HSE: Dave Strider, Pt. 1

[@jadesapphira4325]

I do like how dave has been in the game longer than any of the other beta kids thanks to his three days of time traveling

[@puddel9079]

Dave had like 13 days racked up by [S]Cascade.

[@CosmicInsomniac]

I'd argue Rose has been in the game longer than Dave, since she merged with her Doomed Timeline dream self

[@nicefloweytheoverseer7632]

Both Dave(sprite) and Rose were in that timeline So they both were in Sburb for 4 months

[@Paradox-Roxy]

I mean... Who knows about how long Retcon John has been outside the timeline.... Just a random thought though

[@raymondshegog1659]

Honestly I never read Dave's gentle "bullying" as problematic or douchey because that's how kids our age back then interacted and grew into interacting with eachother. Everyone knew that everyone was joking Because if somebody crossed a line we'd talk about it. Funnily enough though, for all the dialogue in homestuck between people who are supposed to be friends, they rarely seem to hash out issues unless the world is on the line which makes those feelings seem small enough to talk about in comparison so typically they don't talk about it. It makes me wonder if the homies didn't talk about the way we behaved not because it was okay but because they didn't want to bring down the mood with something small.

[@superthorc6894]

raymond shegog plus they have like a thin line to communicate so they wouldn’t get the full context nor do they have the emotional maturity to deal with it

[@loregoblin3854]

I think another part of this is that a lot of homestuck takes place over the course of a single day. everything from the first page to the end of cascade (with the exception of jumps to things like offshoot timelines, the exiles, the troll backstory, or the Felt/Midnight Crew) was all just on John's birthday. these kids covered a lot of ground in terms of communication during a single day, but to be fair, there was a purpose... collaborating with nothing but online text conversations in order to play a game together takes a lot of finagling. it's honestly impressive how much other stuff besides conversations about the game we actually got, given the short time frame. and we still got some fairly insightful pesterlogs in that part of the story as well. but this is why act 6 is both important, and more concerned with character drama, rather than having such a heavy focus on game mechanics. the narrative now has the chance to play in the world it built, even more than it was already doing so, because so much of the core information about the world is wholly established. and the longer time frame allows for more in depth conversations to realistically occur, even in instances where we have to read between the lines and infer that they happened. so like, I think it makes sense that Dave would jokingly make fun of some of his friends' interests during the earlier acts of the story. like, the story even subtly hints to us that this is fine, because his friends felt comfortable enough with Dave to share their interests with him in the first place, and when he teases them, it doesn't seem like he's trying to enforce a standard that would make them stop liking what they like... they don't intend to stop liking this stuff, and that's fine with Dave. and Dave also engages with their interests on an ironic level to some extent, like, he made an ironic fursona that he'd use to joke around with Jade, and while Jade knew it was a joke, she was basically invited to be in on the goofs, rather than the subject of mean spirited ridicule. and I believe it was implied at some point that Dave used that same ironic oc to rp with Nepeta on a few different occasions... it's barely mentioned, but like... I dunno, I think it says quite a bit. for example, Dave may have made the character as an ironic dig at online furry culture, but the end result of him rping with Nepeta seemed to be her genuinely having fun, and at the end of the day, who cares what the level of sincerity actually was. Nepeta is used to having to try and coerce her stick-in-the-mud moirail to have fun with her in more than just a self-serious begrudging way, so having someone who will jump right into the scenario, even ironically, was probably something that she had a blast with. and Dave, for all his insistence that things are just jokes, really goes all in on whatever he's doing... because deep down, he is a classic awkward nerd, and obsessively prolonging shit that doesn't need to matter that much is his whole deal. I just think that, while Dave may have started with this douchey looking outer coating at the beginning, the kid on the inside was never malicious, and all of his friends could sense that about him. and one of the most heartwarming things about these kids is that they've gone though these stupid, douchey, or pretentious phases with each other, and never gave up on each other. they're out here genuinely being really good friends because like... when you go through those years with someone and see them at their most juvenile, you kind of know their capacities for things like douchiness, pretentiousness, nerdiness, stupidity... you've seen it all from them, but you've also appreciated them even when they were in the midst of all that. at the end of it all, if you can love them anyway, you're probably the best kind of friends that anyone could ask for. this is why friendship through homestuck feels so friggin genuine, whether you're talking about the characters or the fans. it's kind of a "no holds barred" type of friendship. it's really touching.

