[...] in comics was a former GAMmer, Erika Moen, ended her personal and quirky journal Comic called DAR: A Super Girly Top Secret Comic Diary. The comic began in 2003 and was included in one of Girlamatic’s original line-ups. [...]
January 1st, 2010 at 9:27 am
Thank you Erika for sharing so much of your life with us. I’ll remember it forever… okay, but at least for a long time :-P
I’m already looking forward to your next project and wish you the best of luck.
Chris
January 1st, 2010 at 11:08 am
Ah, dang. It’s been a blast to read through this, I’ll say. Not that I’ve been able to relate all that much to your situations (<– heterosexual, lives at home, still a virgin), but it's been very interesting and also quite fun to look into your life and your trifles. Plus, and this may sound odd – I envy your free relationship, and how you share your "potty humor" with each other so to say, ha ha. I'm hoping my own eventual relationship will become as open as yours.
Geez, it sounds really strange when I'm trying to write it out like this, like I'm some kind of scat fetishist… -_-
Yeah, anyway, thanks for the ride. Keep cherishing your life – I may not know what I'm talking about, but it seems that you've been blessed with a life much happier than many people.
January 1st, 2010 at 12:11 pm
I’m going to miss this comic a lot, and I wish I had been there from the beginning (Though I think I would have been a bit young for it then…still a bit young for it now!). Thank you for sharing your experiences with us, and good luck.
January 1st, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Hi Erika, I’ve read DAR for about a year and liked it, though I’ve never said so before. And so now it’s all done and I can’t believe how cheerful you are about it! Everyone else is devestated! Anyway, good job.
P.S. I’m sure you’ll do more even awesomer things in the future and I’m not sad or angry really.
January 1st, 2010 at 5:32 pm
I found you comic 2 months ago, read the whole series repeatedly and I love it. I was also a lesbian who married a man, feel in love and couldn’t say no :D
I’ll be watching your future projects! May everything blossom for you! :D Best of luck! Love ya <3
January 1st, 2010 at 6:45 pm
Started reading a while back and have enjoyed every strip you’ve made. You’re honest and clever and just plain awesome – in the process making me feel a little more awesome about myself. Thanks for being you.
January 1st, 2010 at 7:41 pm
This was a great comic an awesome to read. This comic was a hit with me an all my queer friends because love is love~.
Ciao for now I suppose
January 1st, 2010 at 9:26 pm
I’m going to miss you and hearing about your life. Best of luck with the rest of your future.
January 2nd, 2010 at 1:27 am
Just found this comic and immediately directed my girlfriend to it. Very cool. Good luck with your future.
(Queer chick who fancies boys, but is quite happy with girlfriend)
January 2nd, 2010 at 5:58 pm
Erika, I came out to the open studio last month to meet you and buy one of your books. Unfortunately, I feel like I made an ass of myself when I got really nervous and sputtered on about how inspiring I found your work to be, how I read your pantsketch group on livejournal (and yes, I have read the lovely Dylan’s comic and it is amazing except I completely blanked at the moment you told me about her!) But I meant every word of it.
Your comic has been a blast to read and I always looked forward to your updates. And really, it does inspire me to keep drawing despite my recent flop over to theatre. Now that I live in Portland, I’ll be looking for events so I can come support you by buying books and stopping by to say hi. I look forward to seeing what your newest endeavors are and wish the best of luck to you and Matt.
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:59 pm
One of the most original webcomics on the internet.
Best of luck in the future!
January 4th, 2010 at 5:22 am
[...] Wertz is backing away from the internet. Erika Moen has officially concluded DAR. And I am going to spend the next three and a half weeks shoveling [...]
January 4th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Ya know, I’m really disappointed, but happy at the same time. I only had recently found Dar, and I was hoping to add it to my daily comic rotation. I to am an aspiring artist, just finding my way around. Glad in the end everything worked out for you, Matt seems like a great guy. I hope I see emails pertaining to a new project. After reading this whole thing, I really look forward to it! :)
January 4th, 2010 at 2:49 pm
I can’t believe there won’t be a new one tomorrow. How sad I am every time I come across anything octopus related. Including the elusive tentacle dildo (because how could that NOT remind me of this comic?!). But I am very happy for you Erika and thank you for making me more comfortable with being a “people lover”. Thank you for showing me that our generation can love.
