History Webcomic / SkinHorse

** Phantomwise: ''Literature/ThroughTheLookinGlassAndWhatAliceFoundThere'' again (the poem at the end).

** [[http://skin-horse.com/comic/from-the-2/ Tip says]] that other humans might still be unaffected by the suddenly-nationwide WeirdnessCensor "but they'd have to be ''exceptional''. Cut to Jonah Yu in his TinfoilHat, and with a jar stuck on each hand because "I, uh, had trouble with some mayonnaise."

* FurryReminder: Niue, a minor character, appears more or less human but is in fact a transgenic creation and part macaw. She generally also acts quite human, until she sees a hat, which drives her into a rage. Apparently it’s a bird thing, perhaps related to the number of their ancestors who were killed to supply feathers for fashion hats.

* SimilarSquad: When Tip, Nick, Virginia and Unity infiltrate A-Sig they're mistaken for an inspection team. This is because the actual inspection team comprises a moustached Tip named James (as mentioned below, Tip is partly named after James Tiptree Jr), a thus-far-unnamed black Nick, a purple-streaked Ginny named Georgia, and a recreation of Project U.N.I.T.Y. named Trinity.

* Similar Squad: When Tip, Nick, Virginia and Unity infiltrate A-Sig they're mistaken for an inspection team. This is because the actual inspection team comprises a moustached Tip named James (as mentioned below, Tip is partly named after James Tiptree Jr), a thus-far-unnamed black Nick, a purple-streaked Ginny named Georgia, and a recreation of Project U.N.I.T.Y. named Trinity.

* TooSpicyForYogSoggoth: When [[spoiler: Tigerlily Jones gets absorbed by the Biomass]], its attempt to [[spoiler: take over her mind]] results in a CurbStompBattle from the ''inside''.

* ThemeNaming: Captain Bram gave all his talking dogs ''ridiculous'' names like "Captain's Fancy Sweetheart" or "Captain's Fancy Snugglebuddy." "Captain's Fancy" is apparently their surname. This is a case of ShownTheirWork, as the pack were originally bred as ''show dogs''; names like this are ''routine'' for show dogs (and in fact, these are ''simpler'' than many). It was only after [[spoiler:the AKC refused to recognise 'talking dogs' as a breed]] that the Captain decided [[MadScientist he would Show Them All]].

* XanatosGambit: [[spoiler: H.T.]] implements one [[http://skin-horse.com/comic/ill-have-my/ during the Zombie Rights arc]]. The legislation, if accepted, frees him from Transgenic prison. If rejected, it pushes the Zombies in California into allying with zombies in the Florida Keys, and also towards extremism, furthering his anti-Human agenda.

** Space-Bat-Angel-Dragon: ''[[Creator/TedHughes The Iron Man]]''

%%* BlahBlahBlah: [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=39951&name=skinhorse#strip3 Here]].

** The 'Hot Goblin Brotherhood' is the in-universe version of the Literature/BlackDaggerBrotherhood. Complete with silent h's.

%%** Just as a f'rinstance, this [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=33564#strip6 comic]].
%%** Or [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=29598#strip2 this one]].
%%** In fact, Tip's power apparently transcends [[spoiler:species]]. Just see [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=40132#strip1 this]] and [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=40132#strip4 this]]
%%** It simultaneously transcends [[spoiler:species]] and [[spoiler:gender]] in [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=40137#strip3 this strip]]. [[spoiler:Muffin is a male, and apparently gay, dog.]]
%%** Still more [[spoiler: cross-species]] Tip-lust [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=46115 here]]. [[EvenTheGuysWantHim Even Swarms of Bees Want Him!]]
%%** It seems to even transcend [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/memberimages/sh100824cleancut.jpg sexuality]].

* ChainedToABed: The friendly werewolf sheriff in Alaska chains Tip to bed so he won't get hurt when the town transforms into man-eating monsters during the night. Tip is a CrouchingMoronHiddenBadass, though, and very experienced with kinky chicks, [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=38295#strip3 so this doesn't slow him down much]].

