Tuesday, March 10, 2009

THE END OF PROBLEM SLEUTH.

03/10/08 - 03/10/09.

3 detectives
365 days
1621 pages
1915 images
142 megabytes
45,000 words
0 sacred urns toppled
0 mystic ruins desecrated
0 hallowed tombs defiled

A couple hundred people tuned in on the first day. A couple hundred thousand tuned in on the last.

The beginning was humble in ways that go beyond a simple reader count. Humble might not even be the right word. The word's blade might need to be dulled further -- from something used to slice butter, to something used to ladle paste into the mouth of an infant.

I was wondering what sort of story to make, so I drew a detective on a blank canvas. Then I thought he should be in a room, of course. Probably a detective's office, because that's where detectives usually are. He needed a phone and a gun. Clearly those two items would alone suffice, I thought. The wall over there looked a little blank so I drew a safe. A window for ambience. A door for exit, which may or may not have been locked; I wasn't sure yet.

What I was also oblivious to was the two other detectives who would show up later, and to their adjacent offices. I was oblivious to the world of imagination, and the desk-made fort that would be its gateway. I didn't know the window lead there either, and I didn't know you could only get to that place I didn't know about if it was plugged in. I didn't know about the candy in his pocket, the dames in their dollhouse, the kingpin in his ship, or the weasel in his palace.

Those I's would be dotted by your suggestions, and the T's would be crossed by my reaction to them. It was a storytelling game of cat and mouse, and you presumably just finished reading the aftermath of our year-long, Tom and Jerry-style rampage through the house.

And if at the beginning you told me I would have a group of characters fight a single giant monster every day for almost six months, I would have told you... well, I would have told you that sounds awesome! But then I probably wouldn't have done it. Because I would have known I was going to do it. And what fun would that have been?

It's hard to believe it's done, I'm sure mostly for me personally. If you do the math, you'll note I produced an average of more than 5 images per day, every single day for that year-long stretch. In retrospect, it was a matter of routine inseparable from day to day existence. I didn't notice the effort, and I didn't notice the year. It wasn't a labor. It was just what I did.

But I guess it's more than just a shift in habitual momentum. There's a note of melancholy. These detectives won't be up to their antics anymore (unless I make deliberate exceptions to their retirement, of course). It seems strange to me that these characters have become so well defined in my mind, even though they've never uttered a single word. It was never supposed to be that way. It was just supposed to be about a cruddy-looking dude in his office.

But that said, I'm pretty excited to get working on something new. And maybe, if you're not all that busy, we could take the first step of this amazing new journey together.

Thanks for reading!

- Andrew.

373 comments:

1 – 200 of 373   Newer›   Newest»
JPLC said...

It was one hell of a ride. Thanks, one and all, for giving me something interesting to look forward to every once in a while.

Godspeed.

*Raises glass.*

Lindsey said...

That... was... awesome. I am in awe. I am also a winner.

I can't wait to see what you do next!

Anonymous said...

Your work has been responsible for a huge portion of my daily laughs. Thank you for bringing Problem Sleuth to the world, and for making the Internet a slightly better place!

ChrisDecaf said...

Jeebus. I cannot believe how surrealy epic the whole thing was. What a journey. I'm holding my breath in anticipation of your next work.

Anonymous said...

Amazing story! I am stircken with new understanding of the miniscule world of chaos around me. I congratulate you on producing this masterpiece.

Anonymous said...

Keep up that sense of creativity and fun, and I don't see any problems with the future of MS Paint Adventures.

Here's to Problem Sleuth, and everything to come.

*also raises glass*

Anonymous said...

Bravo good sir.

Anonymous said...

The end of Problem Sleuth is most disconcerting, but whatever comes next will be sure to have my fine ogle.

Anonymous said...

Oh gods... This was a bright spot on my day for a long while. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

That was amazing... and I loved every moment of it. Keep doing what you do and I'll make sure to tune in!

Thank you for giving me something to look forward too each morning.

-takes off hat in symbol of respect and thankfulness-

Anonymous said...

It was an epic story..and I am saddened it has come to an end. Every day I had something to look forward to when I clicked that bookmark. Whether it be the 'Sleuth's hardboiled lines, the 'Inspector's crazy shenanigans, or the 'Dicks (>_>) tubby awkwardness. They all came together into a story that will remembered for generations to come. I thank thee for writing the story, and congratulate thee for finishing it.

Unknown said...

I think there was a point where the ridiculosity of the comic crested traditional scales of ridiculousness.

I've been reading this comic every day since about the middle of April 2008, and it has been the single best webcomic I've ever read. Smart, well-animated, and well-written, you did an amazing job, and I salute you for your work on this masterpiece.

Anonymous said...

I'm actually really sad that this is all over. It was weird, and for quite a bit of it I didn't know some of the vocabulary or the advanced plot twists (I'm a sophomore in high school with A's and B's, I'm not stupid). It was an epic ride and I'm glad I was able to see the end first hand and not stuble upon it a year after it ended just to read the whole thing through. I hope the next thing you make is something just as great to read. I'll miss those three detectives a lot, more than anyone will know.

-Misharu, Lord of all that is Frozen

Anonymous said...

You sir, are my HERO. This comic has given me so much laughter over the time ive been reading it, it gave me a little extra something to look forward to every time i checked the latest update. Thanks for the epic tale of Problem Sleuth and his allies, cant wait to see whats next!

Anonymous said...

I wasn't here for the entire thing, so when I first found Problem Sleuth thanks to a friend, I went back, and I read it. The whole thing. From start to the current update at the time. In one sitting. I was awestruck at that point, and I quickly bookmarked that motherfucker.

Andrew, you're amazing. Readers, you're just as amazing. I eagerly await whatever you've got in store next, because at this point the only way you can go is up.

Unknown said...

What I love most is that it actually ended, and only after a year! I hate to see it end, but it's better then going on too long.

Problem Slueth became my favorite webcomic the moment I read it, and I eagerly anticipate what is next.

Thats My Butt said...

Problem Sleuth will always be something I remember. Thank you for following through and never giving up on such an amazing concept, idea, and comic. You rock!

Unknown said...

