This is the regular dispatch from Bizarro Studios North, where I have been writing and drawing the Monday through Saturday Bizarro comics since 2018. My partner and friend, Dan Piraro, who created Bizarro in the late twentieth century, continues to do the Sunday comic from Rancho Bizarro in Mexico.
Wayno
Yoko Ono
I've decided to stop opening blog posts by saying how busy I've been. With a regular deadline to write, draw, and format six gags every week, things are always relatively busy here, but I don't want to sound like a complainer. I'm grateful to have this gig, which I prefer to anything I've done in the past, like loading trucks at a steel barrel manufacturer, or recycling gas meters by sending them through a gigantic furnace (both real jobs from my past). The only dangers a cartoonist faces are paper cuts, spilling ink on the carpet, or occasional overcaffeination.
The quote at the head of this post is taken from one of my favorite Twitter accounts. Yoko Ono is still an artistic force at age 89, and her observations are always optimistic and often wise.
Our pipe pic for today is a spray paint masterpiece on the wall of Rick Bach's art studio.
He lent his unique style to a Pittsburgh Steelers gameday poster for the 2021-22 season, which sold out before the kickoff.
Now, let's look at what came out of my studio since our last post.
In addition to the usual outlets, most of us cartoonists spend a few minutes each day sharing our work on social media platforms. I post Bizarro comics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Mondays through Saturdays.
The Instagram feed gets the most comments by far. A significant percentage are from self-styled experts on everything, while others turn into long argument threads that eventually have nothing to do with the gag in question.
I generally read them, but almost never respond to random strangers. However, my impulse control was at a low point when I saw this one:
Inking the cannon, particularly the shading of the barrel was a strangely relaxing activity.
Friday's panel indulges my habit of using inanimate objects as characters, without giving them physical human features. I find realistic objects to be funnier than if they'd been drawn with faces or limbs, but can't explain why.
This approach would be tougher in a New Yorker style cartoon, which is usually a drawing with a caption set beneath it. A word balloon clearly shows which object/character is speaking.
That's the latest from Bizarro Studios North. Thanks for joining us here, and for reading the comic. If you enjoy the blog, you might like to check out these related virtual locations:
Diego Piraro's Peyote Cowboy Graphic Novel
See you next week.
Bonus Track
France Gall "Laisse Tomber les Filles"(1964 Tele Melody film)
To make up for that "Jacques" pun, here's a delightful song by France Gall. It's a prime example of what was called Yé-yé music.
I noticed the songwriting credit was for SERGE GAINSBOURG, who I thought was more famous for his own singing performances -- or by now, as father of CHARLOTTE G, major actress and still sometime singer.
ReplyDeleteGood eye, Mitch. Gainsbourg collaborated with France Gall for some time, in addition to being an already established performer himself.
DeleteI heard a story like the one you reference about the pregnant woman, with the same outcome for the first ticket. The second ticket they gave her was for reckless driving by having two people behind the wheel. Heard it years ago on the internet, so take it with a grain of salt.
ReplyDeleteLove your work, you both are so very talented!! Keep up the good work!
Ha! I like that story.
DeleteWhy is the psychiatrist a butter knife?
ReplyDeleteWhy are you anonymous?
DeleteSuch a lovely song. That was great!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it! It's a favorite of mine.
DeleteI am ashamed to say that it took me FOUR DAYS to catch the pun from Wednesday's panel. Je suis tellement gênée!
ReplyDeletePlease don't be embarrassed! A delayed reaction is more rewarding!
DeleteThanks for the laughs.
ReplyDeleteThank YOU. We hope to bring you many more.
DeleteI imagine it must be draining to read so many comments on Instagram. I just wanted to say that the one you quote about shark teeth seems supportive, to me. The 'fun fact' of replaceable teeth explains 'why' the shark has maxed out its dental claims with the Tooth Fairy. This is the sort of realism and humorous consistency that is a hallmark of your cartoons! Thanks for the joy that you provide.
ReplyDeleteVere, thank you for your more generous perspective on that comment. To my mind, explaining a jokes ruins it, and I reacted negatively to that person's comment, which wasn't aggressive or mean-spirited like so many others tend to be. I appreciate your kinder take on it, so thanks again for your positive example.
DeleteI also appreciate your kind words about my work. Bizarro has the very best readers!