* CloseupOnHead: [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=49716#198422 This strip]] consists mostly of headshots, to conceal the fact that [[spoiler:Tip and Sweetheart are prisoners of the crystal entity]] until the final panel.

%%* CuteCrittersActChildlike: The sapient (but childish) cute [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=27154 talking cobras]].

%%* DidYouGetANewHaircut: [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php A particularly egregious example]], because Moustachio doesn't even have hair.
* DistaffCounterpart: InvokedTrope, Violet Bee appears to be [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=45107&name=skinhorse#strip5 a female Tip]], but [[spoiler: [[http://skin-horse.com/2012/you-like/ this is just an act]]]].

** [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=35741#strip4 Dr. Lee tries to pull this off.]]
** Tigerlily [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/memberimages/sh100410had_been_cut_copy1.gif does it better]].

** Federal Office of Giant Leaking Containers: Seen [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=27141 here]] during the "Borrowers" arc.
** Department of Precambrian Defense: [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=42601#168313 Currently unstuck in time.]]

** [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=37285#strip4 This strip]], about Unity literally freezing her butt off, inspired the song "Put On Your Weekend Butt", to the tune of "Put On Your Sunday Clothes" from the musical "Hello Dolly".

* GloveSnap: Remy [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=47472#strip6 gets an ideal glove snap]] after dramatically opening his collection of scalpels.

** The first to actually appear represents Tigerlily's "[[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=43677 inner fabulousness]]".

* GunshipRescue: In the "Dead Dogs" arc [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=41196 courtesy of Nick]], interrupting Sweetheart's RousingSpeech.

* HardOnSoftScience: [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=33564#strip5 Dr. Lee thinks very little of the "soft sciences"]], including psychology. Tip is forced to show her the error of her ways by using psychology to effortlessly seduce her.

* HollywoodVoodoo: The "Come Swing From My Branches" arc introduces Remy, a New Orleans Voodoo priest [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=46869&name=skinhorse who insists]] that the doll thing is actually hoodoo and zombies are victims of TTX poisoning...while talking to Unity. Eventually, he decides that he can do the whole "respect the dead" thing by being gentlemanly to the cute zombie girl.

* InadvertentEntranceCue: Played with by Sweetheart: [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=48036 "Something *silly* this way comes."]] It may be worth noting that Sweetheart does not have thumbs.

* LostInTransmission: [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=48352#192344 This]] guest strip.

* MediumAwareness: Seen on [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=43679 this page]].

* MyFriendsAndZoidberg: On [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=40598 this page]].

** And in a semi-meta example: after Unity ran into a cute little fox, fans [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=47054&name=skinhorse#strip5 collectively decided]] that it would look cute with a little hat on. Shaenon warned them that they'd be sorry to have said it...[[spoiler:and in the next strip, said fox ''became'' a cute little hat for Unity. Ouch.]]

** Nick isn't able to vocally swear, but he can curse in his written blog. [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=35743&name=skinhorse#strip4 He also has an override phase that can remove his free will.]]
** [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=34216&name=skinhorse#strip5 Unity has an override code as well.]] The phrase "blueberry waffles" suspends her aggressive nature as well as giving her a headache.

* ShippedInShackles: Tigerlily Jones in her first appearance can be seen in a straitjacket on a handcart. Since she is a dangerous mad scientist who can turn anything into a deadly robot, this is mostly justified; in this continuity, people with that condition can make death rays out of X-Box remotes.[[note]]Forget death rays -- she built a freakin' [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=44488#strip6 wind-up quantum wormhole generator]] out of ''wire coathangers.''[[/note]]

* SpiritualSuccessor: A good chunk of ''{{Webcomic/Narbonic}}'s'' tone and themes are present and accounted for. As of May 6, 2011, it officially became a SpinOff and official part of the ''Narbonic'' with the appearance of [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=48680&name=skinhorse Artie (in his human form)]]

* StealthPun: [[http://www.webcomicsnation.com/shaenongarrity/skinhorse/series.php?view=archive&chapter=40599#strip6 Dogs don't know it's not Bacon...]]

