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[[File:MirSitSm_3542.jpg|frame]]
''[http://www.outtherecomic.com Out There]'' is a
Using a four-panel (five in the early days), black-and-white [[Newspaper Comic]] format, ''Out There'' updated six days a week without fail from June 12, 2006 to June 4, 2011. The week of June 6-10, 2011 marked the beginning of a five week strip - the author citing time constraints and the inability to support himself solely on the strip as reasons why he cut the Saturday strip. On March 21, 2016, the comic went on hiatus.
''Out There'' is a "quiet" comedy; there's a punchline at the end of every strip but the humor is generally subtle, understated. At its heart, ''Out There'' is a character drama, and its characters are well-developed, complex, and realistic.
R. C. Monroe stopped updating the strip in 2016 (at the end of a story arc).
{{tropelist}}
* [[Abhorrent Admirer]]: Sherry finds her admirer Clayton fairly abhorrent, and while he has many flaws (surly, shiftless, dishonest, alcoholic), the other notable female characters seem to like him.
* [[The Alcoholic]]: Clayton; Miriam is better represented by the [[Bottle Fairy]]
* [[Attention Whore]]: Miriam is an unabashed attention whore. She is [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20071126.html completely aware of it], and often [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100824.html refers to it self-deprecatingly]. At times she comments on how [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100821.html shallow and ultimately unfulfilling it is], but [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100825.html that doesn't mean she doesn't still really dig it].
* [[Bare Your Midriff]]: Miriam commonly sports a t-shirt or tanktop that extends to about mid-ribcage. Far less frequently, the normally more modestly-attired Sherry [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100222.html follows suit].
* [[Better
* [[Blonde, Brunette, Redhead]]: red-haired Miriam fits the [[Fiery Redhead]] trope reasonably well, but also has some [[Dumb Blonde]] tendencies; the usually dark-haired Sherry (who sometimes bleaches her hair blonde) can be seen as the [[Brainy Brunette]]; and the dark-haired Araceli, despite her occupation (she's an attorney) and hair color, is somewhat of a [[Shy Blue
* [[Bottle Fairy]]: Miriam
* [[But I Would Really Enjoy It]]: Miriam has this dilemma [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20060707.html all] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20080830.html the] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090128.html damn] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090228.html time]. [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090417.html ALL] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090516.html the] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090828.html damn] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100405.html time].
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* [[Career Versus Man]]: Sherry {{spoiler|until [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090807.html she thought better of it]}}.
* [[Cheated Angle]]: Miriam has two strands of hair that stick out from the top of her head, and always do so at the same angle, whether she's facing you, in three-quarters view, or in profile, as [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100929.html this strip] shows.
* [[Commuting
** The latter can be said for ''all'' the other characters aside from Miriam, though; the only difference is John's first "co-starring" arc is at the very beginning of the strip, and lasts for a long time. It seems to establish him as a main character when perhaps all it ''really'' establishes is the pattern of long arcs starring Miriam and one of her supporting characters. Sherry, for instance, has a co-starring arc of about the same length a year later.
* [[Contemplate Our Navels]]: Many of the characters get introspective and philosophical at times. [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081006.html Sometimes] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081007.html a] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081008.html whole] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081009.html week] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081010.html of] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081011.html strips] will be devoted to someone's (usually Miriam's) inner monologue.
* [[Cool Shades]]: James has yet to be pictured without his Ray-Bans (if that's what they are). You can't even see his eyes when he's in [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100724.html profile]. Since you ''can'' see the eyes of the [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100922.html other characters] when they're viewed from the side (even when they're wearing glasses), it's hard not to wonder: does James even ''have'' eyes?
** Yes. [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20110226.html Yes he does.]
* [[Did You Just Have Sex?]]: [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100602.html The insightful Miriam concludes that Sherry has broken her long dry spell upon observing the latter's visible discomfort with discussing the topic]; [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100707.html James makes a lucky guess based on a similar observation], and [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100708.html Clayton explains the most compelling reason she's unable to conceal what everybody else can see].
* [[Disappeared Dad]]: Miriam's mother makes occasional appearances, but [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20091218.html the first time Miriam mentions her father], she implies she hasn't seen him for awhile, if ever.
