I have never been comfortable talking about my work. There was a time I simply refused to do it. I felt as if it were my job to put the work out there, and it would have to speak for itself. Then, along came the internet and the Web and email and forums and blogs and Facebook and on and on. I found myself almost obligated to interact at least a little bit. And you know what? It didn’t hurt as much as I thought it would. I sometimes even enjoy bloviating about my comic strip, although I still believe, ultimately, it must speak for itself. I say all this, because Arlo and Janis have a new neighbor this week, Robin. Any new character in Arlo & Janis is big news, believe me. That is, I hope she’ll be a new character. One never really knows about these things, and I’m not yanking your chain when I tell you, not even I know for sure whether Robin has legs. I hope she does. I’m badly in need of new foils.
There were a lot of comments yesterday, when she first appeared, about her physical similarity to Janis. She was supposed to have silvery hair, as above, but my instructions to the colorist were lost. It probably was my fault. Silver hair would have gone a long way toward eliminating any confusion. Already, by her second appearance today, she is taking on a more distinctive and permanent look. Many cartoonists when pondering a new character will spend months filling sketch books with studies and prototypes before introducing a winner. Not me! You get to see it happen at Arlo & Janis!
154 responses to “Bosom Buddies”
First Robin of spring.
New foils, as in sailing terms?
We appreciate you talking about your work, Jimmy. Much thanks!
I’m sure her legs are just fine! LOL
Which has me wondering if Arlo will notice them.
I saw the similarity as well, and thought that Janis was busy she was running into herself, which is what I used to tell people I was doing back in the days when I actually an actual job.
“I’m badly in need of new foils.” Perhaps so, especially since Gene, ML and The Shrimp seem to be otherwise occupied. How many cartoons between the first of the year and Robin’s arrival on the scene would you think have utilized characters other than Arlo, Janis and Ludwig? Don’t bother to look; I did and it’s only two, the servers when they ate out. I can see how depending on just three characters (with one of them being mute) to carry the narrative of a daily series would be difficult.
Nice sandcastler(tm)! My wife said “First Robin of spring” when she saw it. Nice work Jimmy, thanks for sharing your process. We can’t wait to see either!
Thanks for your thoughts on this JJ. I was beginning to wonder if you were going to start a new story arc like so many others have done, and was waiting to see what was next. This looks and sounds like a lot of promise arc or not. Today’s strip set a lot of tone for personality in Robin.
Villagers, the Hermanator has recovered real well from dental work, but now refuses crunchies and asks for canned food. I spoiled him big time today and warmed up his canned food today.
No, Jackie, I’m not in NOLA today. In fact, I’ve never been to Marti Gras, possibly because I’m not carried away with places where the streets are filled with crazy drunks. Oh, wait. If that were true I’d have never been to the French Quarter at all, would I?
And no, sand, I’m not getting my fortune told. I have all I can do dealing with the current day’s events, without worrying all that much about tomorrow’s. I have not, however, ruled out hedging my bets by getting a gris-gris the next time I’m down that way.
Me, I like Uptown and Casamentos for oysters. I dislike littered streets and trash.
It may well be that Janis has silvery hair as well, but HER instructions to the colorist were most definitely NOT lost. 😀
My absolute favorite restaurant in New Orleans is on your side of Pontchartrain, however, Ghost.
La Provence, in Lacombe but since I just looked at menu it is not like it was when I dined there for free! Still, great food and wines and I know John Besh is never there, but isn’t he the best looking chef around?
I know, Italian beats Provence.
Love, Jackie
Having gotten my wisecrack out of the way, I note for the record that I read “Arlo & Janis” in a newspaper (have your grandparents explain what that is, kids!) as the Good Lord intended… thus the issue of hair color never arose.
As for anyone in A&J taking on a “permanent look,” the Mona Lisa smiles at this notion, and Ludwig perks up his ears.
The only one in the strip with a “permanent look” is Arlo himself. His clothes change, but nothing else. He’s tried different haircuts and gotten glasses, but he always returns to the classic look.
I wonder if Robin has been added to the cast to provide another voice for JJ. Our favorite couple have been aging far slower than Jimmy and the rest of us; perhaps a “silver hair” can provide a means to address thoughts and issues facing we Baby Boomers.
Coop’s Place or K-Paul’s Louisiana Kitchen. 🙂
Now I am salivating, Sand. The oysters pernod or turtle soup or pork chops? Watch Ghost tell us we are going to gain weight reading it. My God but he looks awful! But then I guess I do too. Ditto, need that “free” expense account I guess? Funny, I never knew what anything cost back then.
Sand, what do you recommend? The oyster omelet for breakfast sounds great! I am stuck on oysters, so I imagine any of those are good.
Then next morning, stand in line for breakfast at Mother’s.
I love it when you share with us. I mean, with you peeping in our windows, it’s nice to be able to peep into yours once in a while. 😉
SusiQ, reverse perversion, perfect!!
Well, I suppose Besh is better looking than Prudhomme but either way, it doesn’t seem to affect either one’s ability to cook. I had shrimp étouffée last time I was at K-Paul’s, and yes, my diet was placed on hiatus for just that one day.
Strange that Italian food was mentioned, as I’ve been on marinara sauce kick lately. (Homemade, of course.) In fact, last evening’s meal was one cup of vermicelli with one-half cup sauce and one ounce grated Parmesan (chicken parm without the chicken or provolone) with a green salad on the side. Very satisfying and well within the parameters of my meals plan. That even allowed for 5 ounces of red wine. (But no, not the nice Chianti Dr. Lecter’s likes with liver and fava beans.)
Really, sand? A perverse perversion?
OF due 1539-1559 CST. Nap. Peace, emb
My first thought was she’s a “little grabby” like Chubby Hugs in Get Fuzzy. I’ve met women like that sometimes and, well, sometimes it’s OK.