Tag: Batiukmobile®

Little Old Lady Who?


Most
carelessly-rendered
neon sign ever.

Looks like Batiuk plans on letting the Kilimanjaro Saga unfold on an alternate-week basis…

Today we find ourselves in the familiar confines of Montoni’s. I always asssumed that the lettering in Montoni’s window was a neon sign, but the closeup in panel 2 reveals that the letters are not connected. Maybe they’re painted on, or maybe they’re those gummy window clings? Though that doesn’t explain how they light up.

“The Boss”, meanwhile, is finagling with the guy at the car dealership. Stress, strain, killer-shark issues, and two time jumps have beaten down our titular character to the point where he matter-of-factly renounces his very manhood, self-identifying as “a little old lady”.

I'll Fly Away

Nothing like waiting til they’re being dropped off at Akron-Canton Airport to ask Cayla’s blessing. Summer tries so hard to look sincere in the fourth panel that her face is starting to melt. Not to worry, Summer: Miss Cayla doesn’t “do” camping (she doesn’t “do” mountains either). Cayla: nice job of dismissing the epic father-daughter trek as a mere “camping” trip.  And so much for “wither thou goest, I will go”, huh? Well, you haven’t taken any vows yet. In fact, since you’re already at the airport, here’s the perfect opportunity to get tickets for yourself and Keisha to fly far, far away from “Les”view.

O C Can You D?

Still more of Les’ “anal compulsiveness”: while his teenage daughter schleps all that luggage out to the car (just as well; she’s stronger than him anyway), Les checks for the umpteenth time to make sure the appliances are all turned off. Because apparently Cayla is not living there (nor can she be trusted to keep an eye on the house), and because Darin and Jess, who were shown to be living in Moore Manor just four months ago, have mysteriously disappeared.

Endure Thy Father

Here is Funky’s idea of showing his father a good time on Fathers’ Day: schlepping him to the food court at Mammoth Mall. What do you expect from the cheap bastard who celebrated his wedding anniversary at Montoni’s? Hell, Montoni’s would’ve been a nicer place for lunch than the crowded, noisy food court. Their “nice chat” consists of poor Pa’s persistent proffering of his too-big sandwich, and Funky’s polite refusals. Batiuk might have used today to have Funky at least attempt a conversation with his father, and given the reader some kind of insight into this relationship, rather than using the old man as a prop to make us feel sorry for Funky.

Mommy Deadest

I’m struggling with guilt over hating today’s strip, but come on. This is just layin’ it on with a trowel. I could maybe allow myself to give TB a pass if not for Summer’s constant smirk. What’s with her face in panel 5 (right)? Looks like she’s planning a heist.

All of us have dealt with the loss of a loved one. In Funkiverse time, it’s 14½ years since her sainted Mom passed away, but thanks to the combination of Les’ prolonged grieving and a seemingly infinite collection of beyond-the-grave videos, Summer feels compelled to go through this ritual year after year. There’s a difference between fond remembrance and…I dunno, insanity.

I can’t wait for Funky’s pilgrimage to Bedside Manor next month.