I'm so sad that this has ended. I was hoping that you would find a way to drag this out, but all good things must come to an end. =(
Great job, but now I have nothing to check 30 times a day for updates. I guess we'll all have to wait for your next adventure!

Chris Podima said...

Chiming in to say I really enjoyed it - a great read all around! Thanks for the hard work and the time you put into it.

*rides the end like a mechanical bull*

Ziggy Stardust said...

Thanks so much, Andrew. Your drawn-out narrative and amusing drawing style brightened up some months that would otherwise have been devoid of abstract humor. Do take some comfort in the fact that you've brightened up the lives of thousands, and made hundreds more scratch their heads in bemusement.

Anonymous said...

I have two bookmarks at the top of my page- yahoo (for my email) and MS Paint Adventures. This provided me with hours of entertainment and buckets of laughs. I'm sad that it's finally over, but I'm definitely looking forward to your next work. See you when it happens.

Unknown said...

You, sir, are a LEVEL 999 SUPERSLEUTH. When I discovered this... oh, hell, I don't remember when, I read through all of Jail and was hooked. Then I was liek "wtfproblemsleuth" and read it. Forever. You should continue Jail Break!

Anonymous said...

I fucking salute you, sir, that was the most amazing journey I have ever had the honor of being a part of.

"Epic" can't even begin to describe it.

I'm looking forward to the next installments, so very very much! You are a complete inspiration as a fellow cartoonist!

Anonymous said...

Jesus Christ this was such a blast.

thanks for such a great project!!

dmhess said...

Andrew: Compile Problem Sleuth into a book, because shit couldn't possibly get any more real that way.

Seriously, I'd buy that book in a heartbeat.

It'd be sort of a pain to deconstruct some of those gifs, but damn would that be a great coffeetable read or collectable.

Thanks for the amazing journey. Now lets go back to the Caverns of Harold.

Anonymous said...

That was amazing. I checked at the very least once a day here for updates, usually followed with me sending the links to people and then having to explain the entire convoluted story to them so they could get it. I can't wait for your next installment to start because my days are going to be lacking that certain something to look forward to every day.

Anonymous said...

You've defined a new genre, Andrew. Not only did this story kick ass, and not only did the artwork rule, but the way it was put together was revolutionary. I can't wait to see what you (and by that, I mean we) do next.

Anonymous said...

Just by seeing the number of reader responses written already, within mere hours of the story's completion, you can see how many readers have been faithfully following the Sleuths' collective adventures on a daily basis.

Combining the entertainment of a webcomic, the interactivity of a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure story, and the communication potential of the Internet, you have inspired the creation of something bizarre and wonderful.

There is great potential to be had in online Interactive Fiction, and in ways you've been one of the pioneers of a new media, and have entertained thousands while so doing.

Well done, old boy, well done!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for such an entertaining daily read! I followed the whole thing. Your panels/animations always amazed me in their intricacy, particularly the fractal combs. Phew! Congratulations, sir, on a job well done / game well played!

Anonymous said...

huh. So this is how it ends. Well, i suppose i wouldn't have it any other way. Here's to you mate.

*Raises Tankard*

Andrew Hussie said...

Thanks guys!

Remember, there will be a brief epilogue, so that is at least one ray of hope to cling to!

Anonymous said...

Nobody has said it yet so I'm going to!

I refreshed the page a couple of times a day regularly, which probably contributed to your bandwidth bill issues. I'm sure others have to, but for this, I sincerely apologize.

I'll probably pick up a fractal pattern shirt in the near future.

Anonymous said...

I didn't get introduced to Problem Sleuth until near the end, but after reading a few pages near where I started I went back to the beginning and devoured the entire thing like a junkie. Once I was caught up I usually refreshed the page at least once a day looking for new pages. This was a tremendously epic, funny adventure and I'm glad that I got to experience it. Fantastic work, and I look forward to reading whatever it is you give us next.

PD said...

fun stuff, I look forward to future projects building on the techniques developed in this one!

at least they get a nice epilogue. that's enough closure for me.

and of course, thanks for the awesome distractions.

Anonymous said...

well done

Anonymous said...

You gave the story the amazing ending it deserved. Thanks for an amazing, compelling story.

You, sir, are the epitome of hardboiled.

Dylan said...

Andrew, I wish to someday meet you, and shake your hand, and possibly convey to you some semblance of the sheer amount of gratitude that you deserve. May you be successful in all you do.

*raises glass*

Anonymous said...

It's a pity that it's over--I'm sure everyone will agree with me when I say that reading Problem Sleuth has become just as much a daily routine as writing it. Still, all good things must come to an end...

I look forward to seeing your future work!

Anonymous said...

And this epic story, of course, is going to be made into a book to be read obsessively by me for a few months and then be cast, derelict, in my bathroom? (actually, now that i think about it... animations and paper tend to be painful. FLIPBOOKS! THATS IT. I WOULD WASTE MANY A DOLLAR ON FLIPBOOKS OF THESE ANIMATIONS.)

Anonymous said...

Andrew, you may never have as big a fan or advocate as my friend ZombieLincoln. Thanks for the favor you've done all of us white nerds, and may you find a way to expand the fanbase you so obviously deserve.

Anonymous said...

Here's hoping your next project is as much an improvement over PS as PS was over Bard's Quest / Jail Break

Anonymous said...

Simply amazing! I can't wait to see what comes next!

John Evans said...

To quote Ric Flair...

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Anonymous said...

You sir, have made a truly excelent comic/video game.
I may have not started from the first page one year ago, I started from the aftermath of the JawBreakerSkylightBomb. But after I caught up, I was hooked, everyday I went to www.mspaintadventures.com praying for a new page, typing it in soon became second nature to me. The characters never talked, but to me this scilence only made the bond stronger, making the characters come alive in my mind. Not only that, but you've allowed me to find something I can enjoy and always remeber the good times I spent, just waiting for Problem Seluth SEPULCHRITUDE, the amazing Ogles of Pickle Inspector, and the Truffle Shuffles of Ace Dick. And to top it off, it all started with one room, a detective and a KEY/GUN, and turned into a struggle for the Universe. And unlike lots of comics like this, you were able to make it funny while keeping a storyline, insted of it becoming to random and lose all plot, a true accomplishment indeed! Thank you, for making my life a whole lot better and the Internet a better place for all of us! Without your comic, I would have not have made so many happy memories.