** Turns out [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20110712.html there's a pretty good reason].
* [[Ethical Slut]]: Miriam's promiscuous past is strongly hinted at, and she seems to be constantly at odds with the question of continuing along that path, or abandoning it. Her trepidation with the Ethical Slut lifestyle seems to be based not on moral or societal grounds, but with the fact that she finds it ultimately unsatisfying.
* [[Fiery Redhead]]: Miriam
* [[French Maid]]: Miriam decides the costume is ideal for cleaning {{spoiler|Ari's condominium, and also for seducing her}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319075331/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100511.html
* [[Friends
* [[Good Bad Girl]]: Miriam
* [[Good Smoking, Evil Smoking]]: Miriam gets the "Smoker is sexy" rule suspension
* [[Harem Seeker]]: Rod is rarely seen ''not'' hitting on Miriam, Araceli, Sherry, or some other nameless female who works in his office. He's successful far more often than he deserves to be.
* [[Hair Antennae]]: Miriam
* [[Ho Yay]]: Miriam and Sherry often coyly [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100403.html joke about a mutual attraction], but sometimes [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100406.html act jealous of each other in a way that lends credence to the theory that the attraction might be real]. Some of the characters have speculated that [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20101022.html they may have had some sort of relationship in the past]; even Miriam's '''mom''' [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20110914.html assumed that at one point they were dating].
* [[Ignored Confession]]: Araceli, who is drunk, is talking to Sherry. Ari likes Sherry, and [[Incompatible Orientation|Sherry is straight]].
{{quote|
'''John:''' Aw, she's '''really''' drunk.
'''[[Deadpan Snarker|Sherry]]:''' It's a bar, John. These things happen often. [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090404.html\] }}
** [[Bi the Way]]: Araceli does this with a man also. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319065612/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20110729.html
* [[I Have This Friend]]: Ari is at Sherry's bar, commiserating:
{{quote|
'''Sherry:''' Shoot.
'''Ari:''' ''[Incredibly detailed summary of her most recent character arc.]'' }}
::Sherry, knowing ''everyone'' who was given a hypothetical persona, figures it out. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319083320/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090716.html
* [[Incompatible Orientation]]: Rod and Araceli, Araceli and Sherry
* [[Incorruptible Pure Pureness]]: John. It tends to drive everyone else (especially Miriam) nuts, but at the same time he is respected by all for it.
* [[I Need a Freaking Drink]]: Miriam ''always'' needs a freaking drink. Sherry, Araceli, Rebecca, et. al. ''sometimes'' need a freaking drink. Clayton never needs one, but he'll have one anyway, thank you.
* [[Istanbul (Not Constantinople)]]: The main action takes place in Portstown (Boston), with occasional sojourns to Los Vicios (Las Vegas) or Oceanic City (Atlantic City). It is a bit jarring to see Boston called "P'Town"...
** Also, Wally Green plays for the Arch City Starlings (St. Louis Cardinals).
* [[Jerk
* [[Lady Drunk]]: Martha (Miriam's mom)
* [[Ladykiller in Love]]: Rod is genuinely in love with [[Lipstick Lesbian|Ari]]. It's a bit more complex than a standard [[Incompatible Orientation]]; he's still playing around, but has made it perfectly clear that [[Reformed Rake|he'd give it up in a heartbeat if she ever decides she wants him.]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084850/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090328.html
** Wally's philandering ways began well [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20060913.html before] his marriage to Rebecca, and continued [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20070427.html after they were wed]; when he quit playing around, however, it seems he [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100126.html quit for good].
** Steven fell in love with Sherry, and later, Miriam, [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319083853/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090605.html
* [[Last
* [[Lie Back and Think of England]]: Sherry uses "while I think of my homeland" in reference to ''hand-shaking'', in a parody of this trope. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319083028/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090807.html
* [[Lipstick Lesbian]]: Araceli
* [[Little Black Dress]]: A favorite of both [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100828.html Miriam] and [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081225.html Sherry].
