NofNA, "Secretary" page #310

Secretary
310

January 12th, 2010

64 .	by:	December 15, 2022, 12:25 pm
In Nature of Nature's Art we see, as we see in the Elizabethan novelists, the result of the discovery of art by an unsophisticated mind and of its first conscious attempt to produce the artistic. It is remarkable how late in the history of every literature simplicity is invented. The first attempts of any people to be consciously literary are always productive of the most elaborate artificiality. Poetry is always written before prose and always in a language as remote as possible from the language of ordinary life. ...The Euphuists were not barbarians making their first discovery of literature; ...But in one thing they were unsophisticated: they were discovering prose. They were realizing that prose could be written with art, and they wrote it as artificially as they possibly could... They became intoxicated with their discovery of artifice. It was some time before the intoxication wore off and men saw that art was possible without artifice. Nature of Nature's Art, an Elizabethan work born out of its time, is still under the spell of that magical and delicious intoxication. NofNA's artifices are often more remarkable and elaborate even than [those of John Lyly, founder of Euphuism]. This is how it tells us the mere sentence of 'What problems will the new society face'; "What anomaly expedites their headlong rush into sapience? And what web does it reticulate from the nature of their art?".

63 .	by: Witticaster	September 2, 2021, 5:14 pm
@no one no, I never remember them being blue.

62 .	by: no one	September 1, 2021, 5:58 pm
the fuck.. I always somehow remember seeing some of the kernels in the corn here be blue. does no one else recall anything like that?

61 .	by:	July 9, 2021, 8:53 am
@60 I would love to read but it looks like you need to change your sharing settings so people can access it.

60 .	by:	July 2, 2021, 2:35 am
i've read this story like a million times and for kicks today ended up attempting to explain what i think some of the more abstract stuff means. mostly based off secretary prime and the addendum. link below, full of bad grammar URL : http://docs.google.com/document/d/1okPvgD0Ya2TeOhZECihknzTF5rKthNiDFirrEOdUyTg/edit?usp=sharing

59 .	by: Lhexa	June 1, 2020, 4:41 pm
Secretary is the story of a school shooter. Secretary Prime is the story that school shooter tells himself, in order to justify his murders. URL : http://lhexan.dreamwidth.org

58 .	by: Effra	November 30, 2017, 7:39 pm
I've re-read Secretary for (what I think is) the fifth time now, and I still take away new thoughts and conclusions each time I read it. Even though I feel like I don't understand all of it (and I probably never will, because I'm not clever enough to pick apart all of NofNA's stunning complex themes and layers, hahahaa) Secretary will remain one of my very favourite webcomics. In fact, I don't think any other comic has left such an impression on me, both through its story and through the gosh-darned genius usage of the web format. Maybe that's why I keep coming back to it. ...I wish I had something more intelligent and conclusive to say at the end of another all-night read-through, but I do not :') I just wanted to say thank you for this, Zach (and thank you for releasing an electronic version of the alternate ending!). I'm so glad I stumbled upon NofNA those 8 years ago.

57 .	by: Furrama	October 14, 2017, 7:14 pm
I've now read the alternate version of this story and it's given me a lot to think about. I guess if you haven't read it, it answers the question I never thought to ask but I'm glad was answered: What if NT destroyed SV's right tooth instead of his left? I think, in the end, I prefer the ending to this story, but the end to the other gave me some details and other alternative paths that made both ends feel more whole. I think both stories when thought of together make up a whole experience though, and give you both teeth to chew with, heh. Go buy it if you haven't yet. URL : http://gumroad.com/l/xauhI

