Cameo appearances have long been a tradition in webcomics. This borrowing of characters can range from a one-shot encounter to a multi-day guest appearance… and from members of the cast of other strips to idealized cameos of the cartoonists behind the strips. Indeed, some comics (such as Nukees) keep a running tally of where characters (and cartoonists) have appeared. Considering the fanfiction roots of Sailor Sun, it probably shouldn’t be surprising for cameos to appear in the strip; indeed, before Chris Rudderham edited SS’s archives, there was a four-part pre-story that utilized characters from The Wotch spinoff comic Cheer.

Indeed, early on in Sailor Sun’s run, Rudderham inserted the cast of The Wotch into his comic, creating an imaginary world where comics are acted out and the members of the cast are but actors. It’s a rather innovative concept, and one that’s been utilized in the past (the most notable of these being the late Greystone Inn). It also allows for greater ease in borrowing of characters from other comics. Fortunately, Rudderham avoids the temptation of letting the cameos carry the comic, and instead relies on his own cast with his storytelling. Still, there’s a certain amused quality in having The Wotch’s Anne working in a dress shop when not working in her own comic.

Sailor Sun has undergone some significant improvements in artwork and storytelling from its early days. While there is still some issues with its story meandering, there’s been significant character development for Honey, and a bit of expansion for Bay as well. As for what the comic is about? While nominally it’s about the SailorSun.com Fan Fiction Studio (yes, in this comic’s world, even fan fiction is professionally created utilizing actors and the like), it may be more proper to state that Sailor Sun is about Bay, Honey, and the rest of the cast (which unfortunately includes the idiotic talking cat Teri, and his eternal quest for pancakes; fortunately, the rest of the cast make up for him). If you’re interested in serious storytelling with an epic storyline (as I so often am), then Sailor Sun isn’t for you. But if you want to kick back with an amusing and quaint storyline, then give the strip a drive around the block. Now if you excuse me, I need to load this batch of pancakes onto a trebuchet….