Oh, hmm, I guess we’re not getting the page I thought we were going to get today. That’ll teach me to read ahead in my own archive instead of the GoComics archive. This page wasn’t just added for the published version, it replaces a very different page from the original webcomic version. The timeline is still malleable, it seems.
The page that originally went here had Lottie bumping (literally) into Grumpaw in a department store while buying the Christmas cards with twee Victorian scenes. She didn’t appear to recognize him, but he seemed to vaguely remember her — which raises all kinds of questions about how this whole timeline thing works, anyway. He was retired from the school — at least two years earlier than he’d planned to in the original timeline, presumably because he didn’t have a need to keep access to the time hole — and had a wife and adult son and daughter (or daughter-in-law, it’s not entirely clear) who weren’t in evidence in the original timeline.
The roses suggest that he’s kept the wife, at least.
Does Grumpaw remember that he helped the three girls pass though the time hole? Do they remember Calvin? They must remember something of their adventure with Grumpaw, or else it would be unlikely that they would buy him a Christmas card.
Transition metals? Teaspoons, perhaps? It would be interesting if they held some special properties; but I’m guessing we will never know, as it appears this arc is about over.
What ever over 1 year ago
Roses?
It appears he may just be getting over Lottie!
John Campbell over 1 year ago
Oh, hmm, I guess we’re not getting the page I thought we were going to get today. That’ll teach me to read ahead in my own archive instead of the GoComics archive. This page wasn’t just added for the published version, it replaces a very different page from the original webcomic version. The timeline is still malleable, it seems.
The page that originally went here had Lottie bumping (literally) into Grumpaw in a department store while buying the Christmas cards with twee Victorian scenes. She didn’t appear to recognize him, but he seemed to vaguely remember her — which raises all kinds of questions about how this whole timeline thing works, anyway. He was retired from the school — at least two years earlier than he’d planned to in the original timeline, presumably because he didn’t have a need to keep access to the time hole — and had a wife and adult son and daughter (or daughter-in-law, it’s not entirely clear) who weren’t in evidence in the original timeline.
The roses suggest that he’s kept the wife, at least.
seismic-2 Premium Member over 1 year ago
Does Grumpaw remember that he helped the three girls pass though the time hole? Do they remember Calvin? They must remember something of their adventure with Grumpaw, or else it would be unlikely that they would buy him a Christmas card.
Aladar30 Premium Member over 1 year ago
Roses on the car. What a subtle yet efficient way to indicate us that Grumpaw’s life now is totally different. He looks way more happy now.
scyphi26 over 1 year ago
Look, they just couldn’t resist, mmkay?
GaryCooper over 1 year ago
Very trad.
Those are actually good questions. Except the last one, which is just a gag.
willie_mctell over 1 year ago
My favorite part of the Periodic Table, transition series.
6turtle9 over 1 year ago
Transition metals? Teaspoons, perhaps? It would be interesting if they held some special properties; but I’m guessing we will never know, as it appears this arc is about over.
CougarAllen over 1 year ago
In this timeline, he has a Land Rover! I don’t think we’ve seen that before, have we?
CougarAllen over 1 year ago
https://www.britannica.com/science/transition-metal
brigidkeely over 1 year ago
They’ve gotten Ryan a Christmas card at least once, too. They are very sweet.
RonBerg13 Premium Member over 1 year ago
In case you’re interested, the original run of this “Time Travel” case started April 23, 2018.
https://www.gocomics.com/bad-machinery/2018/04/23?ct=v&cti=78342