" Readers Guide to Homestuck
We'll be blunt. It's over 8,000 pages long and has more words than The Holy Bible.
To keep it brief, Homestuck is a multimedia adventure about a group of friends and their journey playing a game, meeting internet trolls from another universe and causing the end of the world. A lot of things go wrong, for better or for worse.
source: "HOMESTUCK - The Animated Pilot" on YouTube
Homestuck, unlike a traditional comic, follows a very unique format. Each page can have a picture, animation or game, as well as narrated text or even a chatlog between friends. This means that while some pages might take a while to get through, others are as easy as sitting back and enjoying the show.
This unique format means that Homestuck is one of only a few webcomics to have its very own soundtrack, featuring music by many talented composers you may have heard of before! (do I need to say Toby Fox's name out loud?)
For about a quarter of the comic's 7-year run, there would be daily updates based on reader suggestions. This is why early pages are often titled with an action. This is also why a lot of the early acts feel like "filler", even though that couldn't be further from the case! So, don't be fooled, the comic is notoriously elaborate! Yes, even the intermissions are required for the story!
TL;DR: The big page count might seem scary, but you'll have a lot of fun experiencing it!Where do you even begin?
The easiest way to get started is by going onto the newly restored official website!
If you're willing to invest a little more time into finding the most ideal way for you to experience the comic according to your tastes, you might be interested in our list of alternative ways to experience Homestuck in all of its early 2010s glory.
Homestuck's main story works on its own without any side content, but additional stories and continuations exist! You might like 'em!
The Core Homestuck Experience
- Homestuck
All 8,130 pages of it! You might know it, you might love it. - Sweet Bro and Hella Jeff
A surrealist "gamer bro" webcomic that exists inside of Homestuck, written by one of the main characters! May contain some slight Homestuck spoilers. The most important pages are linked in Homestuck itself. - Paradox Space
A more "traditional" comic in an anthology format based on Homestuck's lore. - The Homestuck Epilogues
After Homestuck, something caused the timeline to split. What could this mean for our cast? Intended for mature audiences. Features unique metanarrative storytelling, much like Homestuck itself. - Homestuck^2
A follow-up to The Homestuck Epilogues in the style of the original comic. Would go on hiatus before being picked up by another team. - Beyond Canon
Picking up where Homestuck^2 left off. Much more well-received among fans and directed by Furthest Ring Studios with the general plot outlined by Hussie. No end in sight, features new species, new mechanics and new villains.
The Extended Homestuck Experience
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Hiveswap
A series of adventure games set in the world of Homestuck! New acts are still in development! Contains spoilers. -
Other MSPaint Adventures
Problem Sleuth, Jailbreak, and tons of other adventures Hussie made before and after Homestuck. Jester Quest, Circus Break and Psycholonials may contain some spoilers. -
Pesterquest
A not very canon visual novel and platonic dating simulator featuring the Homestuck characters you know and love! Contains spoilers for the epilogues and Homestuck^2. -
Hiveswap Friendsim
A not very canon visual novel and platonic dating simulator featuring some never before seen trolls! Contains spoilers for Act 5. -
Rex Duodecim Angelus
A collaborative animation project by fans that aimed to capture the 12 trolls fighting against The Black King. Praised by Hussie and called canon in passing. Tip: Watch this after completing Act 5! -
Detective Pony
A real book that was altered by one of the main characters in Act 6. This is an extended version made by a fan, which while not strictly canon, did receive a shoutout from the team due to its great understanding of Homestuck characters.
Conclusion
Homestuck is pretty cool and while it was certainly a product of its time, it's still worth reading today. The best time to read it was during its original run and the update culture surrounding it, but the second best time is right now.
The writing contains strong language and the plot absolutely tackles some heavy themes, but this has made it one of the most interesting pieces of fiction coming from the internet age we live in.
The most important thing is to not be overwhelmed. Take your time with Homestuck, and we hope you enjoy it!