Everyone who has come on this ride with me, let it be known that we should all thank Andrew for year he has provided us with pure amazment. And for now one last command:

MSPA Readers: Fondly Regard Andrew Hussie. Then let him have a well deservied break (if he wants one).

Your Friend,
Kratospie

Anonymous said...

I could say a lot of things. Like how you made the coolest adventure comic in all time and I would know I web surf like nobodies business. Your comics are so awesome that I had to play everything from sam and max to kingdom hearts and a couple of songs in between to capture the mood and awesomeness that was in it(I plan to redo the comic know that my music choices won't be as adlibbed). That the story actually added ideas into my own head for my stories. But all that could be summed up by me saying thanks. and one question in particular. Should I keep the rss feed that gave me updates of people's suggestions? maybe I should just subscribe to your blog so I will know if you get that new story started not that it will be anytime soon but still...

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that I found out and read the whole PS before this epic finale.
I really doubt any characters can replace PS, AD & PI. Ever.
Thanks for everything.

AWESOME.

David said...

Andrew - I would just like you to know that Problem Sleuth is one of the greatest things on the entire internet. The kind you cannot stop referencing and telling people about, even when they want you to stop, please, just stop talking about MS Paint Adventures already. Your updates made my life a little brighter, so thank you! It was awesome in every way.

P.S. I think we should try to introduce the word "aggress" into general usage.

Anonymous said...

I only started reading problem sleuth a month ago, and only got caught up a few weeks ago. This was great, I'll definitely follow whatever comes next.

Anonymous said...

And to the last thing you said, Yes, lets go on this new ride together. And, who knows, it might end up passing the amazment of Problem Sleuth. Together lets make a new adventure!

Your Friend,
Kratospie

Anonymous said...

I only found your comic about a month ago, but it was amazing.

You are awesome! Can't wait for your next work!

Anonymous said...

I'm amazed you managed to work all of those random suggestions into a coherent storyline, that neatly ties up all loose ends. It was funny, yet engaging enough that I cheered when DMK finally went down. I'd been looking forward to that for months.

Can't wait to see what you do next. Maybe this time I'll make a suggestion that doesn't involve Sepulchritude.

Jay said...

That was incredible. I honestly mean it when I say it was the best webcomic ever. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Problem Sleuth was an amazing story. Now, I am probably not the only person who will ask this, or you have probably discussed this in a previous post, but have you considered publishing Problem Sleuth for print (this was awkwardly phrased)? A friend and I are both fans and we agreed we'd love to have Problem Sleuth in book form. It was a great ride and I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Good luck with whatever comes next.

Anonymous said...

Loved it.

Matt Penniman said...

That was terrific fun. Thank you for a fantastic creation, and best wishes for whatever comes next.

Laura M said...

Ah, sir, yer a credit to yer family

A credit I say sir

Anonymous said...

it was an amazing ride, man :D i just wish i'd been in from the start instead of a few months before it ended. i'm glad that your friendship with ryan north seems to have blossomed as well :) best introduction i ever had a hand in! :P i look forward to your further endeavors

Anonymous said...

My nautical themed hat is off to you, Andrew. This was truly great work and you should be proud of it. You rode this one like a mechanical bull, you punched it in the snout to establish your superiority, you posed as a team because shit was never this real and you made me enjoy every second of it.
Thank you.

Anonymous said...

I'm a winner!

Is there time for an end of movie victory jump?

Anonymous said...

Thank you for making this. I doubt I can express my gratitude for the production more then anyone else whose already commented, but I want you to know that you're not alone in finding these well-defined characters oddly complete despite being silent.

Anyway, I hope you keep on producing more amazing comics, and I hope you know that your fans love your work almost as much as you do.

Sincerely,
Kit Scuzz

Anonymous said...

It was an amazing adventures. I started a little late, but I quickly caught up and was a faithful player each day. The physics and science thrown in were utterly awesome [I even learned a few things from the science FAQ]. The only thing I wished for in the ending that wasn't there was the detectives actually, for the last time posing as a team, because shit will never be that real again. I thought that would have been the perfect way to end, with that pose, but I also vastly enjoyed the one I was presented with. Great job Andrew!

Drew said...

Better pose as a team...

'Cause shit just got sad. ;_;

Anonymous said...

This was an amazing way of making a comic. I applaud your dedication, and also your creativity. Thank you for an epic comic to read over the last few months.

Unknown said...

PS: Quickly retrieve awesome from safe.

Anonymous said...

"0 sacred urns toppled
0 mystic ruins desecrated
0 hallowed tombs defiled"

We missed some secret passageways?! Oh, goddammit I knew this would happen! Let's start over! New Game+!

But um, seriously, reading that story made me realize how incredible this comic really was. I enjoyed it for laughs and following the adventure, but remembering how this all started and how the universe was made just shows how incredible this comic was thanks to everybody.

So let's give our thanks to the readers, who constantly came up with new ideas to send this comic where it was.

But let's not forget about Andrew Hussie, our selfless dungeon master who drew the world we wanted, and challenged us for the last year to break out of offices, destroy beasts like Fluthlu, ride everything like mechanical bulls, constantly adjust valves to change body proportions, and so much more. Without him, there would be no DMK, BMMK, BHMK, PS, ZAD, FAD, HD, NB, Captain Snoop bust, or GPI to see and play around with.

There's so much more I want to write about it but I think the point explains itself by now. Thank you to the readers and contributors for creating the world, but above all, big thanks to you, Andrew, for giving us the chance to create and expand it.

I'll never look at weasels the same way ever again.

To Andrew! *raises glass*

Unknown said...

Words can't quite describe how fun reading MS Paint Adventure was. It was so incredibly stupid and brilliant at the same time. The humor, the creativity, everything was floating in a sea of pure liquid awesome. For exactly one year we transverse this ocean, and every one of those days was brighter thanks to your work. Thank you and congratulations, Andrew.

Anonymous said...

Everyone: fondly regard the end

Seriously? this story is, by far, one of the best things I have ever seen on the internet. The sheer level of intelligence and humor and excellence is just above anything I have seen.

