I'm officially ending the Stand-in comic with this post (main storyline only. There may still be short side stories or personal experience sharing in the future).
First of all, thank you again to the readers and partners who have helped and continue to help with correcting the comic's dialogue.
Here, I want to especially thank @brynwyth and @hiimtryingtounderfell (Kaitogirl) for assisting with language corrections all the way to the final episode. Without their dedication, completing this work would have been unimaginably difficult. Their contribution was crucial to this work.
I also want to thank @celmif 's team for translating the comic into Russian over the past eight years. Their devotion and determination have made this story accessible to an entirely different audience, and I believe their work is the biggest reason I still have a wonderful Russian-speaking fanbase to this day.
I would also like to acknowledge the many other translators and comic dub creators who worked on this comic. While it is unfortunate that they were unable to continue for various reasons, the time and effort they put into their translations and comic dubs deserve recognition and gratitude all the same.
Thank you to @shayromi and @jjaydazo for inspiring me with how to present certain parts of the story. Special thanks to Shayromi for also helping me navigate Tumblr management in the early stages, and for the opportunity to collaborate with her Frans children, Elys and Arno.
Thank you to @sharkowskii for allowing me to participate in her Underlab AU by creating the (Uncle) Chara character. It was a lot of fun and a great honor to be a part of this fantastic AU and work with one of the best artists I have ever known.
Thank you to all the friends I've made in the fandom from the early days of serialization until now. Your companionship gave me the most amazing experience during the golden era of the Frans community, and became the strength that kept me going.
Thank you to my Ko‑fi members for their financial support:
1797329, Angel, Astilla, Catalyst, ChitaMoMo, Cutegemster, Goosygander, Herewego, Ko‑fi Supporter, Leifeil, MeriahLatyar, Nancya, Olivia, Princess, Pun, Rdoel72, SofiMofi, Tamara H, Tiny Raven/Chel Maxfield, $WOOD$
Special thanks to TheMsource, @tangyactually, and @bloody-writing for subscribing to the higher tier. Tangy has always been extraordinarily kind and enjoyable to be around, and it is my privilege to have a supporter and friend like her. TheMsource has always supported me in exploring my creativity for Stand-in, and her positivity has made our time together memorable. Bloody-Writing's energetic vibes have been a constant source of encouragement. Their friendship and encouragement have meant more to me than words can express.
I'm also grateful to everyone who has supported me with one-time donations on Ko-fi. Every contribution has been deeply appreciated.
Actually, I never intended for the Stand-in comic to be about profit. But I have to admit that continuing to update this comic completely free of charge would put much heavier pressure on me, especially during the mid-to-late production stages. To those willing to support me financially, all I can do is continue doing my best to fulfill my promises to my members and offer my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me.
Thank you to everyone who has created fan art and fan fiction for Stand-in. Each time new fan work appears, it lifts my spirits immensely. Your creative contributions to this comic are my most precious treasures.
Thank you to Toby Fox, Temmie Chang, J.N. Wiedle, Magnolia Porter, Gigi D.G., Bob Sparker, Sarah, Michelle Fus, Kenju, Merrigo, Chess, Clairevoire, Easynam, Guzusuru, Everdraed, Flashygoodness, Leon Arnott, Mike Reid, and everyone involved in developing this game for bringing us such a uniquely special story, interactions, and gaming experience. This game has deeply inspired our lives, and I believe it will have a profound influence on both our past and future.
(Reference source: https://undertale.fandom.com/wiki/Undertale_Developers)
When the Stand-in comic was first created, it was just a comic I drew in my spare time as doodles. At that time, I had an idea that had been brewing in my mind for quite a while, and I simply wanted to see it actually drawn on paper. Back then, I had no idea this comic would grow to such a scale and take so much time.
Although my goal has always been the same: to complete this comic properly (at least not end it too hastily), and I never thought about giving it up, I won't say the process was without obstacles. During these years, watching the production progress repeatedly delayed by various necessary matters in real life, my doubts about "whether I could really finish it" never stopped until I actually completed it. Only then could this doubt and burden in my heart finally be released.
I want to thank God for His care and guidance. The truth is, this comic has been like a dream to me, a dream I've had for nearly ten years. Whether my circumstances were good or bad, I've felt His love through creating this story rooted in Undertale's themes of choice and mercy. It was my mental oasis that helped me barely hold on when I was on the edge of severe depression. In a sense, I'm still walking in the dark tunnel of my own life. The light is far away, but fortunately, it hasn't disappeared yet. This dream has reached its final stop. And I will, and must, find a way to keep moving forward.
I also thank my family for their help and support in my daily life. They may not know much about this comic, but because of the living conditions they created, I had the space and capacity to complete this work.
Finally, thank you to every reader who has followed this comic and made it to this point. Being able to share this joy with you is my greatest honor.
To all of you who have walked this journey with me: I hope that wherever you are in life, you'll find your own light in the darkness.
May you have the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path is unclear. May the stories and connections we share continue to bring warmth to your days ahead.
May mercy be with you.
