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| status = | | status = | ||
| began = September 1, 2001<ref name="faq" /> | | began = September 1, 2001<ref name="faq" /> | ||
| genre = [[Video game webcomic|Video game]], [[parody]] | | genre = [[Video game webcomic|Video game]], [[parody]], [[humour]] | ||
}} | }} | ||
'''''VG Cats''''' (short for ''Video Game Cats''<ref name="About">[http://www.vgcats.com/new/ "All About the Site"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017125657/http://www.vgcats.com/new/ |date=October 17, 2006 }}, ''VG Cats''</ref><ref name="TheRocket2">"Internet provides new way to get daily dose of funnies" ''[[The Rocket (Slippery Rock)|The Rocket]]'' [http://media.www.theonlinerocket.com/media/storage/paper601/news/2007/11/09/Focus/Internet.Provides.New.Way.To.Get.Daily.Dose.Of.Funnies-3090548-page2.shtml page 2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202132717/http://media.www.theonlinerocket.com/media/storage/paper601/news/2007/11/09/Focus/Internet.Provides.New.Way.To.Get.Daily.Dose.Of.Funnies-3090548-page2.shtml |date=December 2, 2008 }}</ref>) is a [[webcomic]] written and drawn by Canadian [[cartoonist]] Scott Ramsoomair. Published on its own website, it follows the adventures of a pair of [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[cat]]s, who both have an interest in [[video game]]s, and often play the roles of [[Player character| | '''''VG Cats''''' (short for ''Video Game Cats''<ref name="About">[http://www.vgcats.com/new/ "All About the Site"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017125657/http://www.vgcats.com/new/ |date=October 17, 2006 }}, ''VG Cats''</ref><ref name="TheRocket2">"Internet provides new way to get daily dose of funnies" ''[[The Rocket (Slippery Rock)|The Rocket]]'' [http://media.www.theonlinerocket.com/media/storage/paper601/news/2007/11/09/Focus/Internet.Provides.New.Way.To.Get.Daily.Dose.Of.Funnies-3090548-page2.shtml page 2] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202132717/http://media.www.theonlinerocket.com/media/storage/paper601/news/2007/11/09/Focus/Internet.Provides.New.Way.To.Get.Daily.Dose.Of.Funnies-3090548-page2.shtml |date=December 2, 2008 }}</ref>) is a [[webcomic]] written and drawn by Canadian [[cartoonist]] Scott Ramsoomair. Published on its own website, it follows the adventures of a pair of [[Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]] [[cat]]s, who both have an interest in [[video game]]s, and often play the roles of [[Player character|characters]] in popular games that are parodied in the strip.<ref name="1up webcomics">{{cite web |url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=2&cId=3145208 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051229105126/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=2&cId=3145208 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 29, 2005 |title=Will Strip For Games: Gaming Comics Online |access-date=December 6, 2006 |last=Maragos |first=Nich |date=November 7, 2005|website=[[1UP.com]] |pages=3 }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> | ||
The ''VG Cats'' website also hosted ''Adventure Log'', a ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' webcomic written and drawn by Ramsoomair, and ''Super Effective'',<ref name="SuperEffective">[http://www.vgcats.com/super/?strip_id=0 "''Super Effective''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> a webcomic parody of the [[Pokémon]] game series. ''Adventure Log'' has not been updated since 2008 and "Super Effective" was on hiatus from 2014, recently resuming updates on September 8, 2024. | The ''VG Cats'' website also hosted ''Adventure Log'', a ''[[Final Fantasy XI]]'' webcomic written and drawn by Ramsoomair, and ''Super Effective'',<ref name="SuperEffective">[http://www.vgcats.com/super/?strip_id=0 "''Super Effective''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> a webcomic parody of the [[Pokémon]] game series. ''Adventure Log'' has not been updated since 2008 and "Super Effective" was on hiatus from 2014, recently resuming updates on September 8, 2024. | ||
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==History== | ==History== | ||
Ramsoomair said that he began the strip due to boredom at work; he created comics during his lunch breaks.<ref name="TOKYOPOP">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080510121910/http://www.tokyopop.com/TheMischievousFox/video/1517648.html "NYCC 2008 VG Cats Interview"], ''[[Tokyopop]]''.</ref> The comic's protagonists, Leo and Aeris, were both named after Ramsoomair's real life pet cats,<ref name="About" /> who were themselves named after characters from [[Final Fantasy series|Final Fantasy]]. The first ''VG Cats'' strip was released on September 1, 2001. (His answer on the FAQ page said it was bad timing, probably in reference to the [[September 11 attacks]] that happened that same month.)<ref name="faq">[http://www.vgcats.com/faq/ FAQ]. ''VG Cats</ref> Prior to taking the VGCats.com domain, the comic was hosted at www.vgcats.cjb.net.<ref name="BMushrooms01">[http://www.vgcats.com/badmushrooms/?strip_id=0 "''#01 Bad Bushrooms''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> For a period, ''VG Cats'' was affiliated with [[BuzzComix]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030207180943/http://www.buzzcomix.net/ "Archive of the home page of"] ''BuzzComix''</ref> During April 1 ([[April Fools' Day]]), Ramsoomair | Ramsoomair said that he began the strip due to boredom at work; he created comics during his lunch breaks.<ref name="TOKYOPOP">[https://web.archive.org/web/20080510121910/http://www.tokyopop.com/TheMischievousFox/video/1517648.html "NYCC 2008 VG Cats Interview"], ''[[Tokyopop]]''.</ref> The comic's protagonists, Leo and Aeris, were both named after Ramsoomair's real life pet cats,<ref name="About" /> who were themselves named after characters from [[Final Fantasy series|Final Fantasy]]. The first ''VG Cats'' strip was released on September 1, 2001. (His answer on the FAQ page said it was bad timing, probably in reference to the [[September 11 attacks]] that happened that same month.)