January 4th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
I’m just another person here telling you that I’m sad that the comic has ended, that your comic (and you, really) has inspired (and entertained) me. Your personality that just bleeds through these comics pages is more than beautiful, I really admire you and your work. You helped me feel comfortable about liking women and men and kindred a hope in me that I someday may be a full time comic artist or something like that.
dude, I love you. Really I do. I hope you are happy, man and continue to kick ass and be happy.
January 4th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Such a sweet ending! It brought happy tears. I look forward to whatever you share with the world next.
January 4th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
I only discovered your work just recently. I gladly sat for hours reading everything. I am glad that you are happy and that you don’t lament that you are not in a pidgeonhole; that you are yourself with no excuses. Best to you always.
January 4th, 2010 at 10:38 pm
[...] Brosgol who in turn linked to her. (Man, look at the arc of those three careers alone!) Erika just ended DAR, her autobiographical webcomic; it was sometimes explicit, always brutally honest, and very, very [...]
January 5th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
Fan-fucking-tastic! I just read all the archives in one day, u made one hell of a comic, too bad its over. But hey, i will read whatever project u come up with, thats a fact. A million congratz, keep up the great work XD ;)
January 6th, 2010 at 1:38 am
Got teary-eyed on this one. I will miss reading this comic, specifically, but will enjoy future readings! Good bye and good luck!
January 6th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
It’s sad that’s it ending but it was fun to read when it was on the net. I hope your future endeavors work out great
January 6th, 2010 at 1:53 pm
*crushed*
I’ve been reading your work for years now and have ever one of your books, dog eared and well loved on my shelf.
It’s exciting to see that your doing so well and moving onto new challanges and adventures, but I will miss DAR.
January 7th, 2010 at 7:49 am
[...] she’s open in a way that’s both foreign and appealing. It’s good reading, and her farewell strip is a beast. Plus, the series of strips about the guy who pooped on her bathroom floor was [...]
January 7th, 2010 at 8:13 am
Woah, this really marks a milestone.
I started following your blog and your work in “The pants press sketchblog”, sometime around the beginning of 2005. And then I bought your comic “I like girls”. I still store like a treasure the little card you sent along the comic, telling me I was your first customer from Spain.
Lots of memories! But, for me, the best of all of this is how the story “ends”: with a happy Erika quite fulfilled. I’ve loved reading your secret diary and seeing how things were going for you. It’s strange this feeling, as if I knew you… along with some other hundreds people!
Anyway, somehow I’ve felt close even with the distance. I’ve also finished my career and I moved to Berlin to look for a job. Reading and feeling how you struggled through everything gives me some strengh. Thanks for that!
I don’t usually comment your entries, since I feel overwhelmed by the amount of readers. But this time, I just wanted to say hi, to encourage you a bit more towards your next objective. I’ll be here to follow how it goes and enjoy every bit of it :)
You should be your own hero ;) Probably Matt would agree on that, hehe.
Hugs from Berlin!
January 7th, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Hi Erika (weird to call someone I don’t really know by the ir first name, but I’m embracing the information age, I guess).
I’ve only been reading for a few months, but the candid/gross insights into your cartoon-y life have provided smiles and sighs of understanding. Thanks for standing up in the faceless electronic crowd and drawing a big happy, farty cloud.
January 7th, 2010 at 8:57 pm
thank you for inspiring me to begin my own comic journey. with me finally getting back home to the United States (from Iraq), still deeply in love with my girlfriend after a year apart (together for four years in April!), and after reading every installment of your real-life (important) stories you’ve so perfectly shared, i feel like i want to live a better life forever; i treasure my relationships with friends and family more, take more risks, and make more adventures. i can only sit back and wish everyone in the world could be so genuine as you. thank you for being honest, and i can’t wait to see what amazing stories you put out next. i have a feeling i’ll be a fan and follow you to the end :)
-only and all the best to you and Matt forever.
January 8th, 2010 at 2:07 am
I’m going to miss such a funny and blunt comic, best of luck in your future endeavours!!
January 8th, 2010 at 10:51 am
I’m so sad I started reading this so late but it was great while it lasted. Good luck and best wishes!
January 8th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
This is pretty much the most impressive and soul-hitting comic I have ever read, you truly enriched my life, no axaggeration
January 8th, 2010 at 2:11 pm
Incredibly uplifting comic for an art student freaking out about the future. I’m glad your life is so wonderful now despite all the stuff you went through, and good luck with all your future endeavors!
