We live in a world free of laser-wielding robots and expresso-pooping model dinosaurs, but these minor differences aside, the world Jeph Jacques has created with Questionable Content is very familiar. Since its inception in 2003, Questionable Content has earned the readership of people similar to its main character Marten: friendly, a little shy, slightly unambitious (or just confused about what path to take), and musically-inclined. It was the knowing nods to indie rock fans that helped the strip get off the ground, but these days it's a healthy mix of music references and character development - with a bit more emphasis on the latter - that makes the strip stand out from its contemporaries. The fully-realized characters are entertaining to read about but also discuss matters pertinent to the lives of its readers, often using music as a forum for those discussions. The following ten strips are prime examples of the witty music-related humor that put the strip on the map.

Number 1530: He’s Very Tall in Real Life

I don’t know what it is, but personally it’s really intimidating for me to meet musicians I really respect and admire. I’m sure if I ever met Stephen Malkmus I would probably hyperventilate, for example. A musician’s stature doesn’t necessarily have to be high in order for one to feel intimidated, however. Every time I see So Many Dynamos live I tend to awkwardly hover around their merch table after the show while thinking about something interesting to say besides “Oh man you guys were SO GOOD!” I’m rarely successful.

Number 1616: Laundry Larceny

During its first few years, music-related jokes were Questionable Content's bread and butter. But in recent years, the emphasis on music references as humor has diminished in favor of developing a constantly widening array of characters. The reason for this is explained pretty succinctly by Marigold in the first panel: while conversations about obscure rock bands are interesting to some, the majority may indeed find such talk inane. For example, older strips like No Love for the Emo exemplify why comics related to music might be considered 'inane' – seven years down the road, this strip is kind of ridiculous and horribly dated.

Number 1590: Banterfail

Could you imagine a world where everyone who listened to The Decemberists acted like characters in Decemberists songs? The world’s population of cold-blooded killers, prostitutes, and bed-wetters would shoot through the roof! In any case, you should probably know that someone is willing to trade verbal spars before making comments about their clothing unless you want to be shunned from your town’s best coffee joint.

Number 332: One Upmanship

I’m guessing many who read IYS have had similar conversations. What could easily be interpreted as a textbook display of one-upmanship is, deep down, a showcase of enthusiasm from both parties. Presumably, people wouldn’t brag about attending certain shows if they didn’t at least enjoy them – discussing these shows and sharing in the enthusiasm with an equally enthusiastic friend (or, sometimes, a stranger) is one of the strongest displays of music-related passion. Or maybe I’m just an optimist. Either way, I’d have loved to see Hum live before they broke up.

Number 863: I Love Hearing Boston Kids Pronounce “Hardcore”

Loud is fun, isn’t it? I’ll totally take the early onset of tinnitus that’s sure to come in exchange for listening to and occasionally playing music at obscenely loud volumes. But note to Hannelore: Your neighbors probably don’t think loud is fun.

Number 369: Ben and Jerry

Faye’s explanation about why ‘indie stuff’ is a big deal hits pretty close to home. Were it not for my own explorations into new and unusual musical terrain (message boards, Newbury Comics as opposed to FYE, etc.) in high school, I probably would have listened to Dave Matthews Band all the time in high school and Kings of Leon all the time today. It can be easy to fall into that boredom trap and steer clear of unfamiliar things, but when it comes to music I never want to stay bored.

Number 1470: RIP Les Paul

This out-of-sequence strip was an excellent way for Jeph Jacques to salute one of music’s most important contributors, Les Paul. I learned something from this strip too: I never knew that Les Paul created multitrack recording along with his eponymous guitar. Also, Marten’s multitrack memorial idea should really be carried out in real life, perhaps as an ambient interlude on the next Broken Social Scene album.

Number 1336: Canasthesia

Over time, music we love may become associated with certain thoughts or certain events in our past. Sometimes, like with Marten, self-reflection might lead to feelings of disappointment and regret, but sometimes they might bring back happy memories. Either way, it's pretty amazing how powerful a tool music can be, whether it's to help you cope with disappointment or remind you of good times gone by.

Number 1206: Atlas

Maybe it’s just me, but I didn’t even know the singing in “Atlas” was intelligible until I read this strip. Thanks for the awareness, Hanners! Also, don’t lie, you’ve probably sustained an injury while dancing in solitude as well, although maybe not to your head while washing dishes. That takes dedication.

Number 479: BitTorrents Are Forever

Here in 2010, musicians and fans generally accept leaks as a way of life. However, that still doesn’t eliminate the mystery behind who’s responsible for these leaks. One could safely assume Dora’s theories are true: stragglers from promo companies and record labels are most likely behind the majority of leaks. The ubiquity of leak culture is still somewhat unnerving though, which makes me think that elves outfitted their Corollas with flux capacitors in order to carry out Faye’s proposed plan, only to return to present day in order to slowly release albums a few months before their actual release dates so as not to arouse too much suspicion. The biggest question is, why do people in the future listen to music with such low bitrates?