We introduced the comic avatars to act as a CAPTCHA device, blocking bots.

But then we began using silent captcha, interacting with the browser and making sure the same IP doesn't vote too fast, so I got rid of the captcha test, and made it so the avatar just sponsors the vote.

Why is it there?  Well, for the people who introduce good looking avatars, they have chances of acquiring a new fan with each vote for each comic.  The more popular comics get more votes, the more votes there are the more they expose voters to other comics. 

Thats the idea anyways.  I think its working out, every once in a while I know I check out a comic because of its avatar.  I think I can encourage it more, and with that in mind I'll be emphasizing the avatars and rebuilding the admin a third time.  I also want to make it so people don't have to keep resubmitting, they submit once they're in the rotation, they can update when they want.

For that matter, I'm working on a new system for comic owners and fans a like, introducing things like favorite comics and such for those who like to vote on a regular basis.