I’ve used a G.P.S. system once - on the circuitous streets of Boston - and was surprised by how user-friendly it was. The directions were clear and concise, and provided ample time to change lanes. But despite that experience, I’m skeptical that such a system could guide Mooch and Earl through the Krazy Kat-inspired final panel of today’s Mutts.
There’s something quite funny about Bucky’s boisterous proclamation being cut down to size within the space of four panels. What starts as a claim of global significance quickly loses its credibility on all fronts, including the realm of physical possibility. Then again, if 1.5 calicos were adopted by 2.3 children…no, still impossible.
While I applaud Doonsbury for its honest and honorable treatment of Iraq War veterans, I can’t say its approach has been particularly funny. That’s not a bad thing, but it can make the social and political points less compelling, especially on the comics page. Today’s version is a welcome exception, fusing good intentions with the strip’s traditional sarcastic wit.
The herd of felines in this strip reminds me of Sandy Skoglund’s famous photograph, Radioactive Cats. I was introduced to the photo by a friend who wore the same Skoglund T-shirt at least once a week. The photo was particularly arresting against the black of the shirt, even as the cloth began to fade and tear over time. And even though I’m a sucker for the artistic reference, I still think this strip is funny enough to succeed on its own merits.
I’ve been helping my mom prepare for a garage sale this summer at what used to be my grandfather’s house, and we’ve already sorted through a good portion of the basement and garage. While I did find some mounted steer horns, I’m disappointed to say that no jackalopes have turned up. If they had, I would have offered to buy them on the spot no matter the price.
I like that the garbage collector is the last repository of logic that Dilbert can turn to in solving his scientific conundrum. It reminds me of the Sprint commercial that shows firefighters populating the House of Representatives. Indoor education is a wonderful thing, but practical tasks may be an even better way to pick up problem-solving skills.
Although politics is frowned upon as a topic of polite conversation, I’ve never seen anyone run screaming from the room at the mention of a presidential campaign. A more typical response would be a halfhearted laugh, followed by an uncomfortable silence during which each person tries to guess the political leanings of the other. I suppose the reaction in this strip would break the ice, though, and encourage people to loosen up. Let the civics begin!