56 .	by: Camila (sombra29, back then)	September 7, 2014, 12:10 pm
"The End" Simply gorgerous, magnificent, etc. It's 4am as I finally finish this re-read and type this comment. It's now been almost 5 years since this last page got updated- I must say, it is almost dishearting now to feel that the meaning of this whole tale is even more nebulous to me now than it was back then. Following the story as it was updated pherhaps gave the ilussion of having everything withing the grasps of comprenhension, but looking at the whole thing- it's almost a completetly new work on its own (the first SV vs XY fight, that felt like it took so much time in real time, on re-read went by like a breeze). Looking back on my own comment from years ago- it's liberating to think that I once had a solid interpretation like that- but I'm not sure it holds up much now, when looking at the story again(specially the grammar, yikes). There's so much content in this story, and it is filled with so much ambiguity...it's like trying to decipher SV's own dialogue during it. The abstract-ness of it all makes me want to favour 10%+ with its clearer, more figurative awnsers. But even then- even when bounded by the confusion, Secretary is so captivating that one can't help but turn the pages- again and again ang again (...again- until it's 4am outside and the sun is shining outside, whoops). Even without a full comprenhension of the many metaphorical meanings, is amazing that the story still stands on its own in a much simplistic view, with every character's demise deeplyfelt: NT's clearly abusive behaviour is loathable, SV's "underdog" anti-stablishments attitude- while relatable- is still grating, XY's tragic fate feels like a punch to the stomatch for the reader (who like SV, realizes too late that she was facing demmons of her own). And, Secretary is still such a strong reminder of the power of telling stories by biased narratiors... I must admit- it feels almost shameful to type something like this, admitting that one might simply be too dumb to understand the deeper meanings and accepting the easiest explenation (does the author sneer/side-eye comments like this?). Regardless, this work stands as a breakthrough of the (web)comic formart. The visuals are stricking, and the use of layout and palette changes towards the end is innovative.I can't help but think of SV struggles in this story as a larger meta manifestation of NofNA: a deep, rich world of great art, cursed to obscurity- only because the lenguage it is speaking in is too complex, too dense to be understood by our current "society" of webcomic readers. On to Lycossa! URL : http://brilliantfantasticgeronimo.tumblr.com/

55 .	by: Jen	October 11, 2013, 2:29 am
Just popping back in to say JERBOAAAAAAA [see link] URL : http://www.parade.com/172470/jonathanhorowitz/the-daily-cute-holler-at-jerboa/

54 .	by: Kaye	January 30, 2013, 5:40 am
Actually I think the black and white kernels have nothing to do with malice... But he -is- giving his son the lighter coloured one, which is apparently the better tasting ones according to the advanced classes.

53 .	by:	April 16, 2012, 7:12 pm
hmmm. i think the white kernel could in fact be the malice filled kernel. not the indifference but, the opposite, the hate. darkness is the absence of color, a deprivation of senses, lack of knowledge, innocence. And, light... beautiful and painful. insight... every colour imaginable, all at once. was the malice that SV spoke of the state of feeling everything as it is with no proir bias...? or releasing himself from those biases? ohhh... i feel as though im confusing things. but, im glad i read this comic. it really spoke to me.

52 .	by:	January 13, 2012, 1:38 am
Excellent choice for testing :)

51 .	by: Jen	January 13, 2012, 12:57 am
testing the "Recent Comments Elsewhere" feature =D

50 .	by: Jen	December 20, 2011, 8:30 pm
HA, I had a laugh at work today when I found this article called, "Yellow Nutsedge: A Menace in the Corn Belt" XD http://library.wur.nl/WebQuery/clc/163104

49 .	by:	2010-12-19 21:34:30
I'm reading way back on page 63 where SV's mom was ranting at him that he "wasn't fit for that life". T For all her annoying tendency to nag, it turned out she was right, he wasn't fit for that life, because he completely lacked the ability to grasp even the basic notions, like self-control.

48 .	by: C'	2010-11-24 22:19:20
Heh... Looking back I realised that SV had the answer in front of him the whole time. What the secret of the corn was at least. On page 121 the awsome rat teacher actually says it. "The cob asserts its own weight... some how. But right now, It's bound to the ground by my teeth. I have my weight... and the cobs weight! What do you think? Which one'll assert itself? Heheh! That's right. Both express... but the cobs weight still can't be denied!"

47 .	by: Osiris	2010-05-29 20:04:29
Yes, cathartic endings are good! And so was this story!

46 .	by: G	2010-01-19 15:52:56
yay for cathartic endings! I feel better now.