<ref name="faq">[http://www.vgcats.com/faq/ FAQ] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217160939/http://www.vgcats.com/faq/ |date=December 17, 2008 }}. ''VG Cats''</ref> Prior to taking the VGCats.com domain, the comic was hosted at www.vgcats.cjb.net.<ref name="BMushrooms01">[http://www.vgcats.com/badmushrooms/?strip_id=0 "''#01 Bad Bushrooms''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071110200103/http://www.vgcats.com/badmushrooms/?strip_id=0 |date=November 10, 2007 }}, ''VG Cats''</ref> For a period, ''VG Cats'' was affiliated with [[BuzzComix]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030207180943/http://www.buzzcomix.net/ "Archive of the home page of"] ''BuzzComix''</ref> During April 1 ([[April Fools' Day]]), Ramsoomair replaced the regular home page with fake pages, like a "Krug" page in 2003<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030417064819/http://www.vgcats.com/krug/index.htm "welcome to kgug!"], ''VG Cats''</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20030417013927/http://www.vgcats.com/main.htm "Main.htm"], ''VG Cats''</ref> or a [[Myspace]] profile for [[Solid Snake]] in 2007.<ref>{{cite web | title = April Fool's Alert #8: VG Cats gets a makeover ... Metal GEAR?! | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/01/april-fools-alert-8-vg-cats-gets-a-makeover-metal-gear/ }}</ref> | ||
In 2006, Ramsoomair made a strip depicting creatures from [[Maxis]]' video game [[Spore (2008 video game)|Spore]], and Maxis created a version of the strip replacing all the drawn characters with in-game versions, and sent him custom figurines of the creatures.<ref>Sources: | In 2006, Ramsoomair made a strip depicting creatures from [[Maxis]]' video game [[Spore (2008 video game)|Spore]], and Maxis created a version of the strip replacing all the drawn characters with in-game versions, and sent him custom figurines of the creatures.<ref>Sources: | ||
*{{cite web | title = VG Cats' Spore creatures brought to life | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/vg-cats-spore-creatures-brought-to-life/ }} | *{{cite web | title = VG Cats' Spore creatures brought to life | publisher = [[Joystiq]] | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/vg-cats-spore-creatures-brought-to-life/ }} | ||
*{{cite web | title = Spore's Ass-For-Eyes Option | website = [[Kotaku]] | url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/ass-for-eyes-option/spores-ass+for+eyes-option-182476.php | access-date = September 18, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080927050024/http://kotaku.com/gaming/ass-for-eyes-option/spores-ass+for+eyes-option-182476.php | archive-date = September 27, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} | *{{cite web | title = Spore's Ass-For-Eyes Option | website = [[Kotaku]] | url = http://kotaku.com/gaming/ass-for-eyes-option/spores-ass+for+eyes-option-182476.php | access-date = September 18, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080927050024/http://kotaku.com/gaming/ass-for-eyes-option/spores-ass+for+eyes-option-182476.php | archive-date = September 27, 2008 | url-status = dead | df = mdy-all }} | ||
*[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=198 "''#201: Wright to life''"], ''VG Cats'' (original strip) | *[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=198 "''#201: Wright to life''"], ''VG Cats'' (original strip) | ||
*[http://www.vgcats.com/news/comic_spore_Will.jpg revised strip]</ref> | *[http://www.vgcats.com/news/comic_spore_Will.jpg revised strip] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140605032420/http://www.vgcats.com/news/comic_spore_Will.jpg |date=June 5, 2014 }}</ref> | ||
In February 2022, Ramsoomair announced the end of the webcomic in a now deleted post on Patreon.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=VG Cats is creating Comics & Art {{!}} Patreon |url=https://www.patreon.com/m/VGCats |access-date=12 March 2022 |date=12 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312215101/https://www.patreon.com/m/VGCats |archive-date=March 12, 2022 }}</ref> However, he later began to update the main Patreon account again on July 20, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-20 |title=VG Cats {{!}} creating Comics & Art {{!}} Patreon |url=https://www.patreon.com/VGCats |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120000350/https://www.patreon.com/VGCats |archive-date=November 20, 2023 }}</ref> and released a new | In February 2022, Ramsoomair announced the end of the webcomic in a now deleted post on Patreon.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=VG Cats is creating Comics & Art {{!}} Patreon |url=https://www.patreon.com/m/VGCats |access-date=12 March 2022 |date=12 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220312215101/https://www.patreon.com/m/VGCats |archive-date=March 12, 2022 }}</ref> However, he later began to update the main Patreon account again on July 20, 2023,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-11-20 |title=VG Cats {{!}} creating Comics & Art {{!}} Patreon |url=https://www.patreon.com/VGCats |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231120000350/https://www.patreon.com/VGCats |archive-date=November 20, 2023 }}</ref> and released a new comic strip in December of the same year<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-08 |title=VG Cats! |url=https://vgcats.com/ |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208155511/https://vgcats.com/ |archive-date=December 8, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=398 |url-status=deviated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240127061703/https://vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=398 |archive-date=January 27, 2024 |access-date=2024-01-13 |website=VG Cats}}</ref> | ||