[@isabelguarderas1301]

@@loregoblin3854 nice analysis! agreed

[@arturoreyescortez2476]

When I began reading Homestuck I saw Dave and Bro's relationship as kind of an over the top student/teacher relationship, but in 2015 the explanation Dave gave about their relationship changed everything, and it makes sense. Bro was an abusive asshole that believed he was being a hero preparing Dave to become a hero too, but all he did was make Dave be afraid all the time. Heroism is a good thing, but Bro, and Ultimate Dirk, perverted it's ideals, explaining the whole speech Dave gave about heroism being bad since the "hero" he idolized was an asshole influenced by an evil puppet. Even now Dave is still a victim of his Bro's legacy since "Obama" tricked Dave into following the same philosophy as Ultimate Dirk. The "combat, philosophy, love and life" mantra is a warning about the violent worldview of Bro, Ultimate Dirk, Caliborn and Gamzee.

[@gamzee3610]

Optimistic Duelist: here's some character analysises Me: cool, neat, and also epic OD: now we're gonna talk about Dave Me: * vibrating at a high frequency* Yes I Like Him A Normal Amount

[@puskitty2000s]

FR

[@puddel9079]

4:51 Dave was not comfortable in that scenario, in fact I would insist that he was panicked at that time. He had a meteor baring down on him, a countdown timer ticking away, and his friend suddenly went into goldfish mode. I'd be panicked too if someone helping me stay alive suddenly forgot what they were doing. That said, anyone who can bridle their fear can procure solutions is better off than those who freeze up or succumb to their dismay; between rocks and hard places, the best solutions aren't always pleasant.

[@ihaveadilemma]

yeah i think using this as an example of daves supposed "hatred of women" early on kind of overblowing things. it was a life or death situation for dave and the robo slap had 0 lasting consequences. for someone who OD suggests hates women, dave sure knows this girl pretty well if hes able to recognize both when shes sleeping and how to wake her up. sometimes OD just takes too many things in early homestuck seriously. its much more comparable to problem sleuth than later homestuck in tone, i honestly kind of doubt hussie intended to imply dave had a deep rooted hatred of all women when he was writing this scene. it's a gag.

[@puddel9079]

@@ihaveadilemma OD probably should have picked up on the fact that Hussie actually fucks with everyone. Seriously, who else would blatantly say they created their wife in their own webcomic?

[@puddel9079]

@@navidesuka5683 Having been one who presumes my arguments were "self explanatory," we can hope that OD grows out of this intellectual stagnation.

[@friedchickenUSA]

dave is the character in homestuck

[@reneablackheart9563]

Correct

[@lunk1601]

Dave was affected a lot less by cal than bro was because he was given the shades as soon as he arrived on earth, while his bro didn’t get them until he could buy them. It is possible that Dave’s bro gave him the glasses to protect him from cal and he is “training” Dave so Dave can protect himself from what cal will end up becoming.

[@Palepetal]

I suspect Cal only affects people (particularly men/boys) who have it in them to abuse their power. Cal seems to only really affect Bro, Jack, and Gamzee. Other characters like John don't seem to be influenced because they don't have it in them.

[@nightazday7988]

The fact that Dave stole a weapon from a doomed timeline to bolster John's arsenal is one of the many thing that tells me "human characters have two ancestors"

[@oliverj.deoliveira3504]

As someone who grew up in an abusive situation, I really saw myself reflected in Dave from the start. I'm very happy that you're dissecting him now.

[@bepplennlttero]

Early commenters be like: *frantically makes time pun*

[@FiSH-iSH]

true.

[@queenoffaygo]

Dang I didn’t get here in time to make an early joke

[@greeeedo318]

Dave is the best character and I will stand by that until the day I die

[@themailman2401]

Oh my god... it's finally happening. THE BEST CHARACTER finally gets some love

[@davestrider9883]

My guy you need to calm down

[@t_s_albatross3270]

This video seemed a bit... short honestly. I feel like this could’ve gone more in depth a little with exploring Dave’s home life and how it affects him throughout the story or focusing on how the influence of Lil Cal influences him to the point that there’s one in his bedroom on derse.

[@lobster9059]

well it is just part one

[@t_s_albatross3270]

Lobster True, but the last 4 videos were all above 8 minutes in length, and this one is close to 7. This isn’t a judgement, just an observation. OD might have been busy when it was made and didn’t have enough time to record the script laid out or something.