* [[Love Dodecahedron]]: All of the major characters, with the notable exception of John, have at one time or another been infatuated with at least one of the other major characters. Miriam, as the main character, has dated, had flings with, or been otherwise at least temporarily fascinated with no less than 8 major characters: {{spoiler|'''John''' (unrequited love/lust), '''Wally''' (fling, as part of the back story), '''Chuck''' ("officially" dated), '''Clayton''' (aborted fling), '''Sherry''' (unconfirmed, but strongly implied, past fling and/or relationship), '''Rod''' (fling), '''Steven''' ("officially" dated), and '''Araceli''' (infatuation)}}; this doesn't even cover the list of characters (most of them minor or non-recurring characters) who have been at least temporarily captivated by ''her''. While Miriam holds the record in all love/lust categories, Sherry's list is almost as impressive (embarrassing?): {{spoiler|'''Steven''' (dated, as part of the back story), '''John''' (brief, and relatively mild, infatuation during a short period of essentially platonic dating), '''Chuck''' (big-time crush, finally culminating in an "official" relationship that is ongoing), '''Rod''' (brief interest until he "blew it"), '''Clayton''' (one-sided—he wants her, she's repulsed), '''Araceli''' (one-sided—Sherry is clueless about Ari's infatuation), and of course, '''Miriam''' (unconfirmed).}} ''Out There'' is unabashedly a soap opera.
* [[Mile
* [[Modesty Bedsheet]]: Characters (mostly the females) are sometimes shown bathing, undressing, or lounging in bed. Usually they are seen from the shoulders up, or from the rear (so that [[Toplessness From the Back|only a naked back is visible]]); otherwise, a bedsheet provides cover. Interestingly, Rebecca and Wally, the only ''married'' couple in the strip, are also the only people ever portrayed under the sheets ''together'' [https://web.archive.org/web/20180216151425/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100428.html
* [[Modesty Towel]]: Miriam on occasion, others (like Sherry) less frequently [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319101020/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20070901.html
* [[Motor Mouth]]: Miriam
* [[Ms. Fanservice]]: Miriam, most obviously, who is often seen in states of [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100323.html undress] or [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100325.html semi-dress]; even when she's "fully" clothed she usually [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100305.html shows a lot of curves and/or skin]. [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090403.html Sherry], [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090324.html Araceli], and [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100501.html Rebecca] also have their showoff-y moments but not with the same frequency or intensity.
Line 71 ⟶ 72:
* [[Mysterious Past]]: John
* [[Noodle Incident]]: Miriam makes a list of wild things she's done and shows it to Chuck. We never see what they are but we learn that some of them [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20080318.html seem impossible and require at least two people]. One of them [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20080319.html involved Sherry in some way, much to her embarrassment (and attempted denial)]. Another one (which also involved Sherry) was [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20080320.html "stupid", but apparently fun enough that Sherry would be willing to do it "once more", but "only once"]. Chuck responds by writing down some things he did, one of which makes Miriam's eyes widen and results in this exchange:
{{quote|
'''Chuck:''' I don't think we can. The supplies are usually on back order. [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20080321.html\] }}
** Some or all of these "Noodle Incidents" could also be examples of [[Comic Sutra]].
* [[Not a Date]]: Sherry and John "didn't date" for awhile, awakening Miriam's curiosity [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319094424/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20080205.html
* [[Oblivious to Love]]: Sherry is so oblivious to [[Lipstick Lesbian|Ari]]'s attraction to her, she thinks that since Ari looks at her differently than she looks at Miriam, it means Ari's attracted to… Miriam. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319075033/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100601.html
* [[One Dialogue, Two Conversations]]: A rather subtle example (keep in mind that Clayton's serious, and Sherry's just bantering):
{{quote|
'''Sherry:''' Another in a series of life's paradoxes. [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090923.html\] }}
* [[OOC Is Serious Business]]:
{{quote|
'''James''': ''[[Lampshade Hanging|Dude,]] '''[[Motor Mouth|Miriam]]'s''' [[Lampshade Hanging|not saying anything. It's the end times, man.]] [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081223.html\] }}
* [[The Philosopher]]: The whole cast occasionally takes turns playing this role.