==Development== | ==Development== | ||
Ramsoomair said that ''VGCats'' was "basically ... along the lines of <!--Not italicized in the quote!-->[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]." The comic originally focused on 2 gamers;<ref name="About"/> Ramsoomair said by 2006 that within the preceding one to two years he began focusing upon parodies of video games instead of the two gamer format | Ramsoomair said that ''VGCats'' was "basically ... along the lines of <!--Not italicized in the quote!-->[[Penny Arcade (webcomic)|Penny Arcade]]." The comic originally focused on 2 gamers;<ref name="About" /> Ramsoomair said by 2006 that within the preceding one to two years he began focusing upon parodies of video games instead of the two gamer format<ref name=":1">"[https://web.archive.org/web/20061017125657/http://www.vgcats.com/new/ About the Site]." VGCats. October 17, 2006. Retrieved December 7, 2010.</ref> | ||
==Characters== | ==Characters== | ||
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===Aeris=== | ===Aeris=== | ||
'''Aeris''' is blue-eyed female cat with pink fur. She has a short-temper, and frequently verbally and physically abuses Leo. Her violent behavior extends to how she interacts with other characters, often assaulting other characters in the strip, as well making [[sarcastic]] [[Wit|quips]] towards them. She is also shown to have an interest in [[fan fiction]], as well as both reading and writing [[yaoi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-26 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=126 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126215000/http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=126 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-09 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=288 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041632/https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=288 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 }}</ref> Aeris made her first appearance on September 4, 2001 in Strip #2, "''Pika?''".<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=1 "''#02: Pika?''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> | '''Aeris''' is a blue-eyed female cat with pink fur. She has a short-temper, and frequently verbally and physically abuses Leo. Her violent behavior extends to how she interacts with other characters, often assaulting other characters in the strip, as well as making [[sarcastic]] [[Wit|quips]] towards them. She is also shown to have an interest in [[fan fiction]], as well as both reading and writing [[yaoi]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-26 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=126 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126215000/http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=126 |archive-date=January 26, 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-09 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=288 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041632/https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=288 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 }}</ref> Aeris made her first appearance on September 4, 2001 in Strip #2, "''Pika?''".<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=1 "''#02: Pika?''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> | ||
===Leo Leonardo, The Third=== | ===Leo Leonardo, The Third=== | ||
'''Leo Leonardo, The Third'''<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=91 "''#97: Behind the Scenes, Part 1''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> is a green-eyed male cat with grey<!--Canadian spelling is grey--> fur. Leo is shown to be unintelligent, impulsive, and have a loose grasp of reality | '''Leo Leonardo, The Third'''<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=91 "''#97: Behind the Scenes, Part 1''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> is a green-eyed male cat with grey<!--Canadian spelling is grey--> fur. Leo is shown to be unintelligent, impulsive, and to have a loose grasp of reality It is implied that Leo may have been born with [[Intellectual disability]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-27 |title=VG Cats! Leo & Aeris Collection |url=https://www.vgcats.com/LeoAeris/?strip_id=161 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227190339/https://www.vgcats.com/LeoAeris/?strip_id=161 |archive-date=February 27, 2021 }}</ref> He does, however, occasionally show signs of intelligence,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-24 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=155 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224163445/https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=155 |archive-date=February 24, 2021 }}</ref> and even takes part in similarly violent behavior as Aeris.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-03-27 |title=VG Cats! Comics |url=https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=66 |access-date=2024-01-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210327234021/https://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=66 |archive-date=March 27, 2021 }}</ref> Leo was introduced on September 4, 2001 in Strip #1, "''Feelin' Gassy''".<ref name="Gassy">[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=0 "''#01: Feelin' Gassy''"], ''VG Cats''. Retrieved February 13, 2009.</ref> | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
===Pantsman=== | ===Pantsman=== | ||