[@Lemon_Father2422]

the reason theres a cal in his room, is because gamzee put it there. it didnt manifest

[@t_s_albatross3270]

Leonus 2422 Oop, you’re right. Apologies.

[@WithASock]

I am so excited to finally get to Dave!! But i don't know about the sound mixing in this video. Did anyone else find it a little distracting?

[@Overcrox]

Yeah, I second that. The vocals could stand to be turned up a couple notches.

[@nina_aert5051]

Same, The music was a little bit too loud and it was hard hearing taz's analysis

[@fntthesmth423]

The thing that first truly sold me on reading homestuck recently since i somehow avoided it in its glory years was a scene with dave, even before his name is revealed Pretty sure it's the first ever pesterlog we get between john and dave, and they at some point make a joke about each of them being gay. And for some reason that just really fucking hit because i've seen guys do that. It really made both of them feel like real kids from the aughts, and that kind of relationship realness was what i really wanted Unfortunately, homestuck isn't really "about" that but most fanfiction is so there's an insanely large amount of fuel for this new, objectively very late, hyperfixation

[@zephyr4254]

Time was on my side haha Love these! the in-depth explorations help a lot with my own writing. Looking forward to more :)

[@eridanampora3024]

Iv been waiting for this

[@adgVelaepyaety]

YOU CANT ESCAPE ME ERIDAN I WILL ALWAYS FIND YOU.

[@eridanampora3024]

@@adgVelaepyaety IF I CAN'T SEE YOU, YOU CAN'T SEE ME

[@adgVelaepyaety]

eridan ampora WE CAN ALL SEE YOU YOU WILL NEVER ESCAPE.

[@DefinitelyNautBenjamin]

Dont you mean "Ivve been wwaiting"

[@eridanampora3024]

@@adgVelaepyaety I CAN DAMN WELL TRY

[@jcs6387]

Dearest David.

[@arcturus8896]

this is one of my favorite voices

[@j-static8196]

OH MY GOD HE LIVES IN HOUSTON TEXAS!!! I UNDERSTAND THAT FUCKING HEAT

[@shannongilsdorf6972]

*Laughs in I relate to Dave too much for not good reasons*

[@june9914]

‘With no barometer whether their experiences are normal’ hahaaa same

[@Bongobert]

I read homestuck for the first time back when I was 15 and the whole thing about dave‘s upbringing just went completely over my head. I just thought it was funny he was fighting his bro on the rooftop and never realized how fucked up his living situation is. I haven‘t re-read the comic until now at 26, and it just then occurred to me that that‘s actually not a normal way to grow up, even within the contraints of video game logic. I guess what I’m saying is it just goes to show how easy it is to manipulate children into believing certain experiences are normal when they‘re not. Really good story telling on hussies part, wether the whole thing was planned from the beginning or not

[@davestrider2766]

Its here, it's finally *here*

[@bigbangcityinc]

I still don't get these "dark side of aspects" thing... I feel like these need explanations as well... Or maybe it's just me being stupid

[@clairehunt4776]

none of the aspects are inherently all good. Each one represents not only elements of the narrative but problems their players struggle against. the Condesce and Jane in Homestuck 2 are examples of the dark side of the life aspect. The only hope players we've seen outline the dark side of their aspects, too. Eridan was very hopeless, pathetic, clueless, and arguably the same can be said about Jake. I'd love to see a video talking more about this though @OD. Right now Jane really needs to get past the dark tendencies of the life aspect

[@bigbangcityinc]

@@clairehunt4776 I think we need a look on all of the dark sides of classes and aspects... Sure, I know our dude here making all the research here still doesn't have all the answers, but I don't blame him; I believe that should be Hussie and the new narrator's job... Since they invented them

[@puddel9079]

Tavros, the reluctant *heir* with his head in the *clouds.* Dave, the *knight* who is terrified of the *hours* of dangerous duty. Jane, the *maid* who wants to *live life* on her whim without regard to the consequences. Vriska, the *thief* who once *stole* (something) from everyone is seeking for something of her *own.*

[@lordbuss]

@@puddel9079 Tavros is a Page.

[@puddel9079]

@@lordbuss I see, thank you for pointing that out.

[@literallyn01imp0rtant]

4:25 That’s “coloUrs and mayhem: Universe B”, mate.