* [[Really Gets Around]]: Miriam, Steven, Rod
* [[Reformed Rakes]]: Rod offers this. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319084856/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090326.html
** And Wally ''does'' it...after being married a while. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319102848/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20070427.html
* [[Ship Sinking]]: Martha, echoing a large part of the audience, thought that Sherry and Miriam [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20110913.html had been sleeping together in their younger years]; Sherry [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20110914.html shoots the idea down flat], apparently genuinely surprised Martha thought so—although Martha herself [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20110916.html still isn't convinced].
* [[Shrug of God]]: Since sex is never actually depicted in ''Out There'', Monroe states in his blog that it's up to the reader to decide how far things go.
{{quote|
* [[Sign of the Apocalypse]]: When Miriam stops talking. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319090104/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081223.html
* [[Sorry, I'm Gay]]: It's ''very'' strongly suggested Araceli only started identifying as fully lesbian to escape Rod's advances.
* [[Spicy Latina]]: Araceli is an aversion to this trope. She's more shy and vulnerable than the other two (white) female leads, and usually dresses more conservatively. Less of a tomboy as well. And a lesbian, if that means anything.
** Sherry actually fits the trope reasonably well, notwithstanding the fact that she's not a Latina.
* [[Toplessness From the Back]]: Miriam is seen shirtless from the rear occasionally [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319081628/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20091111.html
* [[Vitriolic Best Buds]]: ''Out There'' is something of a [[World of Snark]], so many of the close friendships therein follow Type 2 (Miriam and Sherry, Sherry and Steven, Araceli and Rod, James and Chuck), and a few of the relationships seem to embody Type 1 (Miriam and James, Sherry and Clayton, Miriam and Clayton). The schizophrenic nature of these relationships is well represented [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100222.html here]; Miriam and Sherry's volatile friendship borders on a parody of this trope at times; when they're not sniping at each other, they're often ''caressing'' each other.
* [[Wham! Line]]: When Clayton lobbies for Miriam to get a job as a stripper, Miriam gets offended—not so much at the notion of being a stripper, but because she suspects Clayton is just trying to get her to leave Sherry's bar. Clayton, offended that Miriam has taken offense, attempts to elucidate: "Anyway, don't you think any of '''these''' losers wouldn't '''flock''' to see you [work as a stripper]? {{spoiler|Hell, I'm sure '''I''' would."}} The {{spoiler|kiss}} afterward serves the same general purpose. [https://web.archive.org/web/20180319085709/http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090124.html
* [[What Did I Do Last Night?]] / [[Did They or Didn't They?]]: This trope is established early in the strip's run. On the first night they meet, Miriam and John end up spending the night in a hotel together after she ties one on {{spoiler|(nothing happens, except a [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20060710.html REALLY good dream])}}. In another arc about a year later, Miriam and Sherry go out drinking and the next day Miriam's memory of the night is so spotty that she can't remember {{spoiler|[http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20070707.html if she cut her own hair] (she didn't; Sherry cut it [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20070630.html while she was sleeping])}}. Another time, a hung-over Miriam thinks she remembers Sherry sabotaging her one-night stand, and assumes she must be remembering wrong {{spoiler|([http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20081105.html she isn’t])}}. Not long after, Miriam and {{spoiler|[http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090131.html Clayton]}} end up in bed together, and Miriam needs a [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090202.html recap the next day] to find out what happened. Later, while touring with Steven's band, Miriam gets drunk at a party and and is later surprised to find {{spoiler|[http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090911.html a phone number written on her belly] in [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20090912.html indelible ink].}} Still later, Miriam wakes up on Araceli's couch and has trouble remembering what they did the night before, but she [http://outthere.keenspot.com/d/20100325.html figures it out on her own], confirming (in her own mind) that she doesn't have a drinking problem, after all.
* [[World of Snark]]: Almost all of the characters can be categorized, at least occasionally, as [[Deadpan Snarker
{{reflist}}
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[[Category:Webcomics Long Runners]]
[[Category:Gag Per Day Webcomics]]
[[Category:Slice of Life Webcomics]]
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[[Category:Web Comics of the 2000s]]
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