Link to today’s strip.
Memorial Day is the holiday wherein we remember those who gave all so that we might be free. In Westview, however, Memorial Day is when you remember when you were in high school. For a strip that prides itself on “contemporary issues,” Tom Batiuk sure seems mired in nostalgia.
Last week, we had Detestable Dinkle; we’ve now been handed Loathsome Les. Talk about a one-two punch–the only thing that could make this worse is if was Dinkle himself handing over the box. “The missus and I thought you could use these marital aids; we’ve worn these out, but don’t want to throw them away.”
And of all the storylines that Mr. Batiuk has juggling, he figures the one we’re most anxious to get to is this high school reunion thing. As I’ve said before, I cannot for the life of me imagine why they bother having a reunion–every member (still living) who graduated from that class sees every other member, every day. There’s not a lot of catching up to do. Now, if the actual reunion appears and we see folks all bored, sitting around and not talking, then I will salute Tom Batiuk for a joke well-played. I have a feeling that won’t happen, though. These sorts of things seem to be too vital to him–not a laughing matter, as it were, and another dull story to suffer through.
Granted, none of the other stories currently in mid-stride are interesting either–the band box is utterly trivial, and we know Pete as script doctor is going nowhere–but they at least contain the possibility that a new location, or a new character, or new anything might happen along. Instead, we get badly-drawn Les (my only reaction to panel two is What the Hell?!). Anything involving Les is clouded by noxious fumes. At least he doesn’t say anything this time; he and Cayla are too involved in watching “Miffed Man” on television. Ding dong! Why, who could that be?
Who indeed!
Son of Stuck Funky 