Well done... Seriously, every day you spend not writing or drawing is one sad day.

Anonymous said...

Well done sir, well done.

*claps hands*

Anonymous said...

This was most definitely one of the best webcomics/stories ever. It combined ridicilousness with intelligent dialogue, weird puzzle shit and parodesque rpg-system in such an epic way.

Actually, I think you should make a real game out of this, and release it. I would totally buy it. Twice.

Anonymous said...

At first, I stumbled upon this comic out of sheer curiousity. Then it turned into an every day (and night) habit of checking to see the next addition to the story. The result of an writer/fan made webcomic in my opinion is probably one of the most amusing ideas I have ever seen.

I will say this, I will continue to look, and perhaps wait for a sequal, if not, a new story perhaps. Never know what the sleuths could find beyond the door, huh?

I hope to see more of your work soon, it became one of those moments in my day where it has become habit.

*Tips hat*

Pope Richard Corey said...

You'd better not simply ride this game like a mechanical bull into the sunset. You are my favorite game company. You have outstripped even Mid-Late-90s Squaresoft. When will you have a booth at E3?

Isaac said...

Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!

Anonymous said...

After a story as epic as that, all I can think to myself is "When does the movie come out?" :p

Andrew, not to purposefully inflate your ego or anything, but you've worked hard to give us all something that will be enjoyed for many years to come by countless numbers of people. It was hilarious. It was about as realistic and scientific as a made-up-fantasy-do-whatever-you-can-imagine type story can possibly be. It was clever. It was vengeful (that Poison Pen Letter was well deserved). It was exciting. It was everything that you could possibly want out of a story and more. Only one command should remain at this point.

Readers: Fondly regard Andrew Hussie and his work.

Anonymous said...

I want to thank you so much man. This story is genius!

Mathwyn said...

Andrew Hussie I salute you.

This will surely be considered a classic of webcomic history. I'm just glad I was there at the end.

*raises glass*

*wipes away a tear of liquid black sorrow*

Anonymous said...

i love you

Anonymous said...

The whole story was just spectacular. I started reading pretty late on, only a couple of months ago, and... I think it's amazing that the whole story became so complex. Of all of the comics I read every day (and there are many), this was my favourite. The simplicity of the art combined with the fantastic animation made it a very unique story, along with the loads of randomness and insanity.

Thank you so much for the awesome story. I'm really looking forward to the next one, although I have no idea how it will be able to top the antics of PS, PI, and AD.

Anonymous said...

Words cannot describe my gratitude for the laughs you gave all of us for this last year.

You sir, are awesome and I can't wait for your next adventure!

Anonymous said...

That shit was exhausting. In a good way. Like the way you feel after a 3-day coke binge. Well, maybe more like the 3-day coke binge itself. Seriously though, you should think about designing a drug now, 'cause you've mastered the webcomic. And if your drug is half as addictive as MSPA, you'll be rich beyond your wildest dreams.

Great fun was had - can't wait for the next big thing.

Anonymous said...

I, like most of the other people here, enjoyed the Problem Sleuth adventure very much. I saw this comic as a "Featured Comic" on VGCats. I started reading it, by the time I got to page 10 i was hooked, I stayed up all night to catch up with the rest of the comic. I couldn't believe just how random it turned out to be, Yet still keeping to the story line. It was an amazing comic for Amazing people.

Thanks Andrew Hussie. I couldn't have done better myself!

My very own suggestion:
MSPA Readers: Weep at the loss of the best webcomic EVER!

Anonymous said...

*Raises glass*

Epic. Truely epic. Thank you, Andrew.

Anonymous said...

Best. Webcomic. Ever.

There will be imitators (and they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery), but nothing will ever capture the magic of the original. Bravo.

Jordan said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

It's a beautiful ride. And after a solid year of laughs, mechanics, and maddening alteration, we are off of it.
Which in the end seems like a bit of a shame, but all good things...
I should follow suit with the Unknown here-- *a toast*.
To Pulchritude!

Anonymous said...

I echo those proclaiming Problem Sleuth among the best webcomics ever.

I was waiting for you to slip up, you know. |: Thought to myself, alright, well, he's -got- to produce something that's not up to par eventually. Won't hold it against him, but hey, there's no way someone who's never really done this type of project to this scale before can pull it off without a hitch.

You never disappointed. Not a single damn day.

I hope you decide to do more along the same line, but fully understand if you do not. :x

Beatfox said...

Like some of the other folks posting here, I was a relative latecomer to the party, only discovering MSPA / Problem Sleuth several weeks ago via word of mouth or some random link... I honestly don't even remember now. Needless to say, I could not have mentally grasped the addiction I was about to partake in.

Andrew, I have never seen anyone concoct such an absurd set of characters, props, locations, styles, and tropes into such an intelligent, well-written, and memorable story like you have here. You (and everyone who participated in the storywriting) have done something epically special.

And other people have already said everything else I would've wanted to say, so I'll simply add my own "Thank you" to the mix. :)

Anonymous said...

Andrew darling, you are pure genius and if I ever encounter anything half as awesome as PS... well i think that will be the day I die...
Huzzah good sir, huzzah. and although they say that girls don't exist on the internets I will have you know that they do, and they Love Andrew Hussie.
God speed on your next venture, I know I will be along for the ride.

Lukas said...

I'm actually crying right now :')
They fought with DMK for six months?
It doesn't feel like they did :P

I don't know when I started reading, no idea, but whenever it was, I was hooked.

To Problem Sleuth!

Anonymous said...

I have discovered this adventure only some weeks ago, so, damn, it was hard ride. It has recalled the memories of old good text adventures. Pity, it's over. But I feel particularly hard boiled today.

Anonymous said...

Thank you very much for the entertainment.

This is very inspiring. I want to make one myself, the main hurdle is getting people to go there. How did you even promote yourself?

Anonymous said...

Loved the series man, looking forward to the epilogue and all your future work.

By the way Andrew, you should check out your YouTube fanbase.

Anonymous said...

Not sure if there is sufficient words to say how fun it was to read/play Problem Sleuth, so instead i'll just say thanks for the ride!

Anonymous said...