* AnalogyBackfire: Project Skin Horse, which helps sapient non-humans function in society, is named for the mentor figure in ''Literature/TheVelveteenRabbit''. Artie points out that that bookends really badly for most of the non-human characters other than the protagonist.

** Off to the Fair: ''Literature/SomePig''

** At the end of the arc, Whimsycorn manages to [[http://skin-horse.com/comic/move_along/ leave a "gift" on Whimsy's desk when quitting]].

'''Baron Whimsycorn''': PowerOfLove, brah. QED.

* BlandNameProduct: The 'Hot Goblin Brotherhood' is the in-universe version of the Literature/BlackDaggerBrotherhood. Complete with silent h's.

''[[http://skin-horse.com Skin Horse]]'' is a {{webcomic}} written and drawn by Shaenon K. Garrity (of ''{{Webcomic/Narbonic}}'' fame) and co-written by Jeffrey Channing Wells. It was launched in December 2007, and on [[http://comicsbyshaenon.free-forums.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=236 November 5, 2008]] became syndicated on [[http://www.gocomics.com/skinhorse GoComics]]. The comic updates daily, with regular installments, posted Monday through Saturday and posts of material related to the comic on Sundays.

* "Looking Glass Land": The new Skin Horse gets organized and visits a parallel universe where "My Brother Sam" went differently.

* BerserkButton: Niue, a macaw woman, does not appreciate hats or beards. She goes from being attracted to Tip to hating him the instant he puts on a hat and is permanently soured on him from then on.

* BriarPatching: Tip attempts to apologize to Doctor Lee for using her as a pawn in a game of one-upsmanship with Artie. [[http://skin-horse.com/comic/and-then-id/ She is, of course, terribly put out]] by having to spend her day having two attractive men ply her with favors.

-->'''Shaenon:''' Remember when this was a simple strip about transvestites psychoanalyzing lions?\\

* FauxtivationalPoster: During the "Mixed-Up Files" arc, the Institute weaponizes these against Sweetheart when she's undercover in one of their facilities. They house her in a room with a motivational poster that has a glaring punctuation error, knowing she'll obsess about it. They then replace the poster with a new copy that has a different punctuation error to stress her even more and then replace that with a poster that has multiple errors.

* TheHatMakesTheMan: An avian-humanoid thinks hats turn their wearers evil and flips out when Tip puts one on.

* ILoveNuclearPower: Radiation not only makes things sentient but also gives them nationalities.

* LamePunReaction: When Unity is protesting to her colleagues that they're berating her for something that is her disembodied hand's fault, she says "[[http://skin-horse.com/comic/todays-comic-494/ Talk to the hand!]]" They're both horrified, and she apologizes.

** Dr. Lee pulls it off too when she wants to [[ItMakesSenseInContext hug a resistant cobra]]. [[http://skin-horse.com/comic/pleased-to/ Even Hitty is unnerved]] by it.

** Mad Genius really is a mental disorder in this universe. It's a pity that the institute in charge of taking care of mad scientists is, itself, totally out of its tree and in fact, makes the problem worse.

* ThemeNaming: Captain Bram gave all his talking dogs ''ridiculous'' names like "Captain's Fancy Sweetheart" or "Captain's Fancy Snugglebuddy." "Captain's Fancy" is apparently their surname. This is a case of ShownTheirWork, as the pack were originally bred as ''show dogs''; names like this are ''routine'' for show dogs (and in fact, these are ''simpler'' than many). It was only after [[spoiler:the AKC refused to recognize 'talking dogs' as a breed]] that the Captain decided [[MadScientist he would Show Them All]].

** "I should have taken him out from the start." Said by [[spoiler:kindly old Ira, when he realizes the mask isn't useful anymore and it's time for Mr. Green to act directly]].