A pithy comic strip about life, love, lust and puthy cats.

Est. 1985

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Ghost of Christmas Past

By Jimmy Johnson

This holiday Arlo & Janis comic strip from 2022 is similar in concept to the new strip that ran yesterday. I thought the latter strip seemed vaguely familiar when I drew it. I believe it was Schulz, creator of Peanuts, who said a comic strip artist must do the same thing day in and day out without repeating one’s self. It isn’t easy. I know that on occasion I literally have employed the same joke twice, not realizing it. Fortunately, that hasn’t happened often, but if you’re lucky enough to survive in this business, you inevitably will plow the same fields repeatedly.

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8 responses to “Ghost of Christmas Past”

  1. Steve From Royal Oak, Mi (kinda) Avatar

    When I think of all of the stories that I have repeated just on this site, I marvel at how you don’t repeat yourself.

    But sometimes a good gag is worth repeating…

    1. Rick in Shermantown, Ohio Avatar
      Rick in Shermantown, Ohio

      I have gagged a few times. Didn’t enjoy it. Not worth repeating.

  2. Blinky the Wonder Wombat Avatar
    Blinky the Wonder Wombat

    Janis is wearing the same color shirt, too.

    I wouldn’t call this a recycledjoke, but a variation on a theme. Nevertheless, even the other great cartoonists occassionally repeat a gag. The important thing is to repeat the good ones!

  3. Hurd (LA) Avatar
    Hurd (LA)

    According to my wife I am above average at retelling stories. It amuses her that there always seems to be a subtle difference in each version.

  4. Dennis Avatar
    Dennis

    Nearest I can tell, I am about 3 years older than you are, Jimmy. I’ve read Arlo and Janis since the 1980s, and shared all the ups and downs though the years almost as though you drew my own life. I particularly identify with Arlo’s (I assume your) love of his Lady. My Lady looks better to me today than when I met her. She says she’s glad I have poor eyesight! It’s always easy to tell when you are ‘in the mood’, Arlo, or Janis gets horny! I find it real. I find it beautiful. I’m gonna go find my Lady now…

  5. Sandcastler Avatar
    Sandcastler

    Wow, Jimmy has the shop open for business. Nice to see you back.

  6. David Avatar
    David

    Mr. Johnson, you’re right: “A cartoonist is someone who hast to draw the same thing day after day after day without repeating himself.” –Charles M. Schulz, “You Don’t Look 35, Charlie Brown!” (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1985, p. 3).

  7. Dave from Louisville Avatar
    Dave from Louisville

    Speaking of euphemisms, given the subject matter of the comic shown here, “plow the same fields” could also serve as an apt euphemism for “snuggling” in the context of marriage. (Your “repeatedly” mileage may vary. Try “cuddling” first to improve your odds. And true, with age, the fields become less fallow, but that’s not really the point, is it?)

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