This is the weekly 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, created Bizarro in the late twentieth century and continues to do the Sunday comic from Rancho Bizarro in Mexico.
Wayno
Greetings from the frozen mid-Atlantic region. Our predicted low temperature for tonight is minus ten degrees. Still, we're shovelled out and managing well compared to other areas hit by the winter blast.
The snow probably won't fully melt until March, but fingers are crossed for good news from Punxsutawney next week.
I hope you're all warm and safe.
Today's dapper pipe pic is believed to be an early self-portrait of the pioneering photojournalist Charles "Teenie" Harris (1908-1998)
Harris chronicled life in Pittsburgh's African American community, photographing newsworthy events, sports, political and entertainment figures, and ordinary citizens, for the Pittsburgh Courier. Over the course of his career, he shot more than 80,000 photos, and his archives are now housed in the Carnegie Museum of Art here in Pittsburgh.
In the 1980s and 90s, Mr. Harris licensed his work to a vendor who made prints and sold them at street fairs. During that time, we were fortunate to acquire several of Teenie's photos, which we still display in our home. Here are a few favorites:
The prints we own aren't museum-quality, but we're grateful to have them, and are especially proud that the Carnegie Museum of Art has preserved the legacy of this important man.
We now present some less-than-historic images, in the form of this week's Bizarro comics.
Not everyone observes Dry January.
I have heard from several people whose doctors gave them similar advice.
Perhaps predictably, one Instagram commenter/bot left multiple lengthy diatribes unrelated to the comic. They hit the threshold for being blocked.
That's not a smartphone, but a tiny picket sign.
I must tip my lid to my good friend Vince Dorse. I mentioned to Vince that someone had sent me a joke about Fats Waller and suggested using it as a Bizarro gag. We laughed about the fact that nobody younger than us would even know of Fats Waller. Vince remarked that if it became a comic, "There will be teenagers outside your house, all holding up phones with photos of pitchforks and torches on them."
That clever remark was the seed of this gag. Vince, I owe you lunch!
A roof is optional.
One has to feel sorry for this guy. As far as we know, this isn't yet listed in the DSM.
Nobody likes the coach's pet.
Bonus Track
Fats Waller: "Your Feet's Too Big"
For the kids.
A Plethora of Bizarro Prose & Products
If you like what we do and appreciate that it's still free, we encourage you to explore the following links.
Oh, man, that throwback Republican billboard is just perfect -- proof that the current admin is trying to set us back 77 years. Reminds me of the "Protect the Homeland" posters ICE is using.
I had to repost the Teenie Harris billboard photo. All these years later, our perception of what "Vote Republican" might mean has altered considerably.
Today's Sunday comics was fantastic. And plus, fits me perfectly as a "retired" gymnast. And the cat & dog date - LOL Thank you for your humor and cheer!
It took me a minute or two to figure out the mice at the realty. Nice.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that, Michael! When someone says it took them a beat to get the joke, it does my heart good.
DeleteOh, man, that throwback Republican billboard is just perfect -- proof that the current admin is trying to set us back 77 years. Reminds me of the "Protect the Homeland" posters ICE is using.
ReplyDeleteSurfin' JC is just great!
I had to repost the Teenie Harris billboard photo. All these years later, our perception of what "Vote Republican" might mean has altered considerably.
ReplyDeleteI think their message has remained consistent over the years.
DeleteAgree
DeleteLong-time Fat Waller fan here. Of course, I am three thousand, four hundred and seventy-two years old.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the Teenie harris pics and info, too.
Happy snow daze, Wayno.
Thanks, Doc!
DeleteI love Lucky Thompson; just one of a zillion unknown an unappreciated musicians!
ReplyDeleteYes, he was a good player! He's unjustly forgotten.
DeleteHog maw (pig stomach) is a lot more expensive these days. I'm in Lancaster County and love a good stuffed pig stomach.
ReplyDeleteI've never had that, and I didn't know that "maw" meant "stomach" in this context. Thanks!!!
DeleteMan, I love those photos you bought!
ReplyDeleteWe have about 30 displayed, and still have more in a box. We need to rotate them!
DeleteLove those photos! But, but... what was the Fast Waller joke about??
ReplyDeleteI've forgotten and can't find the message! I remember it not being a bad joke, just a little too obscure in modern times.
DeleteToday's Sunday comics was fantastic. And plus, fits me perfectly as a "retired" gymnast.
ReplyDeleteAnd the cat & dog date - LOL
Thank you for your humor and cheer!
Thanks for the kind words!
DeleteFats Waller I know extensively, Teenie Harris was a spectacular revelation. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteGlad to introduce you to Teenie Harris's work. It's a treasure. Here's another one I love:
Deletehttps://collection.carnegieart.org/objects/e1421379-a893-4d4a-b8e6-260d6293b9b1
So cool to hear Fats Waller.
ReplyDeleteFats was one of the greats!
DeleteFats has always given me a smile - but this one’s especially a delight, and my first time hearing it!
DeleteHappy to share it! He was delightful.
Delete