The [[alter ego]] of Scott Ramsoomair, '''Pantsman''' is an incompetent [[superhero]] who | The [[alter ego]] of Scott Ramsoomair, '''Pantsman''' is an incompetent [[superhero]] who conceals his identity by wearing trousers and sometimes [[underpants]] on his head. His greatest weakness is [[Alcopop|vodka cooler]], which causes him to drop his trousers and transform into "Peter Pantsless".<ref name="Kruglor">[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=81 "''#87: It's Lightish Red''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> He also wears a pair of jeans around his neck, to provide a two-tailed [[cape]]. He was introduced in Strip 37, "''I Like Bunnies''", to help explain the inconsistent updating of the comic.<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/comics/?strip_id=34 "''#37: I Like Bunnies''"], ''VG Cats''</ref> | ||
{{Clear}} | {{Clear}} | ||
==Animated series== | ==Animated series== | ||
[[File:VGCatsAnimatedLogo.JPG|thumb|The logo for ''VG Cats: The Animated Series'']] | [[File:VGCatsAnimatedLogo.JPG|thumb|The logo for ''VG Cats: The Animated Series'']] | ||
Chris Boe, a friend and associate of Ramsoomair, created an animated adaptation of ''VG Cats''.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20210516104441/http://www.vgcats.com/oldnews.php, (see entry for Thursday, January 19, 2006)</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070122235029/http://www.boe-entertainment.com/movies/vgcats.htm "VGCats.htm"], ''Chris Boe''</ref> Only the first half of the first episode, "'': A Tale of Two Kitties''", has been produced, and was released on January 21, 2006. Boe wrote and animated the episode | Chris Boe, a friend and associate of Ramsoomair, created an animated adaptation of ''VG Cats''.<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20210516104441/http://www.vgcats.com/oldnews.php, (see entry for Thursday, January 19, 2006)</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070122235029/http://www.boe-entertainment.com/movies/vgcats.htm "VGCats.htm"], ''Chris Boe''</ref> Only the first half of the first episode, "'': A Tale of Two Kitties''", has been produced, and was released on January 21, 2006. Boe wrote and animated the episode.<ref>[http://sheezyart.com/art/view/626574/ "''VG Cats: The Animated Series Episode 1 part 1 & 2''"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090318005910/http://www.sheezyart.com/art/view/626574 |date=March 18, 2009 }}. ''SheezyArt''. Retrieved February 16, 2009.</ref> | ||
==Related comics== | ==Related comics== | ||
'''''Bad Mushrooms''''', a [[sprite comic]] created by Ramsoomair prior to the creation of ''VG Cats'', is hosted on VGCats.com.<ref name="BMushrooms01"/> | '''''Bad Mushrooms''''', a [[sprite comic]] created by Ramsoomair prior to the creation of ''VG Cats'', is hosted on VGCats.com.<ref name="BMushrooms01" /> | ||
'''''[[Final Fantasy XI|Adventure Log]]''''', the official ''Final Fantasy XI'' webcomic written and drawn by Ramsoomair.<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/ffxi/ Adventure log] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418045027/http://www.vgcats.com/ffxi/ |date=April 18, 2009 }}, ''Vg Cats''</ref> It has not been updated since 2008. | '''''[[Final Fantasy XI|Adventure Log]]''''', the official ''Final Fantasy XI'' webcomic written and drawn by Ramsoomair.<ref>[http://www.vgcats.com/ffxi/ Adventure log] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090418045027/http://www.vgcats.com/ffxi/ |date=April 18, 2009 }}, ''Vg Cats''</ref> It has not been updated since 2008. | ||
'''''Super Effective''''', also done by Ramsoomair, began in April 2008 as a comic parody of the popular game series ''[[Pokémon]]''.<ref name="SuperEffective"/> It is also hosted on the VGCats website. It has not been updated since 2014. | '''''Super Effective''''', also done by Ramsoomair, began in April 2008 as a comic parody of the popular game series ''[[Pokémon]]''.<ref name="SuperEffective" /> It is also hosted on the VGCats website. It has not been updated since 2014. | ||
==VG Lewds== | ==VG Lewds== | ||
After comic #380 in 2018, Scott created a [[Patreon]] account for [[furry fandom|furry]]-themed [[yiff|pornography]] based | After comic #380 in 2018, Scott created a [[Patreon]] account for [[furry fandom|furry]]-themed [[yiff|pornography]] based on Leo and Aeris among other video game related characters titled ''VG Lewds''.<ref name=VGLewd2>{{cite web|url=https://www.vgcats.com/index.php#march-26-2018|title=Lewdity|last=Ramsoomair|first=Scott|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190304160306/https://www.vgcats.com/index.php#march-26-2018|archive-date=March 4, 2019|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}''VG Cats''</ref> On the same day as the aforementioned comic, Scott stated in a blog post that the site's advertising revenue was no longer able to sustain him financially, and asked his users to help "support me in this newest venture".<ref name="VGLewd2" /> | ||
As of March 2022, the ''VG Lewds'' Patreon was shut down without comment, with Ramsoomair later stating that he wanted to focus on an ending for the strip.<ref name="VGLewd1">{{Cite web |title=VG Lewds is creating Lewd Comics, Pinup Art, and Rule34 |url=https://www.patreon.com/VGLewds}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> | As of March 2022, the ''VG Lewds'' Patreon was shut down without comment, with Ramsoomair later stating that he wanted to focus on an ending for the strip.<ref name="VGLewd1">{{Cite web |title=VG Lewds is creating Lewd Comics, Pinup Art, and Rule34 |url=https://www.patreon.com/VGLewds}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> | ||
==Merchandise== | ==Merchandise== | ||