Amazing!
You really punched us all in the snout there :)
I can't wait for the next story! But think about experimenting with new suggestion systems... like one where people can vote on other user suggestions, with you choosing one from the top 3 or something.

Unknown said...

That was incredible. Epic was redefined for me after this comic.

Best webcomic ever.

Thanks for the wild ride, Andrew. It's been a blast! :D

Elysium said...

Ahh... The day I was bored and VGcats linked me to MSpaint adventures, I'll likely never forget.
Me and a friend have been following the adventure, talking about it on MSN, been amazed and fallen completely inlove with Problem Sleuth.
Thank you very much for creating, and thank you all for continuing the story.
You rock Andrew.

Erin said...

Brilliant, Andrew. I really enjoyed the journey, and the end kicked arse!
I'm looking forwards to whatever you get up to next.

Anonymous said...

This adventure has been awesome, all the days in which i got up looking for a MSPA update and all the awesome moments this webcomic has brought me.

Thanks.

palmfreak said...

thank you very much. that's all i can say.

Unknown said...

Oh man. Everyone has summed it up pretty well, that was just amazing.

Here's to your next big success.

Ed said...

I'm so sad its already over ;_; but i think you must be very proud of finishing it and look at the great work you did, you should fondly regard your creations :D your characters, locations, battle techniques, etc. i know its not 100% product of your imagination but i think you have the most credit of it because you started it and you did an excelent work.

I would really miss the daily updates and have a good laugh all nights :(.

I know this is only one of the thousands of coments the readers are posting but i wanted so badly to tell you THANKS, good luck and we surely would be looking forward to the next adventure :D.

Anonymous said...

thanks for the big effort. I'm another reader who discovered the comic/game late (about one month ago, thanks to Jeff Atwood), but I as soon as I begun reading it, the great humour and story created by the magical interaction between the readers and you got me hooked. Looking forward to your next great product, with a little hope to see somer more of PS & co. in some future. This has been the best adventure game I've seen in... well, since MI2. :)

Anonymous said...

I as well, after reading all the great comments *had* to make one of my own.

A truly amazing ride that started the day vgcats decided to link to MSPA. It has truly been the most amazing thing comic I have read, and the one thing I have religiously clicked upon each day.

You are an inspiration to one such as myself, for dream is to be a professional illustrator. I am learning to be a graphic designer at the time, but I draw on my own time. I say this because I am struggling to create genuine characters that have personality, and this is something you have done amazingly well, and all your readers are evidence of this.

I raise my glass to you, and truly look forward to your future endeavours.

Anonymous said...

Reader: Fondly regards journey with tear in eye

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for your epic adventure. Much respect to you for your persistence and your fine storytelling ability.

And mad props on your use of the word "caliginous", i shall endeavour to use it in every conversation.

Anonymous said...

I was a big follower of VGcats, and quickly noticed the featured link and ever since that I've been looking forward to MSPAs updates more than VGcats. One thing that made MSPA really great was the fact that there were several updates every day, it was uncanny.

Anonymous said...

This was the BEST. COMIC/GAME. EVER.

It was as fun as Wizard's Sudoku, as shocking as LADDER TO HELL, and as flat-out AMAZING as FINAL FLIP OUT.

Encore. ENCORE. ENCOOOOOOOORE!

Fera said...

The most down to hell COMIC I've ever read. Congratulations, sir. Your ARTWORK has astounded me and earned itself a DAILY OGLE as my DAMN EPIC WALLPAPER of SEPULCHRITUDE.

Looking forward to the next EPIC ADVENTURE!

FINAL COMMAND:
> Everyone: Celebrate!

Anonymous said...

Definitely my favourite web comic ever!

Anonymous said...

Ahh... a heart warming ending to a badass adventure of a locked detective...

But I do believe with your, or should I say our, unlimited imagination full of spirit and wonder...there will be more endings to come...

You sir, have punched me in the snout, established respect and awe, and have bought a sweet gumdrop tear filled with relishing memories to my eye...

There will be no further words to define and do justice to the Raw emotion that I am feeling for all the people that has been a part of this awesomely awesome journey...
*/monocle* indeed...

Here's more to ye!
*raises glass* Cheers!

Anonymous said...

You, sir, are fucking awesome.

*tips hat, raises glass*

I give you my thanks and hope for more from you.

Anonymous said...

You are amazing.

Ian Keith said...

I'm proud to have been a part of this, even if I wasn't a real part of it. I, too, can be a winner, for a little while.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

READER: Give thanks to Andrew Hussie, proceed to hug him until oblivion.

Engrave "thank-you" message into pumpkin.

Also, ride pumpkin like a mechanical bull.

Martin said...

I loved this but would've liked to see more sleuthing and less monster bashing.

Looking forward to the next adventure. :)

Anonymous said...

Good job filling your computer up with spyware, moron!

Unknown said...

I came in about a third of the way through and I've loved checking in on this thing practically every day since then. You've taken one of my suggestions (At least I think you did, coulda been a bunch of the same!) and it made my day/week/month.

It's been a lot of fun, I hope this isn't the last we'll see of the team but I understand that this specific series has reached it's end! Thanks for the wonderful year Andrew!

Anonymous said...

It has been an awesome story. You should consider making some sort of point 'n click adventure out of it, in a Telltale games way.

Anonymous said...

I thank you for this, been reading since the start, and I clicked that refresh button 60 times a day minimum. Your the best. In one way I'm sad it ended, but I knew it had to end.

Elsavira Aka Quinten Perquin

Anonymous said...

Thank you Lord, for this comic of awesomeness.

Anonymous said...

You sir, are awesome. It was a a nice run; was nice to see one of my suggestions get accepted too. :D

When will you be starting on your next project?

Anonymous said...

KEEP ROCKIN' THE DIGITAL WORLD, ANDREW!

FAN FOR LIFE!!!

Anonymous said...

Andrew, thank you for the many laughs your comic has given me. Problem sleuth is the single best comic on the internet. Thank you for a year of daily enjoyment.

Anonymous said...

MSPA readers: Mourn passing of Problem Sleuth storyline.

Anonymous said...

Fans: Make camp in front of andrew's house till new storyline or new comic begins

Simply great when i started reading the comic i thought it already ended thought i keept on reading .. to find out that it was far before the end.