[@Buh526]

Thats what happens when Homestuck 2 affects the mind body and soul you start confusing stuff.

[@failedfandom5938]

I wonder of he will ever be really into Dirk Strider. I'm not sure if he already has, but I think with Homestuck^2 he has become much more complicated. I would love to see his thoughts!

[@cassette5160]

Dave be vibing to dem beats doe😳😳

[@0vercastliz]

*breaks through your wall* DID SOMEONE SAY DAVE STRIDER

[@beeflethals]

not enough people talk about the usage of irony in alt right brainwashing, thanks for touching on it

[@idiothead5511]

This.

[@avalancherelapse]

Can you elaborate? How does this work?

[@lordbuss]

There is nothing specifically about alt right in video, i suspect you are using the term "alt right" as a general equivalent of "bad". (aka "this water tastes like Hitler":kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4TZc5iCfKailac)

[@beeflethals]

@@lordbuss i dont care go out side and kick a foot ball

[@McGeeMcGeeMcGee-g7w]

i just now realised the puppets are probably largly responsible for dave and karkats lack of sexual romance.

[@__-wc5zn]

Dork Stripper is the best homestuck character

[@adgVelaepyaety]

Lol

[@__-wc5zn]

Dove Stripper is a close second though

[@lordbuss]

Dabe Stidrer.

[@tea_funz]

Dofk Streiedr

[@spidgeyart]

great video!

[@thydokhanhpho489]

Hey! I’m a fan!

[@stellarrev9833]

the 2 dislikes are bro and lil cal

[@davestrider2766]

I got knight of time and mage of mind, I wonder if you could have two classpects our change them

[@johnryu2317]

Nice Just in TIME

[@sergeantmituna6260]

Awww yeah it's the best ironic boi

[@adgVelaepyaety]

Hello

[@fatihcore]

FLOOR GANG OUH FLOOR GANG YAH FLOOR GANG OUH FLOOR GANG FLOOR GANG

[@woos057]

Oh hey its the underrated Vinesauce Streamer, Rev Scarecrow

[@kiwivvv]

im so upset i thought the song in the beginning was gonna be youre gonna go far kid......

[@harlowc4514]

yo make a part two please

[@baltosemaximus5355]

I have an inquiry for you Optimistic, How would Steven and the crystal gems from Steven Universe fair in a session of sburb?

[@lordbuss]

Not sure about OD, but there is an analysis: bladekindeyewear.tumblr.com/post/114721173059/steven-universe-homestuck-classes-and-aspects

[@krackkokichi]

looks at "Pt. 1" sadly

[@Ari-ii9li]

knight is an active class and it's verb is exploit, Dave exploits his time powers to do basically everything he needs to.

[@imnotreal4699]

i only just noticed the knight class being incorrectly attributed as passive

[@optimisticDuelist]

That's deliberate, my classpect model considers Knights passive and Pages active, as I've covered in several videos.

[@lordbuss]

2:38 Not really, that was just a part of Dave's word salad. There was a camera, there was a puppet Dave decided to cut by himself, it can be technically considered "snuff", just as Skaia can technically be considered a "perv". 3:53 Yes, definitely.

[@emoteen011]

homie got some audio tech nice

[@woodensteak179]

Yes. Hell Yes. Hell Fucking Yes

[@thefunniestenbyalive2054]

it's him

[@Suniboi]

Omg it’s happening

[@VeonySyndrome]

are you really dave strider?

[@fool4343]

wow i never been this early

[@superthorc6894]

Hey the cool kid

[@jredactedlredacted8148]

music was a lil loud but very good video!

[@cheshirecreeper3743]

Wow look at all these early comments Guess I got here just... IN TIME ...okay, i'll see myself out

[@Shad809]

You sound like a librarian, which is pretty fitting

[@boristheclown]

I still hope i'm in TIME to be first

[@LampSt]

You're so early, your comment says it was made a week before this video was posted

[@Overcrox]

@@LampSt Patreon supporters get early access to videos.

[@gladeseason3462]

oh hell yes

[@copiouschaos9245]

Yes. Bro is a dude guy. We stan

[@StarlitBawka]

Maybe not the best choice of words when talking about Bro Strider

[@copiouschaos9245]

@@StarlitBawka Yea lol

[@maneateress]

let me grab some AJ

[@calciumman5545]

daev