Tag: Centerville

Fanboy Harry

From the looks of the empty theater in today’s strip, there wasn’t a single movie playing before 7:30? It doesn’t look like a cineplex, just a single-screen old tyme theater. If they’re only showing one or two movies a day it’s no wonder theaters like these might be in trouble.

Of course, the person who sold Harry and Holly their tickets also personally accompanied them to their seats because that’s just how theaters in Westview work? Is he also the popcorn seller and projectionist?

When Harry Met Silly

SosfDavidO here, with yet another example of Tombat’s affinity for cinema revivals of films spilling into his characters yet again in today’s strip. I guess Tombat better crank this gag out soon, as a lot of movie theaters are going to systems that allow you to purchase tickets (and pick your seats) ahead of time.

Eh, this is Westview. Harry probably had to throw down a Morgan dollar for two tickets and there’s probably a curtain that has to be drawn before the start of each show.

The Fan-Tom Empire

Cowboys, thunder riders dressed in quasi medieval armor shooting futuristic weapons, robots with flamethrowers— The Phantom Empire viewed genre boundaries as mere inconveniences rather than limits…I became fascinated with the idea of taking what was considered to be a low art form and creating something of substance within those confines, of trying to take what others considered junk and turning it into something more. That thought continued to inform my cartooning choices for the next fifty years. It’s hard to overestimate the impact that The Phantom Empire has had on my developing brain.

From the introduction to The Complete Funky Winkerbean Volume One

So today, Batiuk’s “writing what he knows'” sharing with us readers a space opera that influenced his creative vision as a youth. At the same time he’s writing about something about which he has no idea: how today’s Hollywood motion pictures are made. “I think seeing that old serial is really going to be helpful with our movie.” Mason might as well be talking about a campfire skit or routine that they are preparing for a middle school talent show. And I’m waiting for the day when Darin snaps at his old buddy Pete: “Shut the fuck up already about ‘back in the days of Batom Comics!'”

Anyway, snarkers, it’s good to be back in the SoSF wheelhouse as we approach the 6th anniversary of Son of Stuck Funky! Stay tuned for a special announcement of the first contest around here in awhile. Details to follow! Happy Easter!