Another “punchline that wasn’t”. Les is still trying to gracefully say no to his old pal’s offer. Funky resorts to confusing Les by saying something that sounds profound but is in fact utterly meaningless and trite.
Author: TFHackett
Pizza Logic
Somewhere between yesterday’s second panel and today’s first, Les’ bemused expression has been replaced by one of abject terror. It must be his reaction to Funky’s Vulcan grip on his shoulder as, wild-eyed, he explains to Les why it is immutable destiny that the launch party be held at Montoni’s…rather than at someplace without a red, white and green awning.
TB also introduces a new visual effect, sort of a “sepia telescope” through which past events are viewed. Interesting to note how vans figure in Darin’s delivery as well as his conception. And hoo-boy: does Les on his wedding day look like a gay Batman or what‽
Launch is Served
That loud, metallic grinding you hear is Batiuk abruptly and inartfully shifting narrative gears back to the Les Gets Published story arc. “Hey, Les: since you and I are standing around in this deserted pizzeria, without any customers to attend to, I might as well stroke your ego by asking if that book of yours will ever see print.” Observe Les’ trademark smug, sidelong glance as his favorite topic is raised. “Ahem, yes, well, my publicist…she’s in New York, you know…is diligently seeking the proper venue for the launch par-tay…” Because that’s such a goddamn important detail in releasing a book. She can take her time booking a place: that mimeograph machine over at KSU Press only cranks out about ten pages a minute. Then they gotta collate and staple everything together.
Funky wastes no time in offering, no, insisting, to host Northeastern Ohio’s literary event of the decade at, where else, Montoni’s! …immediately sending Les into “thanks but no thanks” mode. “It’s a launch party…not a youth soccer awards banquet/after-bowling soiree/kiddie birthday party…”
Popcorn Surprise
Jumping from bad-date story to bad-date story; only the pushy female and unwilling male have been changed (and popcorn subbing for fried pickles). Funky has apparently suffered a relapse (he was at work, without the neck brace only a week ago) and has planted himself on the couch to enjoy a little TV…only to be literally dragged away to the INEPLEX to catch a screening of IRO MA. Of course, this being the Westviewniverse, Funky’s night is ruined when the ticket-seller sells him his tickets at a senior discount, which you think would make the penny-pinching bastard happy.
Far from the Madding Crowd
Turns out Wally’s fine with crowds, just as long as he can observe them from a quarter-mile away and has plenty of fried pickles! Good job, Rache!
I’d feel a lot better about this “ending”, though, if TB hadn’t gone and posted on his blog these strips, dated next November, where Rachel is still trying to get Wally to deal with re-entering civilian life.
Son of Stuck Funky 
