Rubbernorc

From Comixpedia

Rubbernorc

Creator(s)	Paul Eldridge
Website(s)	http://rubbernorc.webs.com/
Update Schedule
Launch Date
Genre	Humor, Parody/satire
Format	Multiple Panel Page, Serial

Rubbernorc is a comic created by Paul Eldridge, initially published in issues of CAOF Presents and now can be found online. It follows two friends NOGL and Chubb as they go through their daily lives in the fictional town of Hiding in the U.K., usually involving the consumption of alcohol and a certain amount of violence.

Many of the characters, including NOGL and Chubb are based upon the creator and people he has encountered, making them at least semi-autobiographical.

1 Characters
2 Storylines
3 Running gags
4 External links

[edit] Characters

NOGL (pr.Nog) believes himself to be the last surviving member of a species of goblinoid called Rubbernorc. He has green skin with a rubber-like texture, red pupil-less eyes, pointed ears, protruding teeth and cloven hooves, although he often keeps these covered with boots. Most of his time is spent drinking beer in several establishments with his flatmate Chubb, where they are quite happy to be left undisturbed. Unfortunately if NOGL is disturbed he can very easily erupt into violence, a characteristic that is known to the Rubbernorc species, and if it happens to be a Friday it is also possible that he will erupt into a Warp Spasm, where his physical form mutates into a larger more offensive creature, this only appears to be able to occur once a week and seems to have no prefixed definition of characteristics, the two Warp Spasms shown in Book 1 are of different appearance.

It is revealed in Book 1 that N.O.G.L. is actually an anagram for Non OrGanic Lifeform, and that he is not actually the last surviving Rubbernorc but an artificial construct created during World War 2 designed to emulate that form. He was created as a weapon by the German forces (specifically Doktor Hertz van Rental) but his Rubbernorc programming proved stronger than it was intended to be, and he has led his life believing this to be the truth unaware of his true origins. Throughout Book 1 his name is spelled 'Nog', to make clear the pronunciation of his name to the reader and to indicate that the supporting characters are also unaware of the true spelling and his true origins, how NOGL himself spells his name is not made clear.

Chubb the fat bloke. NOGL's flatmate, friend and drinking partner. Chubb is somewhat obese man, who appears to always be unshaven and a chain smoker, having a cigarette either always present or about to be lit. His vast girth is contained within a large belt about his waist that is claimed to be made from 'Kamakazi Wombat Leather' and latched together by three large metal clamps, an earlier version utilising a combination lock has been mentioned as inferior in design. This belt appears to hold far more than is apparent, as the only time when it has been seen to be unbuckled, the expanding girth demolished an entire building. In contrast to NOGL, Chubb has a more relaxed attitude to life, backing up his friends actions when needed rather than instigating anything.

Mr Smiggins the Norc Handler (Smigs). By day he runs his pie shop 'Pies etc.', he is also trained in the ancient art of norc handling. Beneath his shop he has a fully equipped handling room, containing everything he needs to practice his art, this includes a laboratory/medical bay and a selection of blunt instruments. In order to 'handle' NOGL he employs a collar made from 'Kamakazi Wombat Leather' attached to a chain, he also equips himself with a metal baseball bat and leather 'Handling Suit' with integrated knuckle dusters, plus cowboy boots which may be a personal flourish. He is shown to have a certain amount of scientific/medical knowledge and is somehow able to observe microscopic organisms in a test tube with the naked eye. Smiggins appears to be a good friend of both NOGL and Chubb, and has supplied Chubb with at least two belts designed to contain his girth, suggesting that he has known them for a reasonable length of time.

Jones. Half naked assistant to a mad scientist. Causes much trouble for the rubbernorc while coercing him towards his final destination (well there's money to be made).

Danny. Friend of NOGL and Chubb, found drinking in The Black Head. Wears a pair of oversized boots capable of creating a sonic boom and corresponding shock wave, although that's not much compared to defeating a Martian invasion.

The Reverend. Friend of NOGL, partial to alter wine. Currently follows 16 different religions (and counting), none of which seem to stop him joining in the occasional fracas.

Gerard the Bar Goat. Friend of Chubb, found drinking in The Queens Haemorrhoids. Half-man, half-goat, partial to Indian snack food.

The Black Berry. Mysterious French mercenary. Has a large hammer.

The Beast. NOGL's car, a three wheeled monster truck able to drive itself, summoned by a certain note generated by NOGL's flatulence. Not that roomy, so tows a spherical 'trailer' if Chubb requires transport.

Dr Ken Livingstone. Archaeologist, who with his assistant discovers the laboratory in which NOGL was created. Proceeds to track NOGL and learn more about him.

Charlie. A clown. Shares the flat with NOGL and Chubb, or possibly the large cave beneath.

[edit] Storylines

Book 1. Introduces NOGL and Chubb as they go about their daily lives, which seems to consist of drinking. After trying out a guest beer NOGL appears to contract a virus causing him to fall ill, Mr Smiggins comes to his aid and then all three set out to discover the source of the virus. Things take a strange turn (or maybe their drinking is just interrupted) as they are assaulted by strange men and the mysterious French mercenary 'The Black Berry'. They encounter several other friends as they journey between beers, eventually ending up at 'The Worlds Largest Beer Tent' where the reason for the strange assaults is revealed. Throughout the course of the story NOGL's true origins are revealed, eventually to be discovered by himself.

The Dipsomaniac Duo. NOGL and Chubb could hardly be considered superheroes, their choice of lifestyle is hardly selfless or heroic. One night after some beer, with the aid of Charlie the clown, they leap into action in their own wonderful style.

X-mas Time. After a few celebratory drinks, NOGL and Chubb find burglars in the flat, one of them is a fat bloke in a red suit who looks awfully familiar.

At home with the Fat Bloke. NOGL's trying to watch a film, Chubb is bored.

Noggy in Toytown. Rubbernorc for children, because it's so grown up normally.

Danny and his Amazing Boots. Danny vs the Martians, 'nuff said.

Mobile Comics. New Rubbernorc cartoons available for download to mobile/cell phones on Rokcomics.com

The Fat Bloke in "Elf Trouble". Chubb in his own festive tale, involving foul-mouthed elves, a grumpy Santa and marijuana cigarettes.

[edit] Running gags

Throughout Rubbernorc stories a number of unusual names for Pubs and Beer can be found, so far these have been seen.

Pub Names. The Hairy Bullocks, The Queen's Haemorrhoids, The Black Head, The Cheeky Shit, The Silent Fart, The Arse and Elbow, The Pigeon on Roller Skates, The Rectal Fruit, The Dog's Toilet, The Wet Patch, The Upside-down Flying Crocodile, The Mutts Nuts, The Moon From The Window.

Beer Names. Gest Beer, Badweiser, Bludy Krapp, Old Nob Drooper, Anybody's Gest, Cow Dung, Pooh Beer, Rupert the Beer, Paddington Beer, 'Where's Me Legs?', Vom, Yummy.

Others. (Whisky)Wee Jessie Blended Shite, 'Och My Eyes'. (Gambling Machine)Rip Off. (Cigarettes)Fat Bloke's 'Special' Cigarettes. (Movie)Curse of The Wereworm.