OK, so this comic strip from December of last year isn’t exactly “rare.” It’s Arlo and Janis sitting on the sofa, for cryin’ out loud. However, there is something out of the ordinary going on here. Can you tell what it is? That’s right! In the third panel, Arlo’s dialog runs to four lines. It is an unwritten rule here (where all rules are unwritten!) that dialog in a comic strip not run for more than three lines. You’d be surprised how easy this really is. Dialog tends to be terse and to the point, and much of what I write is dialog. I believe punchy dialog actually lends authenticity; remember that, would-be comic strip artists, and writers of all stripes.
I bring up dialog, because I periodically get emails from readers who complain (always nicely!) that they have a particularly difficult time reading the text in Arlo & Janis. I don’t doubt they have problems. Newspapers so reduce all comic strips these days that they’ve become almost impossible to read, particularly for the demographic that is keeping newspapers afloat. I do wonder, though, if A&J is particularly unintelligible. I look at other strips in the newspapers, and I don’t see many of them being any easier to read. I like to think it’s because Arlo & Janis is the one they want to read. Anyway, I have two points about this subject. 1) I am aware of the problem. I have gone to a thicker lettering pen, but I think this sometimes makes me squeeze the lettering, which probably is the worst thing I could do. I have experimented with computer fonts made from my own lettering. This is promising, but I haven’t been able to develop one yet that really pleases me. Perhaps I need to expand the three-line rule to four lines. In short, I am working on it. 2) I would like your observations and suggestions on this matter. It might help.
316 responses to “A Rare Arlo & Janis”
sand, re the OPM hacking scandal, any day now, for failure to take even elementary steps to protect sensitive data, heads will roll…many will be fired…many more will be demoted…oh, wait. OPM is part of the US Gubermint, isn’t it? Never mind.
Tried to reply to GR6 re: 9:03 PM post. My reply vanished. So far no one has kicked in the door. Will assume the Lord was looking out for idiots.
Mark & All
Flying Dutch so far is my favorite Tom Holt maybe because it was my first.
Who’s afraid of Beowulf is close behind.
Expecting Someone Taller lacked something – or I was not in the mood. Know your Norse
mythology – According to Tom , Wagner got it wrong.
Walled Orchard you have to be at least conversant with Greek history.
A little paranoia is not enough!
And just because you are paranoid does not mean that “they” are not out to get you.
Debbe 😉 This is just pretty. (Sure was a lot of hair, though.)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNG62fULYgI
This one’s nice too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkDAacNyWFk
Thank you again, Mark! You gave my frazzled memory another jolt. I could not for the life of me remember who I loved so much you’d linked for me. Jethro Tull! Yes! I will pick some up tomorrow. Preparing for a very long road trip, music, books and more exercise clothes. And a 10# dog in a cage with a broken foot, so dog food, water, doggie supplies.
And Ghost, they had a lot of hair and very tight pants.
Thank you, Mark, for the additional book recommendations; they are going on my list.
It sounds like you’re going to have that car packed pretty full, Jackie. Remember people snacks and water for you, so you can maintain acceptable blood sugar and hydration levels!
Prayers (& donations?) for all those who lost homes and possessions in tonight’s storm from Des Moines east into Indiana (so far). Have not heard of any personal injuries greater than minor stuff, but am following on NBC.
Good morning Villagers….
Thanks for the hugs and advice…and to Sand and Gary for GR’s Latin quote 🙂
Here’s one for you GR 😉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFHwfWJ3Ifg
ya’ll have a blessed day
Thank you Denise. Yes, I have water bought, diabetes rescue drinks for cooler, rescue bars, taking limes for tea I buy along way (no one ever has that!) carrying fruit, bought mini cheeses in tiny packing size, carrying tuna packs, oatmeal packs for when motels buffet has none, ditto on whole grain breads. Why do they never put healthy on those “free” breakfast buffets? Rule on trip is no sugars, no salts, no junk food and definitely no Diet Cokes, just water and a tea occasionally.
One current trend I love are the new super truck stops with healthy offerings like fresh fruit bowls, healthy sandwiches, high quality snack foods. There is a chain I frequent here in OK that is far better choice for a meal than going to a drive by restaurant or even most sit down ones, called QuickTrip. Hope they are spread westward!
Love y’all, four days and so behind! Jackie
Have a safe trip Jackie. And enjoy yourself. Hope your canine traveling companion doesn’t get carsick.
Not so good news: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/film-news/11692855/Titanic-composer-James-Horner-dies.html
Explain this to your insurance company: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/11692970/Flying-5ft-circular-saw-tears-through-Chinese-mans-car-on-motorway.html
Old Bear, thanks for the words of encouragement. 😉
Mark, I think JJ recently installed motion lighting at his compound. My personal experience shows that flash-bangs with trip wires work better, plus they wake you quicker at 03:00.