Well, you knew the Westview girls were going to the State Championships…TB himself spilled it in an interview five months ago. So today’s strip is anticlimactic. No matter; there’s plenty to goof on here. The girls’ penultimate victory seems to be celebrated by only two players, the coach, and four fans (one of them wearing UGG Boots®!). Assistant coach Fishstick Annie, ostensibly the reason for their remarkable success, is nowhere to be seen. Maybe that’s her, standing out of frame and bellowing “WE’RE IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!” at the top of her lungs (and in big, bold, Dr. Seuss letters).
Tag: sports
Loser! Crybaby! Loser!
Helskor
February 20, 2012 at 10:31 am
Beginning writers are told to show and not tell, but if Batiuk wants to tell us that Westview won the conference instead of showing them win via another week of excruciatingly boring basketball strips, he can go right ahead.
Well, today’s strip nearly accomplishes that. Three panels, three opponents, three wins, including payback to those nasty Blue Valley girls. TB achieves not only economy of storytelling, but also of color and detail. While the action poses are painstakingly traced “inked over”, the backgrounds, color palette and “supporting cast” are positively minimalist. The Annie-Goats (love that nickname!) unis have lost their red accent and are now just black and white; and every player not named Summer or Keisha is a generic blue-ponytailed girl.
February Foolishness
“[I]t pains me
that TB can’t draw profiles and
won’t stop trying.”
– Bill A
As she did for the Save the Sports event, Becky once again decides to show up with the full Scapegoat band in tow. Regardless of whether or not they’re wanted. At least TB gives her a slightly better punchline this time, even though March is over a week away.
Becky comes in for some rough visual treatment today, with the Picasso smirk and a hair part that threatens to reach over the top of her scalp.
Walk Off Jerkoff
So the nerd who was traumatized by gym class now schools the class jock regarding sports jargon? Well, first…a quick Google search suggests that there is such a thing as a “walk off free throw“. And anyway, Bull’s obviously feeling good about his team and about being interviewed “on the sports news”. Would it kill Les to overlook Bull’s poor grammar and offer his old friend and coworker just a little affirmation? Ass.
The Picture of Dori-Ann Gray
Folks…The Cartoonist has completely outdone himself this time. Since she resurfaced last December at Darin’s birthday party, Ann’s looks have varied wildly, from 70-ish to late 30’s -ish and back and forth again. In today’s strip, she looks to be the same age as the crones from Crankshaft. Even her glasses and hair color are different.
It’s hard to get beyond Ann’s complete makeover, but also worth noting is Cayla’s condescending attitude regarding Ann’s (now blatantly advanced) age. Are the girls not supposed to “take to” a coach based on the fact that she’s about five times their age? And “Eight Track” for a nickname? That might fit a baby boomer (such as yours truly, whose 8-track collection was pretty impressive). The way TB has rendered Ann here, I’d dub her “Grammy-fone”!
Many, many thanks to those of you who have given generously in support of the snarkin’ good times here at SoSF! Your contributions have already been applied to hosting costs, and have given your humble, unemployed scribe one less thing to worry about. Today’s the last day of the fund drive…if you’re a fan and have a buck or two to spare, and haven’t done so already, please consider clicking the PayPal “Donate” button in the right hand column. Thanks again!
Son of Stuck Funky 