In 2003, Ramsoomair designated [[CafePress]] as the provider of the ''VG Cats'' store; Ramsoomair soon ended the relationship with CafePress. On June 16, 2004 Ramsoomair announced that he established his store on Hyperion Press.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040723020034/http://www.vgcats.com/ "Main Page"], ''VG Cats''</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040716040932/http://www.hyperionpress.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=5 "''VG Cats'' Items"], ''Hyperion Press''</ref> Afterwards [[ZeStuff]] hosted the ''VG Cats'' Store.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070108025417/http://www.zestuff.com/vgcats/ "VG Cats"] ''[[ZeStuff]]'', January 8, 2007</ref> As of 2008 Shark Robot hosts the VGCats store.<ref>[http://sharkrobot.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=13&sort=20a&page=1 VG Cats: T-Shirts, Prints, Buttons and More!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216013851/http://sharkrobot.com/store/index.php?main_page=index |date=December 16, 2008 }} Shark Robot</ref> As of 2008, Ramsoomair | In 2003, Ramsoomair designated [[CafePress]] as the provider of the ''VG Cats'' store; Ramsoomair soon ended the relationship with CafePress. On June 16, 2004 Ramsoomair announced that he established his store on Hyperion Press.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040723020034/http://www.vgcats.com/ "Main Page"], ''VG Cats''</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040716040932/http://www.hyperionpress.com/cart.php?target=category&category_id=5 "''VG Cats'' Items"], ''Hyperion Press''</ref> Afterwards [[ZeStuff]] hosted the ''VG Cats'' Store.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070108025417/http://www.zestuff.com/vgcats/ "VG Cats"] ''[[ZeStuff]]'', January 8, 2007</ref> As of 2008 Shark Robot hosts the VGCats store.<ref>[http://sharkrobot.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=13&sort=20a&page=1 VG Cats: T-Shirts, Prints, Buttons and More!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216013851/http://sharkrobot.com/store/index.php?main_page=index |date=December 16, 2008 }} Shark Robot</ref> As of 2008, Ramsoomair was no longer affiliated with [[CafePress]], but it still sells ''VG Cats'' merchandise on its website.<ref>"VG Cats online stores on [[CafePress]]: <!--The sites are listed only for verification that CafePress actually sells the merchandise, it's not spam--> | ||
* Krug Keel: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=krugkeel</nowiki> | * Krug Keel: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=krugkeel</nowiki> | ||
* Pac Cat: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=paccat</nowiki> | * Pac Cat: <nowiki>http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=paccat</nowiki> | ||
| Line 79: | Line 79: | ||
==Awards== | ==Awards== | ||
''VG Cats'' has been nominated for several [[Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards]], winning | ''VG Cats'' has been nominated for several [[Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards]], winning two awards in 2005 and 1 in 2006. | ||
* [[2003 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2003]]: {{WCCA|2003|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2003_ceremony.htm|title=2003 ceremony of Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725101314/http://www.ccawards.com/2003_ceremony.htm|archive-date=July 25, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | * [[2003 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2003]]: {{WCCA|2003|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2003_ceremony.htm|title=2003 ceremony of Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|access-date=May 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725101314/http://www.ccawards.com/2003_ceremony.htm|archive-date=July 25, 2008|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | ||
* [[2004 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2004]]: {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Character (Visual)}},<ref name="wcca2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2004.htm|title=The 2004 Cartoonists' Choice Awards|access-date=May 15, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117080609/http://www.ccawards.com/2004.htm|archive-date=January 17, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Use of Color}},<ref name="wcca2004"/> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}},<ref name="wcca2004"/> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}<ref name="wcca2004"/> | * [[2004 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2004]]: {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Character (Visual)}},<ref name="wcca2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2004.htm|title=The 2004 Cartoonists' Choice Awards|access-date=May 15, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117080609/http://www.ccawards.com/2004.htm|archive-date=January 17, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Use of Color}},<ref name="wcca2004" /> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}},<ref name="wcca2004" /> {{WCCA|2004|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}<ref name="wcca2004" /> | ||
* [[2005 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2005]]: Winner: {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Use of Color}}, {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Comedic Comic}}, {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Short Form Comic}}, Winner: {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}. Honorable mention: {{WCCA|2005|Character Art & Artist}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005|title=The 2005 Cartoonists' Choice Awards|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2005.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503234826/http://www.ccawards.com/2005.htm|archive-date=2008-05-03|access-date=2020-08-01|website=Cartoonists' Choice Awards}}</ref> | * [[2005 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2005]]: Winner: {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Use of Color}}, {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Comedic Comic}}, {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Short Form Comic}}, Winner: {{WCCA|2005|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}. Honorable mention: {{WCCA|2005|Character Art & Artist}}<ref>{{Cite web|date=2005|title=The 2005 Cartoonists' Choice Awards|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2005.htm|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503234826/http://www.ccawards.com/2005.htm|archive-date=2008-05-03|access-date=2020-08-01|website=Cartoonists' Choice Awards}}</ref> | ||