January 9th, 2010 at 3:48 am
Totally read all of this in one night. Awesome work. <3
January 9th, 2010 at 3:34 pm
Amazing story, Erica. I was only aware of your comic and followed it for less than a year, but I read the whole thing and I think your life has been truly a wondrous tale. I’m very happy for you, and deeply appreciate the perspectives you’ve openly shared on such personal subjects. Congratulations on all you’ve achieved. :)
January 9th, 2010 at 11:27 pm
My, uh… currently long-distance boyfriend named Matt just recommended your comic to me saying “didn’t you want to do a comic blog-type thing?” and it’s true.. i’ve been sitting on sketches for years. Seeing someone who has really kinda disturbing similarities to me succeeding so much at something I want to do.. as well as having this supportive boy has kinda I guess inspired me to stop thinking I can’t do it xD
So uh.. thank you for your lovely contribution of art and storytelling! And good luck! (Also, I think you’re the same age as I am, too o_O)
January 13th, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Thank you for starting Dar in the first place. I love the way you tell your story. As a queer/bi woman married to a man, I can relate. It feels really good to find comics and books that reflect a similar experience. We get a lot of crap from both sides, straight & gay, but hey, love is love. Two consenting adults.
My husband’s a transman, so half of my relatives think he and I are lesbians, anyway. Sexuality politics are weird sometimes.
January 14th, 2010 at 6:26 am
D: I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t sad that Dar! has come to an end but I’m sure that you’ll be creating something even better. Good luck and thanks so much for sharing your life with us!
January 15th, 2010 at 5:42 am
WHOA! You studied in Aix-en-Provence?? I’m there for college right now!! When I was at the airport in Marseille I met some kids from SCAD going there too…didn’t you go there? It’s beautiful, I can see why you blossomed.
Btw, I love your comic and I am sad to see it go.
January 15th, 2010 at 9:17 pm
Erika, I know it seems small maybe, but the few comics you did about picking at your face really hit home for me. After having burned through your comic archive in one sitting, when I got to the first picking one, I actually sat there at my desk and cried. I have been struggling with the same issue for years now and have never had the guts to face my problem by identifying it and working from there, nor did I have the guts to tell anyone about my problem. As you know, this problem is a hideous cycle full of insecurity and furthering insecurity… so I knew it was about time that I started really addressing the issue when I read your comics. I did my research. I confided in a friend. I have been trying and trying and trying to stop picking, to love myself, and to be patient. As you probably also know (I mean you did a comic on it and all), this is not as easy as it sounds…
Regardless, your art made a huge impact on my life. I have you to thank for making me feel safe enough to approach my insecurities with my face. I never had heard of anyone have the same problem before reading your comic, so I was in shock to see someone’s art I could identify with in that way. Really, thank you for the gift of not feeling alone. I feel better, knowing someone as talented and strong as you could admit to compulsive picking. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.
I will be working at it (and life in general) day by day, taking it all day by day, doing the best I can possibly do. . .
Peace, Cheers, and Good Luck out there.
Addie
January 17th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Hi Erika,
I’m looking forward to know about your new projects, but i’m going to miss DAR so much!
happy new year!
January 17th, 2010 at 9:06 pm
I’ve been following DAR for the past 2 years and have to say, I will truly miss it. I wish you the best of luck on your adventures and hope you stay positive and happy :)
Take care of yourself
Jonathan
January 19th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
Just spent the last 2 and a half hours reading DAR and it’s made my day, nay, week. I find it hilarious (particularly as an Englishman). So, affectively I wanted to say thank you for a very entertaining time and I’m kinda upset that it’s over. Evidently I didn’t follow it from the beginning but in hindsight I would have loved to. I’m just glad I discovered it at all. Good luck with everything.
Luc
January 21st, 2010 at 9:37 pm
I just read the entire archive in a couple of hours, I just couldn’t stop. I have a shitload of schoolwork to do, and I’m tired as fuck, but I have to say that it was worth it. I loved watching you mature as a person and an artist, and I really can’t wait for Volume 2! :D
January 22nd, 2010 at 10:22 pm
I adore you, Erika! Thank you for all the wonderful Dar! comics, and I wish you so so so soooo much luck and good fortune as you grow as an artist. You’ve been a massive inspiration to meeeeee, aaaaa! :D
January 24th, 2010 at 9:18 am
I loved your comic, and it’s a bit sad it’s come to an end. Again, I think I’ll love anything else you create, too! Good luck with all the new projects! I’m joining the e-mail list :D
January 24th, 2010 at 11:37 pm
NOOOOOO.