I started thinking it would be a simple story shrouded in randomness
Till i realized it was a true masterpiece crafted in ms paint.

Trully one of the things that should be know to any person who thinks that has seen everything on the internet.

Anonymous said...

And one last thing .. thank you

I mean it even finished the day of my birthday.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the amazing story. I'm looking forward to your next one. :)

Anonymous said...

Boy, would this be an inappropriate time for ham or what?

Anonymous said...

you are an inspiration to webcomic authors everywhere

Anonymous said...

Permission to shout Bravo! in an annoyingly loud voice?

I can't tell you how much easier it has been for me to get through crappy work days thanks to MSPA. I'd just save up the story in my SUCKLE RECEPTACLE and imbibe all at once.

Across each adventure, MSPA has become my all time favorite web comic, thanks to you and your hilarious readers. Thanks for doing something cool. (A 'pose as a team' t-shirt is definitely in my future.)

Don't take too long of a break before starting the next one!

Anonymous said...

Andrew, I love you. Thank you for the best web comic I have ever read. It's not even a web comic, but a web adventure.

Anonymous said...

>Insert Commander Riker's Applause Clip<

N. Abreu said...

Players: Check final score.

AH: Relax.

Anonymous said...

I have to give Andrew Hussie an amazing amount of credit for creating something so interesting, so complete, so rewarding to come and view each and every day. Entertaining isn't the right word for what it did to me though - I have to use the word inspiring. A little over a year ago, I posted the beginnings of a (quite hoity-toity) choose-your-own-adventure game on patadox.com. Because of what I've seen Andrew create, and the reaction it's encouraged, I'm now set to relaunch my website this week with a brand new, quite silly story, and hopefully some interesting quirks and references to my friend and yours, Andrew Hussie.

Congratulations Andrew, and we look forward to your new creations. And special thanks to your #1 fan, Ryan North, for drawing me and so many others in.

Ben said...

So what's next...?

Ace Dick Gaiden!
ACE DICK GAIDEN!
ACE DICK GAIDEN!

Seriously, his tubby vulgar bum is good for a few months of open-ended rambling whenever you're in the mood to revisit!

Either way, thanks Andrew! You're a prince!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for such an amazing story. Every day I faithfully checked for updates, often multiple times a day because I couldn't wait to see what happened next. You are a credit to the human race.

Anonymous said...

My friend Ricky linked me to this god knows how long ago and I was hooked from the moment I laid eyes on it. Kudos to Andrew for not only creating such an inspired and entertaining comic, but single-handedly (with the help of all of you guys, that is) spawning more new internet memes than anything else in existence. I have a feeling we're going to be talking about hard-boiled suckle receptacles fondly regarding shit that just got real for some time to come.

Anonymous said...

Well played,Andrew,Well played

Anonymous said...

This story redefines the word 'epic'. It makes Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Carribean and every other notable series seem like childsplay.

Bravo, Andrew. Bravo.

Anonymous said...

That was really awesome Andrew. I looked foward to updates everyday, first thing in the morning. Hopefully maybe next time I can get a command in... LET THERE BE A NEXT TIME!

Anonymous said...

Problem Sleuth was AWESOME!!!!

I'm looking forward to another story soon!

kg said...

This is seriously a work of art. It brought joy upon me every day with each new command.

I pray that whatever comes next draws us in and we feel that intimacy that I did with Problem Sleuth and company.

I take my hat off to you sir. Bravo and encore,

Anonymous said...

I am both overjoyed to see it's conclusion, and deeply saddened to see it go. I started reading problem sleuth around the time that they met up with PI, and have checked it almost every day since. I've been in and out of a relationship, found new job opportunities, lost new friends and regained old, and Problem Sleuth has been there through it all.

If I wore a hat, I'd tip it to you in a hard-boiled way.

Anonymous said...

Unbelievably awesome.

I can't believe how often you updated, and how you managed to keep track of this monster.

I would buy a book of this thing in a heartbeat, but it'd lose all it's gif-y awesomeness.

>next.
>

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

No doubt you have gone beyond geographical, perhaps dimensional, barriers.

From Spain I sincerely thank you for all those laughs and amusement you fondly offered to us.

For sure, I'm not your only non english-speaking fan.

Anonymous said...

I only joined in at the beginning of chapter 22, shamefully at that. But still, hey, funny as hell. I look forward to that epilogue, Andrew, may your later works be as Epic (with a capital E, mind you) as Problem Sleuth.

MSPA Readers: (Lovingly) Force Andrew to make something > or equally awesome to Problem Sleuth (encouragingly)

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, may your next idea spawn even greater characters.

High Voltage said...

*rides glass like a mechanical bull*

Turbo said...

Throws hat down to show his gratitude.


Thanks for the laughs, it was definitely fun to read.

All I can say is... THIS FUCKING PUMPKING!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant.

Thank you so much for making my day so much more exciting for a year

AWESOME

Anonymous said...

You made these last few months awesome with almost an update a day. This is truly one of the best comics I've ever read, and one of the few I'm sure I'll re-read every so often just to see it all again.

Anonymous said...

wooooooow that... was.... AMAZING!!!! ive been reading since ... i ...dont...know but i think you can make moar and better ones no matter how EPIC that one was you can do it so i porpose a toast all who think that was epic raise their glass

(raises glass also)

Unknown said...

I arrived to the game late, but had a blast catching up and enjoying the final few chapters as they happened. A fun experiment turned into great story. Thanks for all the work you put into this.

*Poses with glass because this shit just got real.*

Anonymous said...

Cheers mate,
heres to riding things like mechanical bulls!

Anonymous said...

Problem Slueth was just plain awesome. I first started out when this comic was about half through, and I almost decided not to read it. Who wants to go through so many pages when more are being added every day? But I was bored enough to do it, and I definately don't regret it. I'm sad it's done, but I'm glad I went along for the ride.

Cheers

Anonymous said...

"I, like most of the other people here, enjoyed the Problem Sleuth adventure very much. I saw this comic as a "Featured Comic" on VGCats. I started reading it, by the time I got to page 10 i was hooked,"

Like him (Her?) I saw this as a feature on VGcats around MM's intro and was hooked by the Key-Gun. Who would have thought such a humble drawing could become something as epic as this, the greatest webcomic online, by unanimous decision. And I have seen many, many webcomics, from this (the geatest of them all) to VGcats to qwantz. I salute you sir with my final (first) command:


GPI: fondly regard Andrew Hussie's all humbling creation.