* [[2006 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2006]]: {{WCCA|2006|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}}, Winner: {{WCCA|2006|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} | * [[2006 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2006]]: {{WCCA|2006|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}}, Winner: {{WCCA|2006|Outstanding Gaming Comic}}{{Citation needed|date=April 2008}} | ||
* [[2007 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2007]]: {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Use of Color}} (finalist),<ref name="wcca color">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/color.htm| title= Outstanding Use of Color| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008}}</ref> {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}} (finalist),<ref name="wcca anthro">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/anthropomorphic.htm| title= Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008}}</ref> {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Gaming Comic}} (finalist).<ref name="wcca gaming">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/gaming.htm| title=Outstanding Gaming Comic| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008| archive-date=February 2, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202164826/http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/gaming.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> | * [[2007 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2007]]: {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Use of Color}} (finalist),<ref name="wcca color">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/color.htm| title=Outstanding Use of Color| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008| archive-date=January 25, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080125022256/http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/color.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic}} (finalist),<ref name="wcca anthro">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/anthropomorphic.htm| title=Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008| archive-date=January 31, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131200620/http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/anthropomorphic.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> {{WCCA|2007|Outstanding Gaming Comic}} (finalist).<ref name="wcca gaming">{{cite web| url=http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/gaming.htm| title=Outstanding Gaming Comic| publisher=ryanestrada.com| access-date=January 30, 2008| archive-date=February 2, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080202164826/http://ryanestrada.com/wcca07/ceremony/gaming.htm| url-status=dead}}</ref> | ||
* [[2008 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2008]] {{WCCA|2003|Outstanding use of the medium}} (finalist)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2008finalists.html|title=The Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards – 2008 Winners & finalists|access-date=May 15, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310200607/http://www.ccawards.com/2008finalists.html|archive-date=March 10, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | * [[2008 Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards|2008]] {{WCCA|2003|Outstanding use of the medium}} (finalist)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ccawards.com/2008finalists.html|title=The Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards – 2008 Winners & finalists|access-date=May 15, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090310200607/http://www.ccawards.com/2008finalists.html|archive-date=March 10, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> | ||
| Line 91: | Line 91: | ||
{{Reflist|3}} | {{Reflist|3}} | ||
==External links== | == External links == | ||
{{Portal|Canada|Video games|Comics}} | {{Portal|Canada|Video games|Comics}} | ||
{{ | {{Wikiquote}} | ||
* [http://www.vgcats.com/ ''VG Cats'' web site] | * [http://www.vgcats.com/ ''VG Cats'' web site] | ||
{{Canadian comics}} | {{Canadian comics}} | ||
[[Category:2000s webcomics]] | [[Category:2000s webcomics]] | ||
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2001]] | [[Category:Internet properties established in 2001]] | ||
| Line 107: | Line 106: | ||
[[Category:Webcomics in print]] | [[Category:Webcomics in print]] | ||
[[Category:Web Cartoonists' Choice Award winners]] | [[Category:Web Cartoonists' Choice Award winners]] | ||
[[Category:2001 webcomic debuts]] | [[Category:2001 webcomic debuts]] | ||
[[Category:Canadian comedy websites]] | [[Category:Canadian comedy websites]] | ||
[[Category:Furry webcomics]] | [[Category:Furry webcomics]] | ||
[[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic cats]] | [[Category:Comics about anthropomorphic cats]] | ||
[[Category:Satirical comics]] | [[Category:Satirical comics]] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:30, 4 November 2025
Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Unsubst". Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". VG Cats (short for Video Game Cats[1][2]) is a webcomic written and drawn by Canadian cartoonist Scott Ramsoomair. Published on its own website, it follows the adventures of a pair of anthropomorphic cats, who both have an interest in video games, and often play the roles of characters in popular games that are parodied in the strip.[3][4]
The VG Cats website also hosted Adventure Log, a Final Fantasy XI webcomic written and drawn by Ramsoomair, and Super Effective,[5] a webcomic parody of the Pokémon game series. Adventure Log has not been updated since 2008 and "Super Effective" was on hiatus from 2014, recently resuming updates on September 8, 2024.
