I couldn't understand how these four sentences could constitute a joke, or even a coherent series of statements, until I suddenly solved the puzzle: you're supposed to read the panels in reverse order! Check it out: 'Some opinions are but a grain of sand on the beach. However, in the grand scheme of things… I think everyone is entitled to speak their minds… and that's the way I think we should run this country!' Now all of a sudden there is a logical order of thought -- initial observation, followed by counterpoint, clarification, and conclusion/call to action. The 'joke' is that Herbert is literally experiencing life backwards, yet he has a forward-thinking perspective on the social contract.
Mark Trail, 1/6/05
Mark’s a man who knows good “stuff” when he tastes it. M-m-m indeed!
Fact I wanted to know about Mark Trail: he can identify illicit drugs by taste. Fact I didn’t want to know about Mark Trail: he likes to take stuff off of Kelly’s shoes and then put it in his mouth.
For Better Or For Worse, 1/5/05
We bring you this scene of catty gossip mainly so I can remark on the name of Liz’s friend in red: “Shawna-Marie.” I think that’s funny. It’s like she’s a Québécois hillbilly!
Something that just occurred to me: Do Canada’s draconian language laws require Lynn Johnston to pen a French-language version of the For Better Or For Worse dialogue? I notice she’s real careful about getting the accents right on Thérèse’s name. You sure don’t want the Bloc Québécois all up on your ass, lemme tell you.
Incidentally, I’ve read this comic strip every day since I was about seven years old and I have no idea who those other two girls are. I mean, I know one of them is “Shawna-Marie,” but you know what I mean.
The Middletons, 1/4/05
Panel 1: This is what an old person thinks a young person looks like.