Cartridge is a webcomic about nerds and the things they love. It currently updates every Monday and Friday.

That's a tough question, really. You see, the term "gaming comic" is usually used to describe comics that exlusively make jokes about video games, and Cartridge is much more than that. Cartridge is about nerds and the nerd lifestyle. Video games fall under that description, but so do many other things. So yes, in a sense Cartridge is a gaming comic, but I don't really feel that's a fair representation of the comic's subject matter.

Short answer: Because one of the more unique elements of the comic is a demon sealed inside an old video game cartridge, who has the power to turn obsessions into reality. Long answer: For two years before I started Cartridge, I worked on an earlier version of the comic which was called Cartridge Comics. It was a grab-bag of pop culture parodies, since the artistic talent behind it was too young to settle on a set cast. Over time, however, I took an old discarded idea for a set cast and wrote a story behind them, adding elements like the Cartridge demon to make the title tie in a little better. I did eventually reboot the comic, but since the title now fits better than it ever did, I simply dropped "comics" from the title. I hope to eventually change the URL to cartridge.com, but it's been taken for about four years, so I've learned to be content with this one.

Neither. Jerry is simply a character that happens to smoke marijuana. His drug use has had both positive and negative effects on his life, and there's no way to tell for sure that his life would be any better or worse if he had never gotten into drugs. I do support the legalization of marijuana, but I don't want to use the comic as a soapbox for my stance on the issue.

No. Sorry, but I used to do link exchanges and it resuled in tons of requests from horrible sprite comics that continued to update for about 2 weeks after we made the exchange. Of course, if you really want a link, just send me a guest comic or some fan art, and I'll be more than happy to feature it on the site, along with a link to your homepage.

Jerry

Jerry is concept designer of sorts, spending most of his life working for various companies coming up with marketable ideas which are turned into successful franchises. His somewhat seedy behavior has led to most companies being reluctant to credit the source of these ideas, which has never bothered Jerry much since he is paid extremely well for his work. Living in several different countries throughout his life has messed with Jerry's perception of culture, resulting in a very relaxed attitude toward proper behavior. In his younger years, Jerry struggled with a destructive lifestyle of constant casual sex and drug abuse. However, over the years he has settled into mild womanizing, casual drug use, and mild alcoholism. It's a start, anyway.
Jerry became joined Evan and Milton's circle several years ago when he moved into the apartment across the alley from the two. His friendship with Milton is a bit more antagonistic than his relationship with Evan, but since the events triggered by the Cartridge demon's return to his life, Jerry has depended on his two nerdy friends enough to bring about a lasting friendship between all three.

Evan

Evan is the most laid back of the three, but also the most stressed. He has known Milton since childhood, and while both have been outcasts for as long as they can remember, it's never been quite clear who is taking care of who. He doesn't bring in as much income as his rommate, for which he tries to make up by doing most of the housework. He loves nerdy pastimes as much as Milton, but tends to feel guilty about giving in to his interests, as he feels obligated to live a "normal" life. His lack of self confidence fuelsEvan's desire to "fix" his nerd habits, but also keeps him from making many other friends who aren't fellow nerds. He tries his best to make sure Milton gets out of the apartment once in a while, too. Sometimes, however, Milton's lack of social skills makes that regrettable.

Milton

Milton is Evan's best friend and roommate. He is also friends with Jerry, but finds almost everything about Jerry's personality annoying. Actually, Milton finds just about everyone annoying, mostly only showing tolerance for Evan, and whatever sexy female characters and actresses are popular at the moment. He makes his living running several blogs on various interests, including comic books, movies, and video games. Much to Evan's dismay, Milton actually makes the most money between the two, and often finds himself picking up Evan's half of the rent. Milton never complains, though, because Evan is his connection to the outside world, which proves useful when life might require him to step away from his computer.

Cartridge

This old video game cartridge does not contain a video game, but an ancient demon. A danger to even touch, this cartridge seems to have the ability to manipulate the actions of those who come in contact with it.

The Cartridge Demon

The cartridge demon appears to be permanently sealed inside the prison of an old video game cartridge. His powers are dictated by the hosts he possesses. When possessing an inanimate object, the object comes to life. When possessing a person, his powers are based around that person's obsessions. While he can possess people, he is still sealed inside the cartridge, which forces him to keep the cartridge close to his host body. If the two are seperated by a distance greater than a few feet, he will lose control of his host. The demon was sealed in his prison by Jerry, and for that he wants nothing more than revenge against his foe.

Dona

Jerry's old friend and love interest. Dona hooked up Jerry with his first job in the video game industry, which started him in his career as a writer. Currently deceased, killed by the Cartridge demon.

Peter / Emo-Spider

Peter, a.k.a. Emo-Spider, was an average young man working in a clothing store until one day he was bitten by a spider that had been charged with the power of emo music. With his spider powers, Peter attempts to save the world as Emo-Spider, but is usually distracted by his habit of complaining about his life in his various blogs.

Chad

Peter's co-worker. Chad is a quiet goth who is obsessed with death and violence.

Ashley

College student who worked at Pixels and Panels, the local comic book store. She hated nerds, and working in a store that forces her to interact with them only increased her hatred. Now deceased, she was last scene as a zombie, decaptitated by Evan's lightsaber.

Ken

Ken was Jerry's boss and an independent film director. His family passed down to him a scroll that held an ancient demon, but not being the religious sort, he packed it away in his attic and eventually forgot about it. Current whereabouts unknown.

Patrick

Jerry's occasional smoking buddy. Somewhat irresponsible and reckless. Last seen as a zombie, impaled by a hookah.