Post Content

Maybe it’s the approach of yet another announced “sell-by” date, or the challenge to “knock [its author] off the page”, but suddenly everybody in the comics is trying to muscle in on the territory of For Better or For Worse. And since the funny page is such a vicious nest of vipers, every strip has picked out its own vulnerability to exploit:

Judge Parker, 7/1/2008

“Twenty-five thousand and one dollars, Sam, not a penny less! Real money, too — I mean Canadian dollars.”

Spider-Man, 7/1/2008

Meanwhile, Spidey hones his use of wordplay as a substitute for plot development. With his back to the audience and botched delivery, he looks like a strong contender to snatch Foob‘s crown.

Sally Forth, 7/1/2008

The Forths’ strategy targets the famed Foob flashback technique. Sorry, Forths — yours is still far too effective to compete.

Mandrake, 7/1/2008

Hey, look who’s here! Mandrake retains the egregious stereotyping of founding author Lee Falk, but it’s not aiming for The Phantom, or even Foob. With its dapper hero, hot babe, and low-water-pressure storyline, this strip has Rex Morgan, MD squarely in its sights.

Hey! Too much comic goodness for just one post today — stay tuned!

— Uncle Lumpy

Post Content

Fists aplenty as the new week explodes with action! Let’s dive in:

Judge Parker, 6/30/2008

“Cheatham House” is a good choice to publish this novel — there may be rough bloody justice on the dust jacket, but it’s 400 pages of contract negotiations on the inside. Manly stalwart Sam Driver is up to the task, with the proviso he won’t have to kiss any icky girls.

Mark Trail, 6/30/2008

“Unpredictable” Kelly Welly closes the deal on a week of foreshadowing, planting good Moss Green in the good green moss.

The Phantom, 6/30/2008

Ghost-who-trespasses got some ‘splainin’ to do.

Dick Tracy, 6/30/2008

Dick’s high tech is stymied again, and all he can do is wave his tiny fist in panel 2. He’s the Ted Forth of crimefighters.

— Uncle Lumpy

Post Content

Faithful reader shegotzen gets another week of fame thanks to my unworthiness to siphon from the tankful of high-octane snark that is the Comics Curmudgeon comments thread. If you’ve been reading only the posts, try dipping into the comments for the full CC experience — you may not regret it!

And no week really begins without a hat tip to the folks who keep this site strong and independent — our generous contributors to the Tip Jar (thanks, folks!), and our faithful advertisers:

• Hip & Handmade!: They specialize in cute! Shop ShanaLogic.com for handmade jewelry, hot apparel, gear for guys, unusual plushes, and more!
• Learn To Draw The Human Figure: 43 hours and 227 videos used by leading entertainment companies & artists worldwide in 68 Countries: the likes of LucasFilm, ILM, RedStorm, and Midway. You’ve read the comics — now make your own!
• The secrets of the quest: The quest is under way. Some puzzles have been solved, but greater challenge lies ahead. Show resolve, and you could find great reward. $100,000 in treasure awaits. Join if you dare. Many will try. One will succeed.
• Enter the Arena: Enter your funny video in the Upload Showdown for a chance at eternal glory! (Eternal glory is $500, airtime on Comedy Central, and a distribution deal with Atom.com.)

See for yourself what so many Comics Curmudgeon readers already know — if you like to ridicule newspaper comics, you’ll love their creative, out-of-the-ordinary products, services, and contests! Take a look!

To find out more about advertising on this site, click here.

— Uncle Lumpy