*Raises flask*

Anonymous said...

I think the word "epic" gets thrown around too much on the internet these days. Problem Sleuth is seriously the only thing I've seen on the internet that actually deserves such a description (maybe also that video of the guy who took a picture of himself everyday).

I don't know how the mechanics of it would work, but if you made a book out of all of the pages (I'm not sure how the moving pages or the ones where you lose and have to go back pages would work, but even abridged would be cool) I would definitely buy it.

Anonymous said...

Simply calling this amazing won't do it justice. This... This is easily the best webcomic I have ever read.

And not just because it's a mock-film noir text-based adventure game.

(It's just because you used my idea for how to dodge Fill 'Em With Daylight, either, although that was pretty awesome when you did.)

*Raises Erlenmeyer flask.*

Anonymous said...

Andrew, my puked in hat is off to you. But ending this was like losing Problem Sleuth's precious candy corn. Now all that's left is to jump off a cliff and fall in a hard boiled manner. PS : CANDY CORN VAMPIRE!!!!!
_
_/_\_
0 0
\7\7
:
:

Aaox said...

Dude. You just punched me in the face to establish your superiority, and then we posed together 'cause shit just got real. I came here because Scott asked me to, and I stayed- and now MSPA is the number two most visited site of all time in my browser. If I was wearing a hat... Hold on. Okay. I would throw it down, allowing you to walk over the puddle. POF! So thanks, Andrew- I'll be waiting for the next one!

Anonymous said...

Problem Sleuth: The most complicated and funny game I have ever read/played. My deepest congratulations to you for making it last a year! The comic/game had provided me with daily laughs (especially how you implemented the "Gumball Howizer idea with "CLOCKTOWER CANNON" - that was inventive!) and made me cheery all the rest of the day after I had read it. The conclusion is surprisingly satisfactory, and now that I hear there will be an epilogue, I am excited! To your good fortune!
*Raises tankard, simultaniosly placing hat to heart as a sign of respect and gratitude.*

May all your PULCHRITUDE stay intact and the ARBITER guide your way!


~Salem Jansen

Anonymous said...

HOLY SHIT!
It was Awesome!
Truly, it was, i can still remeber the Day i stumbled uppon PS....at first i thought...hmm kinda funny....but then it sucked me in, it really was a great thing, i loved every single bit of it :)

Ben said...

I was so glad to read all of it. The story was amazing and the ideas were fantastic. I'm just excited for what comes next.

Shade Jackrabbit said...

That was an amazing series, and I will offer you my sincerest and loudest standing ovation. Well done good sir, well done indeed.

Anonymous said...

W-O-W. That's all I can say. My friend Kratospie and I have dreamed of this glorious day. *sniff* Yay for you, Andrew Hussie.

JP said...

I remember first reading through Problem Sleuth when it was about 5/8 of the way done in one sitting. It was brutal, but worth it. Can't wait for the next adventure!

toma55 said...

Trying to keep up with everything that was going on was a blast!

I'm a little sad to see it end, but can't wait for what you come up with next.
Kudos!!!

Anonymous said...

Problem Sleuth may have been the most ambitious and successful project on the Internet that I have seen since Jonathan Coulton's Thing-a-week. I look forward to your next adventure, but there will be a twinge of sadness in my heart once our three detective friends start to fade away. Over the course of the story I came to know, nay, LOVE these hard-boiled men like brothers. However, I know that what is to come will be just as fun and just as charming, and I can't wait to see what you have in store for us.

A thousand hats off to you, Mr. Hussie. A thousand hats.

Unknown said...

Aw, man, now what am I going to do with my life? D:

But seriously, I do dearly love your stuff and I look forward to your next project with much anticipation.

Anonymous said...

*Stands up and applauds*

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for this wonderful story! I felt like clapping and standing up for you after the final panel.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful words, Mr. Hussie. And that was one hell of a comic. I'll sure miss it. Probably I'll read it again. A couple of times. Who would've know one could grow so fond of simple characters drawn on ms paint, who, as you said yourself, didn't utter a single word for over a year? Congratulations for doing the job, and you have my admiration for doing it right. And be sure that whatever you do next, I'll happily read it. You, sir, are a hero of incredible Pulchritude yourself.

Anonymous said...

This comic was magnificent--hilarious, captivating, blah blah blah my comment is boring BUT note that I (a) read a lot of webcomics and (b) can't think of any other time I've been moved to . . . effuse all over the comment thread like this. You're great, Andrew Hussie.

Anonymous said...

Amazing. Absolutely amazing. Kudos to your hard work as well as an amazing ability to keep track of that long list of portals. ;D

Very well done. Not a day went by that I didn't click on to see what you added.

Phenomenal.

Anonymous said...

I tuned in pretty late - maybe around chapter 8 - and spent all my time reading up to the update point. This past week has been particularly terrifying, knowing that Problem Sleuth would be coming to and end but now...

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

I started reading along about halfway through the DMK fight, I think, maybe a bit further, so... three quarters of the way in? But I've kept as up to date as possible since, and I have to honestly say that this was possibly one of the most awesome things I've ever seen on the internet. Absolutely incredible, sir.

Much as I was sad to see it end, I've been looking forward to the end just to SEE it, at the same time. To see how it ended. And now that that's happened... I'm waiting to see what you do next.

Thanks so much for Problem Sleuth, and keep on doing what you're doing. Like other people have said, this is pretty revolutionary for a webcomic.

Anonymous said...

Sir, I fondly regard your creation with an ogle worthy only of one such as yourself. May you be blessed by Godhead Pickle Inspector for years to come. And with that, a must bid you farewell and retrieve my arms from yonder safe. Once again, I thank you for all you have done, and hope you continue the genius that is MS Paint Adventures.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the laughs Andrew, and that amazing and surealist story, MSPA (PS in particular) is one of the most amazing site on the internet !

Keep it up, can't wait for the next story :)

Anonymous said...

