Must be a shift change at the pizzeria. Les has handed over his Montoni’s apron to Summer, and traded his trademark yellow shirt for the spiffy green one that Funky wore to the movies on Sunday. But he still wears the resigned expression of a man who simply lays back and allows life to happen to him. Douche.
Funky’s ulterior motive is exposed: it’s not about doing something nice for his buddy Les. It’s just an excuse to order some cases of cheap bubbly. He’s been craving a drink since he walked away from that “vodka and orange” in that gin mill by the rest home.
“Does believing you’re the last sane man on the planet make you crazy? ‘Cause if it does, maybe I am.” –Del Spooner (Will Smith), I, Robot
Dammit, Les, grow a pair. If you don’t want your stupid book launch at Montoni’s then say so! Or suffer the smirks of those that dictate to you.
For what it’s worth: Les’ comment about being “the last sane person on the planet” does fit nicely with the perception of him as The Grounded One.
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.
Somewhere between yesterday’s second panel and today’s first, Les’ bemused expression has been replaced by one of abject terror.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‽
Son of Stuck Funky 
