Cryptic #5 - A Lack of Color

Another cryptic -- why not? It's an adventure every time. As before, you can solve without wordplay hints (pdf, applet) or with them (pdf, applet). (The solution is the same.)

Cryptic #4 - "You Know You Gotta Help Me Out"

I've had this cryptic (pdf, applet, solution) completely finished and ready to go for months, so it's about time I put it somewhere. Cryptics are still a pretty new medium for me (clearly, as I'm only on #4), but I think this one has some good stuff in it :) If you need a little extra nudge to get rolling, I also made a version with hints that specify the kind(s) of wordplay at work in each of the clues (pdf, applet). The solution's the same for both.