It’s hard to tell because of Tom Batiuk’s typically tin-earred dialogue, but it sounds to me as if Coach Stropp told Bull, “Look, if you can’t get into the end zone while I’m coaching you, can you at least carry my ashes across the goal line, so I can have some sense of what if feels like? By the way, ‘ashes’ implies that I am dead and cremated, so it’s nothing you have to do today.”
I think the real focus of Mr. Batiuk’s energy is in panel two. Bull pushes the switch, there’s a satisfying “THUNK” sound, and Linda looks pleased that Bull was able to accomplish something on his own. The reader can see exactly what happened without it being spelled out. The transition between panel one’s silhouette and panel two’s illumination is handled well, with the characters in the same position from the same angle. This tells me that when he cares, Tom Batiuk can draw something that works. Too bad he doesn’t care more often.
And then…in Panel Two…is that…Ann Fairgood? Why, we haven’t seen her in awhile. Say, she’s got a pretty talented hair stylist, huh? Four years ago her hair was mousy brown, and then for a while it turned white (probably from having to change Fred’s diapers four times a day) and today it’s Cindy Blonde. Good thing T-Bats knows how to indicate “old age” by adding a few crows feet around the eyes and putting in that line on the neck. Guess those art lessons really paid off. Wonder where Fred is? Probably handcuffed into bed with duct tape over his mouth since Ann’s been retconned into being a spousal abuser.
Son of Stuck Funky 