(18+) Comics and Random Art Battles 4 - Sign-Ups/Pre-Season 2025-04-04 18:01:05 (edited 2025-04-04 18:18:22)
(Here's an introductory video complied by DOOMVA-M, if you please!)
An ancient tome reads:
"A grand tournament that spans across the infinite multiverse, CRAB has seen the clashing of titans, gods, and blue-collar everymen. From the sky-scraping peak of Mount Olympus to the blood-soaked fields of fantasy lands, competitors go head-to-head for the right to claim the ultimate prize: a single wish to be granted by the Gamemaster. Do YOU have what it takes to be a crab?"
- You must be 18 years or older to enter.
- You must be a scouted artist.
- Complete the Entry Task to be added to the roster.
- ---- The Entry Task is to depict your character defeating Florida Man (shown below) and submit it to this thread.
- This event originated on 4chan's /co/ board in 2022, extending its reach to Newgrounds last year.
- The event is being organized on our private Discord server
- ---- You are not required to join the server if you don't want to. Thread-only contestants have happened before.
- The tournament is slated to begin June 20th and will last 14 weeks.
- ---- If it's past June 20th when you're viewing this, you may still be entered as a Reserve Crab to cover drop-outs.
- This is an OCT (Original Character Tournament). The format is 10 teams, 5 members each. 3 rounds, where you face a different opponent from another team each round.
- ---- No eliminations; you are still in the game even if you lose. The winning team is determined by points earned from wins and losses across all rounds. The team with the most points at the end gets a wish.
- Comics are not mandatory. The "Random" refers to the Art itself, meaning you can animate, write, etc... we've had audio tracks, a DOOM wad, and a browser game be submitted before!
Hello, Newgrounds! This is your commentator, Debbie Winters. I'll be your direct connection to the action for the newest edition of CRAB. My job is simple: I'm the one that brings you all the juicy details and goings-on in the tournament, as well as the one that makes sure contestants hear what you have to say. I'm your community liaison, so to speak.
What is CRAB? Well, it's an acronym for "Comics and Random Art Battles"! It's an annual event that is going into its fourth consecutive year, and has featured over 60 artists duking it out with their original characters in various events around the globe. The tournament is looking for more contestants to jump in the fray and try to take home a life-changing wish!
Are you here to sign up? This tournament is a commitment, and certainly not for the faint of heart nor weak of will. Above, I've listed the main points of what it will take to join, as well as how to join and what to expect from the tournament. If you think you have what it takes, then we'd love to see your OC. Of course, just showing us who you're bringing is not enough. Your cost of admission?
You must defeat the Pit Guardian, Florida Man, to be given entry to CRAB.
(via CornCobBro)
After doing a little digging, I've uncovered this from the CRAB records in regard to Florida Man's mannerisms.
How you defeat him is up to you! Just post your Entry Task here in the thread and you'll be invited to join our event.
Oh, before you get started, be sure to tell us a little about your character. Here's a reference sheet so you can let others know your character's backstory, personality, and any special abilities they have:
That's all you need to know to join, future crab. If you think you have what it takes to be a champion, go ahead and show us what you've got! If you need more information, please consult the remainder of this post to help clear up any confusion you may have. Or, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to ask for clarification!
F.A.Q.
What is Comics and Random Art Battles?
CRAB is an event that has its origins back on 4chan's /co/ board, extending its reach to Newgrounds last year and this year as well. It is a team-based OCT (Original Character Tournament) lasting three rounds with no eliminations. Even losers can win it all!
How do matches go?
At the start of every round, you are matched up with another contestant in some form of competition. Each round has a different location and event, and you must depict your character defeating their opponent in this event. For example, Round 1 could be in Pompeii and your event is Golf. Don't miss that putt at the base of Mt. Vesuvius!
Your opponent will be doing the same, but they'll be defeating you in their entry. After everyone's entries are submitted, the voting period begins. Other contestants vote on which entry they think should win, and whichever earns the most votes is declared the winner of that event.
Round 3 is traditionally combat. Many crabs have fought and died in this arena, so bring your best! Crabs who die in Round 3 stay dead...
Here's an example of a match-up I found in the archives: Cyrus vs Dylan
Event Starting Date and Length of Tournament
Currently, we are aiming to begin the tournament on June 20th. The entire event is anticipated to last 14 weeks, which includes rest periods between rounds to avoid burnout.
It's after June 20th, can I still join?
You can still join. We need some contestants to sit on the bench in case we have drop-outs or no-shows. It's not glorious, but you can still be a part of the action!
Is there a limited roster size?
Yes. We are aiming to have 50 contestants, and right now we have about 30 or so in the event. The remaining slots will be given out to people who can complete their Entry Tasks first, and we've already got some on standby. So don't dillydally; get to making that Entry! Anyone that submits after all slots are filled will be placed on the reserve list.
Are there deadlines or restrictions?
Yes! Typically, you have about two weeks to complete your entry for the current round. As for restrictions on entry length, the first two rounds have a 15-page limit for comics and 1:50 (110 seconds) for animations. Other limits will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Round 3 has no limits.
Do I have to make comics?
No. The majority of contestants will likely submit a comic, so that is what you can expect to contend with. Animations are another popular medium here.
Are you the Gamemaster?
I am not. The Gamemaster for CRAB for is the DOOMVA:
(via DOOMVA-M)
My job is to engage contestants and viewers alike with extra content, such as interviews, minor announcements, and other little activities. My co-commentator, M4tron, will be in the 4chan threads, but they might pop in from time to time.
(via SaintBon)
Do I have to join your Discord server?
You are not required to join the server; we've had contestants stay exclusively in the threads before. Just know that you'll need to be more proactive in keeping up with the event. Ghosting or long periods of inactivity may result in getting kicked out...
Again, please reach out if you have any more questions! If you're interested in the pre-season shenanigans, be sure to follow this thread by clicking the heart at the top of this post. You'll be easily notified when something happens.
Looking forward to seeing you in action, crab.
