December 24, 1993
OK, where were we? I don’t know why, but the thinly varnished human drama in Arlo & Janis mostly has befallen Gene, even going back years to when he was a rather young boy. I do know that is how I wound up with two strips on my hands, the main event featuring Arlo and Janis where humor is the emphasis, and the sideshow involving Gene and his family where sequential events are key. Fortunately for me, many readers seem to enjoy both treatments, but if pressed I think a majority would prefer one or the other. The Adventures of Gene (Let’s call them.) seem to have a particularly vociferous fan base. It is vociferous, because those fans don’t see much of their favorites, and they get restless. That’s understandable. One solution to this dilemma that often gets floated is a spin-off strip. It might surprise you to learn, I like this idea. I certainly have thought about it myself. The problem is, I don’t think I could pull it off. I probably would have to have some help, and I’ve always been a fiercely solitary act. I would not rule it out, though. With the constant shrinkage of the newspaper syndication business, it does seem prudent to take advantage of what has already been accomplished. I hope I have made myself clear.