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.
Tag: Les’ yellow shirt
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Somewhere between yesterday’s second panel and today’s first, Les’ bemused expression has been replaced by one of abject terror.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…”
Pep(peroni) Talk
Random, bulleted thoughts:
- I’ll bet Funky has stashed away somewhere a “World’s Best Boss” mug that he bought for himself at Spencer Gifts (like Michael Scott from The Office).
- I know Merry Pookster is delighted to see Khan alive and well, and no doubt plotting to go jihad, starting with his boss.
- Speaking of faces we haven’t seen in ages: guess I can scratch Chef Marcello Mastriani off the missing in action list! He looks like the Swedish Chef after a shave.
- If money’s tight, Funky might consider selling off that gold-plated Wurlitzer jukebox!
- “We’re like a family here…or at least, a family that you like.” Because such a thing as familial love is an alien concept in Westview. Ask Cory.
- The “punchline” just sucks so bad I’ll leave it alone.
What Did Happen?
I guess getting detention on the last day of school means the poor kid is going to have to sit in the classroom for the next three months? Susan appears so baffled by this turn of events that in panel 2, she momentarily develops a Jay Leno-esque jaw.
Son of Stuck Funky 
