it's like they did a guest strip for sinfest or something
The kid got a star named after his mom.
The mom's name is, presumably, Susan.
Many years into the future, some villain is having his fleet move to the system that is home to the star the kid named.
The punchline is supposed to be the absurdity of a powerful tyrant dramatically saying the name of a star system that is completely innocuous and not at all dramatic.
The joke is basically that naming stars after people is absurd such that when some overlord in the future charts a path to the location named after the mother (with the assumption that it keeps that name for that long and that these aliens use Earth's star naming scheme) it sounds silly said aloud. Unfortunately this is a textual medium and that punchline doesn't work as well, but hey there you go.
Q:Who is legally responsible for naming objects in the sky?
A: The IAU is the internationally recognized authority for naming celestial bodies and surface features on them. And names are not sold, but assigned according to internationally accepted rules.
Q:What does this mean in practice?
A: Simply this: Names assigned by the IAU are recognized and used by scientists, space agencies, and authorities worldwide. When observing stars and planets or launching space missions to them, or reporting about them in the news, everybody needs to know exactly which location a particular name refers to. The names assigned by the IAU are those that are used. These rules are firm where claims of property could theoretically be made, i.e. primarily in the solar system (where also treaties negotiated through the United Nations apply). Terrestrial makers of international law have so far had more urgent concerns than creating rules for "buying" totally inaccessible corners of infinite space, so there is no written text that can be twisted and interpreted - just a plain and practical fact.
Q:But if I want to, can I buy the name of a star anyway?
A: Sure, there are people who will be more than happy to take your money....
Q:Can you tell me who and where?
A: Sorry, we are a scientific organization, not a branch of the entertainment industry. We cannot distribute addresses of enterprises selling fictitious goods.
Q:OK, I found a dealer myself; what will I get from them?
A: An expensive piece of paper and a temporary feeling of happiness, like if you take a cup of tea instead of the Doctor's recommended medicine. But at least you do not risk getting sick by paying for a star name, only losing money.
Q:But that name is unique, I understand?
A: It will be likely unique in that company's name list. Otherwise you can probably sue them. But there are more than enough stars for everybody who wants to buy the name of one. However, no countries, authorities, or scientists in the world will recognize "your" name for the star. Nothing prevents your or any other dealer from selling "your" star to anyone else. And just think of all the other stars in the Universe that also have planets with smart business people on them...
Q:My friends tell me the name is preserved forever?
A: Sorry, also not: The name you paid for can be ignored, forgotten, or sold again to anyone else by anyone at any time.
Posts
it exists
AM
SUING
it was funny
Steam: YOU FACE JARAXXUS| Twitch.tv: CainLoveless
now over here is the robot who LOVES chocolate *smash bang crash* BEEP BREEP WHERE IS THE CHOC O LATE *smash* BLEEP
@beasteh
it's, you
Aw, man
R-really?
I mean, it's not a great joke.
The most it got out of me was one eyebrow slightly raised.
But it seems pretty obvious?
it's like they did a guest strip for sinfest or something
The kid got a star named after his mom.
The mom's name is, presumably, Susan.
Many years into the future, some villain is having his fleet move to the system that is home to the star the kid named.
The punchline is supposed to be the absurdity of a powerful tyrant dramatically saying the name of a star system that is completely innocuous and not at all dramatic.
Edit: Uugh, Slopty be thy name.
I think the face really sells it.
It's okay.
Shhhh
shhhhh
GODS GODS GODS
gods
and planets named Badlanding, Lawl, Yourmom and so on
Well they are the ones who started what is Pluto arguement and what is a planet arguement after other things and the Kuipner belt was found/proven
this is me
Burn it to the ground
i find your implication (by apologising) that i have a fragile ego offensive
this strip is ok +
I have to refer to that TLB post I reported for Awesome.
Story is pretty raunchy, fyi, but you'll know what you're in for immediately when you start reading it.
http://forums.penny-arcade.com/discussion/159502/awesome-bad-ass-by-the-lovely-bastard