Just read every single strip in one afternoon.
My head hurts.
And I want a tea, REALLY badly.
January 26th, 2010 at 8:57 am
Aaargh feel sad….i read your comic over the years, laughing, thinking, alone, because my friends are not good in English…..even tried to make joke during parties because I thought about a strip I read from you, no one could understand but it was a sort of personnal wink….to myself….It reminded me of my struggles…and i just love the way you draw !!! You were a part of my life in a way.
Anyway a big hug and a big kiss from France ! I hope I will be able to read more of your work !
XXX Audrey
January 27th, 2010 at 10:54 pm
thanks for restoring some of my faith in humanity.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Miss you, girl; enjoyed the trip.
February 4th, 2010 at 8:55 am
Best of luck and happiness to you always, Erika. I’ve enjoyed DAR for years and am looking forward to your future work. xoxo – Bex
February 5th, 2010 at 8:25 pm
of course I would happen upon a wonderful comic well after is has stopped…arg! I read it all in a couple hours because i just couldnt stop! thank you for putting all of this on here!
February 8th, 2010 at 7:51 pm
I still keep coming back here hoping for a new comic… :(
February 17th, 2010 at 10:32 am
Erika, I’ve been a fan of yours since DAR began and have been keeping tabs on all of your projects/progress as a person/artist. (Why must fan responses always seem creepy?) You’ve been a major inspiration in my attempt to Be An Artist and I can only hope things get better and better for you. Best wishes! – ww (cautiously optimistic 23-year-old art-making chick!)
February 17th, 2010 at 6:23 pm
[...] to blame Jennifer, or the thousands of women like her, for the assumptions made by our culture. Comic artist and writer Erika Moen has talked about this in her webcomic. Author Sara Ryan talks about it in her blog. Authors Nicola Griffith and Kelly Eskridge discuss [...]
February 21st, 2010 at 8:03 pm
I ran across your comic just today and I was compelled to read it from beginning to end after reading the last page. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and look forward to your future work.
February 28th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
I like how you ended this. instead of it being poignant and sad, it came out poignant, a little sad, mostly happy, and full of hope. also, thank you for sharing yourself to the world like this. it was a pleasure to read. :)
(when this ended, I went right back to the beginning and went through it again. just so you know.)
March 4th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
I miss this webcomic already. ;_;
Can’t wait to see your next bits o’ work, Erika. ^.^ Any chance of another webcomic in the making?
March 7th, 2010 at 11:17 am
I just found this today, I really like this comic. Wish I could write something as awesome as this.
But I’d like to say that being bi isn’t 50/50. And you don’t have to be bi to love both men and women. Personally, I think you’re pan. It means you love people for who they are.
I really liked your comic on Transmen, it was great! I’m actually a transman, so I thought it was amazingly funny.
March 10th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
I liked the comic; stumbled on it due to Unshelved’s Rec. It’s refreshing – it’s honest, it’s funny, it’s partly disgusting (the number of fart & poop jokes is… I mean, wow.)
But in the end, it rings true, which is is cool, because there aren’t too many things like that out there.
Thanks for sharing the years with us.
March 11th, 2010 at 10:44 pm
I just read the whole thing in one sitting. love it. love whoever i think you are via your comic.
best of luck to you, miss. HIGH FIVE!
sincerely,
a queer girl who’s mostly ‘a lesbian’ but has not ruled out the possibility that her soul mate may just have a cock *shudders*
March 12th, 2010 at 2:39 am
All the Luck to you Erica! I keep an eye open for you and your work to pop up again on the www somewhere in the future
March 12th, 2010 at 5:55 am
Random compliment!
March 16th, 2010 at 8:19 pm
Life just isn’t the same!
March 17th, 2010 at 7:26 pm
Best of luck Erika!
I happened upon your comic randomly (the last page, no less!) and had a wonderful time following your adventures of life and love through your comic! I’m sad to see it has ended – but glad to know that you are on to bigger and better!
I look forward to seeing your new works – and thank you for being so artistically inspiring!
:)
March 17th, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Well I went through the entire archive today, but I’ve read chunks here and there in the past few years. Loved the comic and look forward to more of your work. Thanks for the laughs and thought provoking moments, and the thought-provoking laughs, lol. Good luck in the future :-)