The comic series often includes video game-based humor and satire targeting the video game industry.[6][7]
History
Ramsoomair said that he began the strip due to boredom at work; he created comics during his lunch breaks.[8] The comic's protagonists, Leo and Aeris, were both named after Ramsoomair's real life pet cats,[1] who were themselves named after characters from Final Fantasy. The first VG Cats strip was released on September 1, 2001. (His answer on the FAQ page said it was bad timing, probably in reference to the September 11 attacks that happened that same month.)[9] Prior to taking the VGCats.com domain, the comic was hosted at www.vgcats.cjb.net.[10] For a period, VG Cats was affiliated with BuzzComix.[11] During April 1 (April Fools' Day), Ramsoomair replaced the regular home page with fake pages, like a "Krug" page in 2003[12][13] or a Myspace profile for Solid Snake in 2007.[14]
In 2006, Ramsoomair made a strip depicting creatures from Maxis' video game Spore, and Maxis created a version of the strip replacing all the drawn characters with in-game versions, and sent him custom figurines of the creatures.[15]
In February 2022, Ramsoomair announced the end of the webcomic in a now deleted post on Patreon.[16] However, he later began to update the main Patreon account again on July 20, 2023,[17] and released a new comic strip in December of the same year[18][19]
Development
Ramsoomair said that VGCats was "basically ... along the lines of Penny Arcade." The comic originally focused on 2 gamers;[1] Ramsoomair said by 2006 that within the preceding one to two years he began focusing upon parodies of video games instead of the two gamer format[4]
Characters
VG Cats is not a plot driven comic, though there are several characters that are staples of the comic. Ramsoomair said that all of his characters "relate" to him "at some point."[20]
Joystiq has defined them as "adorable characters who feel most at home with violence, language, and sexual innuendo".[21] Central characters in VG Cats include:
Aeris
Aeris is a blue-eyed female cat with pink fur. She has a short-temper, and frequently verbally and physically abuses Leo. Her violent behavior extends to how she interacts with other characters, often assaulting other characters in the strip, as well as making sarcastic quips towards them. She is also shown to have an interest in fan fiction, as well as both reading and writing yaoi.[22][23] Aeris made her first appearance on September 4, 2001 in Strip #2, "Pika?".[24]
Leo Leonardo, The Third
Leo Leonardo, The Third[25] is a green-eyed male cat with grey fur. Leo is shown to be unintelligent, impulsive, and to have a loose grasp of reality It is implied that Leo may have been born with Intellectual disability.[26] He does, however, occasionally show signs of intelligence,[27] and even takes part in similarly violent behavior as Aeris.[28] Leo was introduced on September 4, 2001 in Strip #1, "Feelin' Gassy".[29]
Pantsman
The alter ego of Scott Ramsoomair, Pantsman is an incompetent superhero who conceals his identity by wearing trousers and sometimes underpants on his head. His greatest weakness is vodka cooler, which causes him to drop his trousers and transform into "Peter Pantsless".[30] He also wears a pair of jeans around his neck, to provide a two-tailed cape. He was introduced in Strip 37, "I Like Bunnies", to help explain the inconsistent updating of the comic.[31]
Animated series
Chris Boe, a friend and associate of Ramsoomair, created an animated adaptation of VG Cats.[32][33] Only the first half of the first episode, ": A Tale of Two Kitties", has been produced, and was released on January 21, 2006. Boe wrote and animated the episode.[34]
Related comics
Bad Mushrooms, a sprite comic created by Ramsoomair prior to the creation of VG Cats, is hosted on VGCats.com.[10]
Adventure Log, the official Final Fantasy XI webcomic written and drawn by Ramsoomair.[35] It has not been updated since 2008.
Super Effective, also done by Ramsoomair, began in April 2008 as a comic parody of the popular game series Pokémon.[5] It is also hosted on the VGCats website. It has not been updated since 2014.