Hey guys, I might be making some of my own (if Andrew tells me I can anyway)

Anonymous said...

Originally, I had an idea that when this series ended, I would end it with the comment "GPI: Fondly regard sequel." However, it seems the almighty GPI has already foreregarded my comment (fondly, of course) and granted my humble request before it could even be made. Thank you. Now I can move the key away from my head.

(Only kidding, of course. Suicide is far from my list of plans.)

G-Midgit said...

it depresses me greatly to see such a work of greatness come to an end. it depresses me so much that i might just...*reaches for KEY * ...no that would not do this story justice to simply end it because it ended.

i dutifully look forward to your next story Andrew

Anonymous said...

In regards to my previous comment:

Oh, wait. I misinterpreted the epilogue idea. Oh well.

GPI, please fondly regard a sequel.

Anonymous said...

Thank you AH. I had abandoned a few other (lesser) webcomics and was losing faith in the written word until Ryan linked to you, renewing hope that there are still great storytellers out there.

You are a rare talent, one who (as Neil Gaiman says) is an artist who creates for the sake of the craft and not the fame or fortune. For that, we're in your debt. Others can learn from you.

Anonymous said...

PVP: Learn a thing or two from MSPA.

Anonymous said...

Its as if Problem Sleuth wrote me a dissertation on ambivalence today. I was so ecstatic to finally see how this epic journey would end, yet plunged into a deep harrowing harrow with tines of sadness to know it was finally over.
Will we be seeing ports of PI over to any of the major handheld console systems?

Anonymous said...

Loved every post of this series from beginning to end.

While I do want to see a new series from you, I wouldn't mind also seeing Bard Quest continued. Whatever you decide to do, I can't wait for the next series.

Anonymous said...

I love randomness. I have seen much of it on the various internets, in many shapes and forms. However, this is the first story I've seen that is simultaneously as random as anything, and had a coherent storyline. I mean, how did you do that? It is impressive. I am impressed.

Also, the lines "Aw man, here comes MK descending his ass off like a motherfucker" and "whew, you're glad to see nothing unusual happened while you were dead" were two of the best things ever.

Honestly, I have no idea how you plan to top this. Probably by winging it. Either way, I look forward to seeing you try. SEPULCHRITUDE!

Anonymous said...

Though I'm sad to see Problem Sleuth's story end, I can't wait to see what awesomeness you come up with next...

Thank you, and good luck on your future projects!

Anonymous said...

I echo the sentiments of those above. PS was simply awesome. It's kind of a bittersweet feeling, though. I mean, I'm a winner and all, but it's a bummer that I won't be able to find that little bit of enjoyment (ok, that big bit of enjoyment) from getting on in the morning to see what Problem Sleuth and the guys (and gals) were up to today.

I am slightly disconcerted that there is a notable lack of posing in this post, because this shit is as real as it's going to get. I'm considering throwing my hat down in disgust, but I think I'll be content with building a fort out of my desk and riding some giant candy corn like a mechanical bull.

Again, I must say BRAVO and will continue to tune in to see what your mind hatches next! And in the meantime I think I'll read through the entirety of PS again.

Maybe.

Jacob

Mihara-Kun said...

Has it really been a year? it hardly feels like so.

great work, looking forward for what's next

Anonymous said...

Is... is it really over? Holy crap. That was a trip and a half right there. And I don't know what to say other than: Thank you.

... also, can't wait for the new t-shirts! :D

Anonymous said...

Andrew, I've sung your praises wherever I could, and I'll continue to do so, like a Johnny Appleseed, but instead of apples, I will be spreading the seeds of laughter. Problem Sleuth has been a wild, wild ride; friendships were forged, puzzles were solved, monsters were slain and shit got real. Upon reading as far through as the story had gone in a sitting, it was a very enjoyable part of my day that was certain to cheer me up. It has restored my faith in human creativity and collaboration (which Hollywood and government tear down, hard as the try to do well or not). This is most easily my favorite webcomic and I am glad you knew when the end it and how to end it. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Now, time for some scotch on the rocks, my good pal.

InShaneee said...

I say without reservation this has been my favorite webcomic of all time. I don't know if you'd ever try putting it in book form, but just put me down for a preorder day one if you do. This is something I'd read again and again.

A toast to whatever comes next: I see only bright things for the future.

Anonymous said...

Andrew: End Comic In A Hard Boiled Manner.


Good job, and wow, what a great story it truly was. Can't wait for the next thing you cook up.

Dextrose said...

This is almost one of those... -ahem- games where I cried at the end. I'm seriously going to miss this nonsense. But, I guess you can just make something even more stupid in the future.

In short, THANKS IT WAS AWESOME.

Anonymous said...

Thanks you so much, Problem Sleuth has been one of the reasons I enjoy waking up every morning, so thanks for all the entertainment.

Random Viewer:Doff cap In Appreciation

Anonymous said...

Wow.. Problem Sleuth is over.

I'm kind of lost for words, but thank you for this epic, this movement in storytelling. I enjoyed every minute, and though I didn't ever suggest anything myself, I appreciated the feeling of community I got from laughing at all the recurring in-jokes.

My favourite panel of the whole thing was where Problem Sleuth, astride a half-demon set of legs, tried to summon the Weasel King, only to find he lacked the Elf Tears needed.

It was then I knew this was a keeper.

Thanks again. I'll be watching your stuff keenly for what's next.

Anonymous said...

The frequency with which MSPA was updated was something I could never quite believe. The fact that you did all this yourslef is nothing short of amazing. The story was phenominal too, but in that reguard I guess many people shared the task. Awesome.

Anonymous said...

I am speechless. Absolutely amazing and completely original. I am sad to see that it has ended, and I am looking forward to the next adventure.

Travis said...

Hey dude, you make one heck of an awesome MS paint adventure!

I'll have you know I caught onto this thing pretty late in the season, but I was so hooked that I had to keep read. I to believe I was so hooked that I read it all in one day.
Yup took me a whole day to catch up and I loved every single moment of it.

There had been many atime during this journey that my beverage has exited my nose to plaster my monitor with rainbow droplets as I laughed uncontrollably!

So give yourself a pat on the back there eh?

I'll avidly be following the next adventure when it comes around.

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