45 .	by: Sombra29	2010-01-18 20:04:45
This was an amazing experience,thank you Zach,so so much.How can a comic about talking kung-fu animals reach people so much?I am at a lost for better words. After a lot of thinking, I think I am finally finding a solid(personal) interpretation for this arc,and it´s ending. SV and ZX,the overly complex people who lost their ways and,in the most classic solution to conflicts in tragedies,died. Nameless rat and his son/daughter,who share (dkjfdlskjfdslkjkdljkljKDJSAÑLKSJDÑBLOODYMOTHER)corn happily under the sun in a peacefull afternoon. It´s a very simple scene...Yet,I think is one of the most meaningfull ones in the whole Nofna story, not becouse the meaning is complex,but becouse how simple it is.Living is wonderfull,don´t loose the opportunity to enjoy every bit from it. Live life true to your convictions,"don´t turn away" from the truth that other people aren´t the only responsable for how they treat you, since you are "also holding yourselve back". "Don´t get mad",don´t give up in trying to get rid of your malice,or the general malice that surrounds your world,don´t give up and sucumb by stopping being who you are,or "the prey will become the predator" and ..."the origin of malice,will be your own damn self" That said,I still don´t fully understand the concept of "malice" ,I´ll re-read the arc from page 1 soon.

44 .	by: natoon	2010-01-18 11:51:19
Such an interesting story - a tragedy of errors, as it were. That last malicous twist (SV's notes are all illegible) was gut wrenching after (more than a year, was it?) of following the unfortunate tale of SV. Everybody's dreams crushed, not a life not made less happy for being touched by these events. Really don't know what to make of it, but I know I will think about the nature of malice for a long time. Just a thought - apparently ,then, damage to the physical brain does affect behavior, perception, and thinking. Though SV was a pompous ass before his brain injury, it was right after his fever from the tooth in his brain that he went mad - delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, uncontrollable rage. This made him an extremely dangerous opponent to those who thought in a societal way and had no concept of abnormal psychology. Fortunately he was able to figure out what his fatal flaw was before he died. Unfortunately he was unable to pass it on, particularly to his brother, who seems to be satisfied to have Mom to himself at the end of the story; nonetheless, his black nose is a graphic reminder of what he is still capable of.

43 .	by: stuhp	2010-01-18 00:38:54
Well, add another tally to the number of analysts for this author, 'cause shit just got real for me. I'll be looking forward to the next arc, and all its deeper meanings alongside the art.

42 .	by: Jilly the Foo	2010-01-17 18:07:44
Good show. I really like the openness to interpretation these comics are. It's half the fun with reading these comics. URL : http://www.demoneater.com

41 .	by: Oson	2010-01-17 00:11:06
well Zach, I have to say that I am quite pleased to have been more close to this journey, as opposed to arriving late to 10%+. This story defied all of my expectations, repeatedly, and that really speaks to your skill as a writer (and not any lack of intellect on my part haha). I was thoroughly enthralled, continually surprised, shocked, disappointed, and interested throughout. Excellent, Maestro. I applaud. URL : http://dieman.deviantart.com

40 .	by: Ducki	2010-01-16 15:49:10
Thanks for the amazing comic!!

39 .	by: kuu	2010-01-15 08:08:01
why are the corns Black and White

38 .	by: Zachary	2010-01-14 22:30:30
By the way, I would like to thank everyone for their comments, insights, analyses, quips, and quirks. They were all very creative and a pleasure to read. Even though some of the analyses weren't correct, they were plausible and oftentimes would've made interesting stories in their own rights. It's important to remember that analysis, when used outside of a scientific application, is for fun. There's no "right" or "wrong" when analyzing literary works; the point of analysis is to turn the work into something meaningful for the reader, even if this entails different perspectives and conclusions. In this way, the reader's analysis comes to mimic the metonoetic processes used within the story. As the characters analyze and embody their world, so do the readers with their own theses. Thanks again for reading.

37 .	by: RayJ	2010-01-14 18:56:15
Wow... I am speechless. I couldn't even tell you how many times I yelled at my computer screen. This story just provoked so many emotions, I don't even know what to DO with them all! Fantastic work... kjsdfsyt URL : http://theroguez.deviantart.com

36 .	by: Sabrina	2010-01-14 10:52:37
Ah, so the second NofNA has ended! I've been a very loyal fan of your works for quite a while, Zack, and I think I was one of the first commenters on 10%+! I must say that though this arc was much darker than 10%+, I really enjoyed reading it and the story and comments everyone here made were always interesting, and it really gave me a little somethign to look forward to every weekday. It feels like this arc began an ended so quickly though, and I am both happy and sad that it's over. Just wanted to say one more time that your art is awesome, I love your style and use of colors and shades, and your storytelling is amazing! Great job, and congrats on another completed arc!

35 .	by: mackennzie	2010-01-13 22:14:41
Just reread the entire arc. I totally missed the new tooth growing on page 300 the first time through! Damn, Zach. I bow in awe to your ability to capture gesture, movement, expression, physical language, and the individuality of each species and character you draw. Brilliant stuff. Can't wait to see what's next!

