Here at the Funky Winkerbean Game Preserve, most of our animals are old and/or dead, so I want you to know how privileged you are–today, you’re seeing an actual humorous punchline, an animal we thought had died out long ago. What you’re seeing today is a story you’ll be able to tell your grandchildren! If you have grandchildren, that is, and they’ve been bad.
So yeah, props to Tom Batiuk for an actual funny joke. Since most of the “self-depreciating” humor around here tends to be of the “no one understands my genius” type, stuff like this–stuff that actually acknowledges that Montoni’s specializes in the inedible–is a welcome relief. I didn’t find myself laughing, certainly not smirking to beat the band the way Cayla is, but this is still an encouraging development. But who wants to bet it’ll be the last “funny punchline” for several weeks? I think it’s kind of a strain on Tom Batiuk’s abilities to do more than one each Moon cycle.
And can we please see a location other than Montoni’s? A fellow member of the Legion of Snarker Heroes pointed out that we’ve been at this damned place for over a month. How about something less gloomy and depressing, like a cancer ward?
Also, I think Funky is telling a teensie, weensie little fib there–from his appearance, I imagine he eats nothing but slabs of greasy lard, unless there’s something made of sugary paste he can use as a substitute.
And really, whoever chose the decor–specifically that tablecloth–I hope Funky at least gave him a ride back to the asylum.
Son of Stuck Funky 
Yeah, on the plus side this one is about as much as one can ever expect from Act III humor-wise. But on the minus side, Les. Which means plenty of smug smirking and annoying wordplay coming right up. What a dick.
And yes, going back to the Frankie arc this is like five weeks of Montoni’s in a row. And the only parts of THAT arc that didn’t take place in Montoni’s took place in the apartment directly above it. As did yesterday’s strip. I realize there isn’t a lot going on in that town but still, it’s a bit much.
o’boy is it Cayla & Less 1rst anniversary already !?!
Not only kind of funny, but actually grounded in something resembling reality–working behind the scenes at a restaurant makes the food there lose its appeal, either because you’re around it all day or you’ve seen too much of what goes into making it. Blind squirrels and broken clocks, and all that.
On the other hand, I’ve always been mystified that Funky’s attempt at al fresco dining amounts to this one forlorn table cluttering up the sidewalk just outside the door. I imagine the wrought iron chairs wobble if you so much as breathe on them and haven’t been cleaned or taken in out of the elements since the Clinton administration.
There’s a “kill me now” moment: realizing that you have a favorite table at the local greasy spoon.
On the plus side: Les’s hairline is rapidly eroding over his gargantuan noggin.
Tom Batyuck puts smirks on so many inappropriate things!
For instance, panel 3. Wouldn’t looks of alarm or disgust be better reactions to the punch line? But no, there are Les and CauKayla, grinning idiotically, “Ha ha, the food we’re about to eat is coming out of a kitchen that’s totally gross! Good times!”
It’s like the universe of Funky Winkerbean is slowly compressing. All characters not strongly related to Les and Lisa flicker in and out of existence, all places not Montoni’s pop up briefly before reality pushes them down again.
Cayla’s gone full Muppet in panel 3. If she were to open her mouth, I’m pretty sure I’d hear Floyd Pepper’s voice coming out of it.
What I sincerely love most about this “reality-based” comic strip is the bizarre compulsion of its suburban, middle class, college educated characters, who could easily drive to dozens of good ethnic restaurants in Clevo, to return again and again to the crappy little pizza parlor they frequented in high school. It’s like an unintentional Ahia version of The Exterminating Angel by Bunuel.
After last week’s unceasing innuendo, I’m not sure that Funky is joking about a traditionally unsanitary kitchen…
Also, it looks like it is Funky’s turn with the traveling green shirt, which he curiously decides to use as a tablecloth after realizing that it does not fit him.
Perhaps THIS is what goes on in the back…
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/18/jersey-joes-pizzeria-masturbation-photo-video_n_3618816.html
I picture Wally in the back, sobbing over the pots and pans in the sink, while Buddy the Service Dog rummages through the walk-in refrigerator.
Now that I think about it, I can’t recall ever seeing an actual pizza being put in or out of an oven in Montoni’s in 40 years.
Les – “Thank god we don’t have to sit inside with all the losers and the creeps.”
Funky – “Thank god I was able to seat them outside where the other customers won’t have to look at or listen to them.”
Eh, the punchline’s okay, I guess, but it’s still marred by the usual aggravating non-creative approach. Favorite table? I think we’re to the point where this is ONLY table at Montoni’s. Now that I think about it, we just had that big party inside the establishment, yet I can’t recall anyone actually sitting. And I’m sure it wasn’t too hard for Funky to save Les’s favorite table — it’s not like ANY of the tables are in high demand these days. In fact, if you wait, Funky will go get his “Closed for Private Party” sign and I’m sure you can have your favorite block cordoned off for you, too.
My sister offered a pithy description of the “behind the scenes” action in a restaurant kitchen: “Everyone is either sexually harassing someone, or setting them on fire.”
“…or setting them on fire.”
Tom Batiuk slaps forehead, starts scribbling new story line.
I laughed at today’s strip.
Rusty: In fact, I think the last time we actually had characters eating slices of a Montoni’s pie, said slices were invisible. Creepy.
I agree that this actually is a funny strip. One would almost think Batiuk is starting become self-aware and is moving this strip to self-parody. What would make this strip better would be if Cayla and Les both had faces of shock and horror and the very real possibility that Funky really does piss in the tomato sauce.
So, let it never be said that the mermbers of SOSF never give credit were credit is due. Tom Batiuk, this was actually good comedic writing. Good setup in 3 panels and good punchline…..now if he could get his damn artwork together!!!!
BTW, imagine panel 1 without the chair between Cayla and Les…..
It would funny if you couldn’t see it coming. This punchline is so obvious a 3rd grader could have written it.