Spooky Tooth

Well, Jazz Pickles, it seems that Halloween will prove to be the least scary part of 2020. 

If you didn't vote early, be sure to cast your ballot on Tuesday.

This is your cartoonist at age 6, disguised as an octopus named Grippo. I've never found mention of this character that didn't reference the costume. I'm guessing it was created by a designer at the Ben Cooper company, and disappeared from the cultural radar shortly thereafter. Perhaps they were sued by the magician Jimmy Grippo.

A cartooning conversation with Nick Galifianakis, Dave
Blazek, Dave Whamond, Wayno, and Hilary Price

I had a pleasant break from work a couple days ago, when my colleague Dave Blazek organized a cartoonists' conference call. We had a great time catching up and talking shop. Although not the same as gathering in person, it was quite therapeutic.

Speaking of work, let's see what the shipping department at Bizarro Studios North sent out this week.

Alternatively, it could be a copycat carver.

The strip layout allowed for photos of additional victims.

Tuesday's panel imagines a form of self medication that combines ancient practices and modern technology.

Haggis has a undeserved reputation as being horribly unpalatable. I tried it for the first time at a local Burns Night supper, and found it to be rather tasty. Low expectations may have been a factor, or possibly the whisky pairing.

As a public service, we're pleased to provide a link for readers who'd like to make their own haggis rolls.

The wide angle strip was drawn after the Flying Saucer of Possibility made an emergency aquatic landing.

If I watch any television in the evening, I'll usually finish with a few minutes of a placid nature documentary, preferably something about whales, to calm my brain for sleep. That practice was a partial inspiration for this gag, along with a real-life concert experience. 

In the late 20th century, we saw the Neville Brothers band performing at a club here in Pittsburgh. The last half hour of their performance was a steady build-up of high energy funk, and the audience was on their feet, dancing and shouting for more. After several encores, the crowd was still on fire. The group left the stage, except for Aaron Neville, who performed an achingly beautiful acapella version of "Amazing Grace." Even the nonbelievers were moved. It was the perfect musical nightcap.

A few readers expressed an interest in Iron Bunnies of Doom t-shirts. That's not a bad idea. We're open to suggestions for umlaut placement.

By the way, who else sorely misses live music?

The traditional way to wish this actor good luck is, "Chip a tooth!"

Also, that's a copy of Zariety on the agent's desk. It's the official Bizarro entertainment trade paper.

It pays to specialize.

Thanks for joining us for another week of comics. Check out Dan Piraro's blog for additional wisecracks, and a look at Dan's latest Bizarro Sunday page. 

Stay safe, and go easy on the candy corn.

Halloween Bonus Tracks

This week, we're offering two seasonal gems from the vinyl archive at Bizarro Studios North

Our first Halloween tune is Oscar "Papa" Celestin's 1955 ode to the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.

 

I'll buy just about any record that namechecks Frankenstein. I believe this is the only record The Swinging Phillies ever released, but it's a winner.

The Phillies thoughtfully included a brief biography on the labels.