34 .	by: Jospeh	2010-01-13 20:43:11
I've got one more thing to add: I like the way tension was built between this page and the previous one. When I saw the father peering at the kernels glowing eerily from a black background, I anticipated some kind of nasty twist. So when the final page ended up being blue sky and smiles, I felt relieved, especially when I saw that the kid was being handed a malice-free kernel. Although I think a dark ending would have worked too, this last page was like a breath of fresh air.

33 .	by: candracar272	2010-01-13 19:40:34
@ 20, Styrana: What you said there. 'the secret to success and happiness and maybe even power is to just reject your malice.' The way that was worded was moving to me. :D Zach, this is an absolutely stunning ending. This page is so lighthearted and beautiful, yet as other readers have said, leaves us to our own definitions to complete the moral. This page just seems to connect everything from past pages into one big circle... This was an amazing arc and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I can't wait to see the next arc, and keep up the deeply stunning work! URL : http://candracar272.deviantart.com/

32 .	by: Kimmueh	2010-01-13 18:49:07
Huh... I don't know what to think. I sadly can't come up with any symbolism on my own. I'd rather the artist explains to me. :/ But I did enjoy the art and the story in general. Good job and good luck in making more awesome stories!

31 .	by: natoon	2010-01-13 17:55:40
And, either that is one humoungous cob of corn, or those are really teensy mice!

30 .	by: natoon	2010-01-13 17:51:30
28. FYI all corn is "domestic". The plant from which it was originally cultivated is from central or south america, I think, and the ancient Indians developed it (along with a l lot of other tasty stuff). The wild form is very small and quite unlike the cultivated form. The various types of corn's different attributes were all intentionally bred for one reason or another.

29 .	by: Katt	2010-01-13 17:24:21
All there is now to do is REREAD FROM PAGE 1. I was lost when he melted, and although i conjectured, i remained confused throughout the entire rest of the way :/ ....that lil' guy is soooo adorable haha.

28 .	by:	2010-01-13 15:38:12
@21 Corn is made up of a variety of shades of yellow, red, brown, and white. It is domesticated corn that is all yellow, hand selected to be more pleasing to the eye (pretty, clean-looking) and possibly less bitter. Corn doesn't just turn white or yellow when it's cooked, white or yellow corn is just selectively bred to automatically be that color when grown. Anyway, I think this is a wonderful and touching ending :) Bravo bravo. Can't wait till it's announced on sale! 8D Time to re-read this all the way from the beginning!

27 .	by: Barran	2010-01-13 12:50:10
@4: mine too. ;_;

26 .	by:	2010-01-13 11:20:45
One last thing. URL : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFCTGD_1VFc

25 .	by:	2010-01-13 11:17:18
Anyone notice that they weren't talking in common, for this entire time?

24 .	by: Bunny	2010-01-13 08:47:18
Da end... Another amazing ending but it's depressing. I looked forward to these updates XD

23 .	by: kuu	2010-01-13 07:03:18
@21 true but they aren't in black and white XD ahh...will Zack give us answers to unanswerd questions. so SV's scribbles really were gobbledegook. shame. will anyone else one day stumble on it? an angsty dolphin perhaps?

22 .	by: Nobody	2010-01-13 06:23:01
Hm. I went back to make sure that this "light kernels have no malice" theory was true, and yes, it does seem that none of the kernels in the malice style were light ones. I didn't even notice before. Yes, I think the point of them being corn cobs, which have both light and dark kernels, is meant to symbolize people in general all have negative traits, but they're also never completely bad; no corn cob is ever completely dark. Now all I question is the black and white coloring... I wonder why the corn is still black and white? Perhaps that's just another thing that represents malice.

21 .	by: Ohlawd	2010-01-13 06:02:03
19, I think uncooked corn cobs all have dark and light kernels. If the colour of the corn has anything to do with malice, everyone still has negative traits, and don't think knowing which stalk belongs to who is necessary. XD AND! this also adds to my theory! :3 Anyway, this comic has been amazing. Very clever and the art is beautiful. I've never followed a comic before nofna. Even 10%, though ALSO amazing, I skimmed through, probably because my age at the time, and the fact that my thoughts were mostly "OH COOL ART." I read it again recently, and my outlook is way different. XD NOW NOW. Spiders? I freakin' love 'eeemm.. But expressions are hard to pull off with eight eyes and uh.. no teeth. and a hidden mouth. I know it'll be great, and I'm sure they'll have over the top expressions in comic[al] scences. I'm hoping to see exoskeletons cracked, and legs ripped off. And spiderwebs. And birds eating spiders. Spiders being stepped on, and a praying mantis! And cicadas. Birds.. eatin' spiders. And other animals eating spiders and kicks to a spiderface by another spider. I know. High expectations. It's a compliment, right?