VG Lewds
After comic #380 in 2018, Scott created a Patreon account for furry-themed pornography based on Leo and Aeris among other video game related characters titled VG Lewds.[36] On the same day as the aforementioned comic, Scott stated in a blog post that the site's advertising revenue was no longer able to sustain him financially, and asked his users to help "support me in this newest venture".[36]
As of March 2022, the VG Lewds Patreon was shut down without comment, with Ramsoomair later stating that he wanted to focus on an ending for the strip.[37][16]
Merchandise
In 2003, Ramsoomair designated CafePress as the provider of the VG Cats store; Ramsoomair soon ended the relationship with CafePress. On June 16, 2004 Ramsoomair announced that he established his store on Hyperion Press.[38][39] Afterwards ZeStuff hosted the VG Cats Store.[40] As of 2008 Shark Robot hosts the VGCats store.[41] As of 2008, Ramsoomair was no longer affiliated with CafePress, but it still sells VG Cats merchandise on its website.[42]
Awards
VG Cats has been nominated for several Web Cartoonists' Choice Awards, winning two awards in 2005 and 1 in 2006.
- 2003: Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic[43]
- 2004: Outstanding Character (Visual),[44] Outstanding Use of Color,[44] Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic,[44] Outstanding Gaming Comic[44]
- 2005: Winner: Outstanding Use of Color, Outstanding Comedic Comic, Outstanding Short Form Comic, Winner: Outstanding Gaming Comic. Honorable mention: Character Art & Artist[45]
- 2006: Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic, Winner: Outstanding Gaming ComicScript error: No such module "Unsubst".
- 2007: Outstanding Use of Color (finalist),[46] Outstanding Anthropomorphic Comic (finalist),[47] Outstanding Gaming Comic (finalist).[48]
- 2008 Outstanding use of the medium (finalist)[49]
References
<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />
- ↑ a b c "All About the Site" Template:Webarchive, VG Cats
- ↑ "Internet provides new way to get daily dose of funnies" The Rocket page 2 Template:Webarchive
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b "About the Site." VGCats. October 17, 2006. Retrieved December 7, 2010.
- ↑ a b "Super Effective", VG Cats
- ↑ "Geeks' favourite Web comics". New Straits Times.
- ↑ "Interview: DC's Web Comics Imprint", IGN.
- ↑ "NYCC 2008 VG Cats Interview", Tokyopop.
- ↑ FAQ Template:Webarchive. VG Cats
- ↑ a b "#01 Bad Bushrooms" Template:Webarchive, VG Cats
- ↑ "Archive of the home page of" BuzzComix
- ↑ "welcome to kgug!", VG Cats
- ↑ "Main.htm", VG Cats
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Sources:
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- "#201: Wright to life", VG Cats (original strip)
- revised strip Template:Webarchive
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ "Gonzo Gaming: An Interview with Scott Ramsoomair of VG Cats" Template:Webarchive. ComixTalk.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ "#02: Pika?", VG Cats
- ↑ "#97: Behind the Scenes, Part 1", VG Cats
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ "#01: Feelin' Gassy", VG Cats. Retrieved February 13, 2009.
- ↑ "#87: It's Lightish Red", VG Cats
- ↑ "#37: I Like Bunnies", VG Cats
- ↑ https://web.archive.org/web/20210516104441/http://www.vgcats.com/oldnews.php, (see entry for Thursday, January 19, 2006)
- ↑ "VGCats.htm", Chris Boe
- ↑ "VG Cats: The Animated Series Episode 1 part 1 & 2" Template:Webarchive. SheezyArt. Retrieved February 16, 2009.
- ↑ Adventure log Template:Webarchive, Vg Cats
- ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".VG Cats
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ "Main Page", VG Cats
- ↑ "VG Cats Items", Hyperion Press
- ↑ "VG Cats" ZeStuff, January 8, 2007
- ↑ VG Cats: T-Shirts, Prints, Buttons and More! Template:Webarchive Shark Robot
- ↑ "VG Cats online stores on CafePress:
- Krug Keel: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=krugkeel
- Pac Cat: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=paccat
- Pantsman: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=pantsman
- Snowy Day: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=la_snowyday .
- Grr Baby/Kitty Thong: http://www.cafepress.com/cp/store.aspx?s=grrbaby.
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b c d Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".
External links
Script error: No such module "Portal". Template:Sister project
Categories:
- Pages with script errors
- Pages with broken file links
- 2000s webcomics
- Internet properties established in 2001
- Canadian webcomics
- Dayfree Press
- Parody webcomics
- Short form webcomics
- Video game webcomics
- Webcomics in print
- Web Cartoonists' Choice Award winners
- 2001 webcomic debuts
- Canadian comedy websites
- Furry webcomics
- Comics about anthropomorphic cats
- Satirical comics