If I were still editing a kid-written weekly feature, we’d have already had our annual Nutcracker-or-Christmas-Carol discussion. I miss the kids, but I don’t miss trying to cover this pair of mandatory holiday extravaganzas. The Nutcracker was easier, because, while it barely changes each year, we had enough kids who actually knew something about ballet […]
Nice timing, since I was just talking about this to someone yesterday, but, then again, it’s a topic I think about a lot. We used to joke about 150 channels and nothing good on, which was a reaction to growing up with four or five channels and nothing good on. I’m no snob and I […]
After a month off Rachel Merrill returned as Gil Thorp artist for only two weeks before handing it off to Kit Mills again for an undetermined guest artist run. While Guest Jumbler week at Jumble keeps rolling along. Loose Parts this week brought back memories for old Marvelmaniacs. New GoComics Standards GoComics has published their […]
There have been more than a few references to comic strips on the funny pages lately. As has always been the case, most recently shown in Back to B.C. when the art form meant more to newspapers than they presently do. The Back to B.C. reruns about comic strips started August 25 while the Barney […]
Comic philosophy from Wiley Miller, and a protest against blaming people for things they had little control over, though we could have a seminar on the topic of how much the things that happen to you are a reflection of your attitude and character. We’d eventually come down to a discussion of how much your […]
Here’s what I’m not talking about today, and why. On the one hand, I agree with the couple in Byrnes’ cartoon, because it’s not much of a surprise and I don’t respect either of them and, overall, I don’t much care. On the other, I also agree with Deering’s suggestion that we’ve got plenty of […]
One of our local towns has quit collecting recyclables because of a price increase by the trash hauler, but Herbert points out a level of futility that overshadows the practice anyway, particularly in cardboard and paper, which are ruined by grease or moisture. This not only means that pizza boxes (and her hamburger clamshell) are […]
We’re in no danger of running out of frightening, stupid things to comment about, but I’m overwhelmed with funny, inventive comics, so let’s pause the existential angst. It’s not like it’s going anywhere. Today’s Willie ‘n Ethel offers a hard truth but a bit of perspective. I’ve seen a lot of political cartoons lately about […]
I’m mixing political cartoons with humor today, and starting with a question: Does anybody really care about this issue anymore? Clay Jones isn’t the only left-of-center cartoonist to bring it up, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen anyone right-of-center whining about the whole “Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays” kerfuffle. I suppose maybe I have […]
I pondered using Joe Dator’s cartoon because I’ve seen similar gags before, but then realized (A) there aren’t many absolutely brand-new gags, but a good cartoonist can make them fresh and (B) there are things that can’t be said too often. (A) is covered in Russian literary criticism, where they have an expression “making new,” […]
A bunch of funny stuff, today and in the past several days, and well-timed given the level of not-funny stuff we’ve all been dealing with. My definition of funny has less to do with pies in the face than with things that make you laugh because you can relate to them. (My sympathies to those […]
This Reality Check (AMS) raises an interesting question: Do you have to be a guitar player to get the joke? My feeling is that you only need a very basic understanding of music to get a chuckle, because the G-Clef tells you it’s about music and you should know there are majors and minors that […]
Loose Parts (AMS) hits at a good moment. I tried a hole-in-the-wall pizza place yesterday, and when I paid, got one of those screens. I don’t believe in tipping counterhelp and you’re not supposed to tip the owner, so I hit “No tip.” Again. Again. Again. Finally. “I’ll bet the 25% one goes right through,” […]
We’re skipping politics for the day, but first … Rabbits Against Magic Barney & Clyde — Counterpoint I’m all in favor of comic strips commenting on politics, but lead time can trip you up and both these strips were caught off-guard by Biden’s withdrawal. Granted, however, that there are still some political cartoons up on […]
David Ostow is right, and so was my professor, all those years ago. We were reading Hamlet and he led off the day’s discussion by asking what purpose the gravediggers’ scene served. Being sophomores, we knew everything, so we chattered away about rising and falling action and the need for comic relief in a tense […]