20 .	by: Styrana	2010-01-13 05:59:12
I will go with 3's theory, the secret to success and happiness and maybe even power is to just reject your malice. I'm thankful that Zack's here to bring u this awesome comic--because of it even I've been able to add moe meaning and symbolism to myself and my art. Also, it's just plain epic and thoughtful! Can't wait untill it's printed!

19 .	by: Curious Mutt	2010-01-13 00:35:27
oops, I meant *all white kernels

18 .	by: Curious Mutt	2010-01-13 00:27:31
Curious Mutt is Curious.. Assuming that this is Nutsedge's corn (since it's surrounded by sky), will SV's corn have all while kernels in it since he lost his malice?? See, it's comics like this that I'd wish people would make more of, not unfinished comics that are already selling merchandise before the story is even finished.

17 .	by: Kest	2010-01-12 23:31:31
After thinking it over, I'm not even sure more explanation would really improve the story. In the end, we're left with our on definitions. And to me, this ending is both beautiful and simple. :) Well done, Zack.

16 .	by: Jospeh	2010-01-12 23:19:13
Absolutely splendid.

15 .	by: Guilen	2010-01-12 23:13:53
black and white kernels the light and the dark feeding our future! bravo! bravo! both better and lesser than 10%+ which! means! a rad family, er, body, of work seriously mind starts to boggle at the prospect of beginning a new one soon joy thunderous applause for transcendental totality more! more! :D deep-hearted thank you for creating the way you do

14 .	by: confused	2010-01-12 23:11:08
This has been a cool arc to read, but I gotta say i'm utterly lost.

13 .	by: Kg	2010-01-12 23:08:52
Another great story. Thank you!

12 .	by: Furrama	2010-01-12 23:00:59
/bow

11 .	by: Kirai	2010-01-12 22:48:39
Zack, you're amazing. My life would be significantly less awesome without this comic to look forward to all the time. Thank you for consistent uploads, amazing writing, beautiful art, and concepts that stimulate thought. NofNA is my favorite comic of all time.

10 .	by: UalaGirl	2010-01-12 22:35:27
Awesome! I can't believe that this is over! I found out about this site when Secretary was only on page 3. Now, it's over a hundred times that! I really enjoyed reading both Secretary and 10%+. These comics are truly one of a kind! URL : uala-girl.deviantart.com

9 .	by:	2010-01-12 22:19:13
zack, you do amazing things with color

8 .	by: Kai	2010-01-12 22:02:36
In the end, Nutsedge and Marigold gave something to the world~ URL : http://www.chiricho.deviantart.com

7 .	by:	2010-01-12 22:00:26
Truely awesome arc. Need more comics in the world like this one.

6 .	by:	2010-01-12 21:49:10
*10% hurhur

5 .	by:	2010-01-12 21:48:41
i think what i love about these comics is the emotional rollercoaster. 105+ - happy, sad, happy, sad. secretary was brilliant in the emotions, and this is a wonderfully happy note to end it on. amazing art and an amazing read. NOW LETS BRING ON DEM SPIDAS

4 .	by:	2010-01-12 21:47:33
Ok, that mouse dad is probably my favorite character now... He has such a good heart.

3 .	by:	2010-01-12 21:46:32
Aww, it's the light one! So beautiful! So the secret to happiness is to reject malice and just be happy! It's little moments like these that just make life worth living, that make life kinda... happy. ... I fail at leaving intelligent comments.

2 .	by:	2010-01-12 21:45:37
... Too cute.. /sniffs.. Great job Zach!... II love it.. The ending is perfect...

1 .	by: Swift	2010-01-12 21:40:14
He's giving the kernel free of malice to his son.... I don't know why but... this seems like such a beautifully simple ending. All this power and drama they were dealing with, breaking their own minds and breaking others, and yet in the end they return to the Earth...