I wanted to include a quick disclaimer/addendum about some of the content in the comic.

On page six of Chapter One, there is a scene which features a kiss where clear consent is not given. I intended for this scene to come across as impulsive, but not as non-consensual. However, I also recognize that, in hindsight, this scene does not portray proper consent- verbal or non-verbal- and serves to perpetuate unhealthy ideas about what is okay in a relationship.

Utopia Mechanism is not intended to be a portrayal of perfect relationships, and portraying something in fiction is not necessarily equivalent to condoning that thing. However, I recognize the impact the media we create and consume has in that it can romanticize, glorify, and normalize toxic behavior, and ultimately I feel that writing the scene in the way I did was irresponsible.

There is a difference between exploring unhealthy dynamics and behaviors in a way that acknowledges and addresses their toxicity, and presenting those toxic behaviors as healthy, cute, or romantic without questioning them. I fear my writing for that portion of the comic unintentionally ends up fully in the latter category.

I want to make it very clear that this scene was written at a time where I was far less aware of unhealthy tropes in media and how they can perpetuate real issues. It has been well over a year since the publication of the first chapter, and longer since the scene was first written and conceptualized. I believe that, if it were published today, the first chapter would be very, very different.

I want to put out this statement both as a disclaimer to new readers about this content and as an acknowledgement to long-time readers that this portrayal exists and is not something I want to appear like I condone. At this time, I will not be remaking or editing the pages in question, although it is something I have considered, but if you are put off by this content feel free to skip to Chapter Two using the drop-down at the top or the link at the bottom.

You can read page six here, or skip ahead to the start of Chapter Two, past where the scene is discussed, here. Thanks for understanding.