Kendl Core

Infobox webcomic
title = Kendl Core
caption = The "Kendl Core" strip "Joke of the Year" parodies the Linux gaming article on Wikipedia.
author = Enigma Riddle, Xavier Rutario
url = http://www.kendlcore.com/
status = Updates Monday and Friday
began = April 22, 2007
genre = Geeky, Humor
format = Serialized
publisher = Independent
cost = Free

"Kendl Core" is a webcomic written by Xavier Rutario and composed by Enigma Riddle, parodying two popular operational systems, Linux and Windows. The comic is constructed from game screen-shots, with characters posed using Garry's Mod. The comic is presented in a blog like form, with the comic; followed by the rant and explanation by either Riddle or Rutario with other news.

The events of the comic are loosely based on real events and happenings in Riddle's and Rutario's life. Surreal events may occur as well. The two main characters of the comic represent the alter egos of Riddle and Rutario.

A feature of the comic is that neither of the protagonists have a name. Riddle introduces the two roommates as the "bald guy" and the "handsome one". The "bald guy" is a Linux user and an Apple follower. He behaves bitter and cynical, always trying to find flaws in Microsoft's distributions. The "handsome one" is a major Windows user and possible a gamer. He despises any Apple and Linux product. He's always cheerful and relaxed, although he can get upset quickly at his room-mate's actions, such as installing Linux on his Playstation 2 or losing their house due to a mortgage to buy off an iPod. Kendl Core has just reached one year of existence and its celebration began a few days ago.

Theme

The main gags and sketches stem from popularized conflict between Linux and Windows. One of the characters is often seen flaming and insulting the other's operating system, usually argued with evidence that can be found on the blog. Instead of highlighting the typical flaws of each system, both of the creators find new and more complex flaws and conclusions of the operating systems. The basic humor is cynical and sardonic.

Characters

Linux User

He behaves bitter and cynical, always trying to find flaws in Microsoft’s distributions. Bright and sharp, always prepared to comment a Microsoft product. A true and faithful Linux user to the end. A legend tells that after a long period of Windows he snapped and was given Linux as a substitute in the hospital. He never switched back. He also supports Apple. One of his favorite hobbies include listening to his iPod, reading the stock market newspaper and trying to find new ways how to upset his roommate. Although he often gives out a serious and negative impression, he is quite peaceful and friendly. It was suggested that he works with stocks and some sort of coding for a company. Born naturally bald.

Windows User

A major Windows user and a possible dedicated gamer also. He despises any Apple product and Linux. He seems always cheerful and relaxed, although he can get upset pretty quickly at his roommates actions, such as installing Linux on his Playstation 2 or losing their house due to a mortgage to buy off an iPod. Despite his calm appearance he has the arrogance and brains to investigate about Linux and actually experiencing the other point of view. Once tried to install Linux and almost lost his whole hard drive in the process. He decides to suppress his memories about the incident and to live in peace and harmony. His occupation is unknown.

Additional information

Origin of comic name

"Kendl Core" derives its name from the Linux kernel, the kernel core of Linux.

Logo

The logo, that is portrayed on the site's header, resembles the Windows logo, with horns and a tail (parody of the BSD Daemon) and a part of the logo, which is "eaten" away, parodies the Apple logo.

Trivia

* The characters' appearance does not resemble the real appearance of Riddle and Rutario.

* The names Enigma S. Riddle and Xavier Rutario are not the real names of the authors. They are simply their official online names, due to protecting their real identity. Riddle stated that he chose this decision because both of the authors are foreign and trying to pronounce their names would be a difficulty.

* The "S" in Riddle's name stands for Shayo, which is Riddle's gamer tag.

* Unlike in the comic, the authors are not room-mates.

External links

* [http://www.kendlcore.com/ "Kendl Core"]
* [http://www.thewebcomiclist.com/p/10924/Kendl-Core/ "Kendl Core on TheWebComicList"]