Jacks Are Wild

by Jimmy Johnson

March 2, 1997


As readers know, I’m not above taking a stab at a limerick, especially when I’m stuck for an original idea. I think this is one of my better efforts, probably because the meter so closely follows that with which we’re all familiar. “There once was a girl from, etc.” Commenters need not feel compelled to fill in the blanks. It would not work as well, however, if it weren’t a cartoon. The meaning of the verse is clearer and, I dare say, funnier, because it is paired with the drawings. Words and artwork in mutual support. That, children, is the very definition of a comic strip. Sorry I missed yesterday; I was traveling.


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12 responses to “Jacks Are Wild”

  1. Jon in Denver Avatar

    I didn’t like this comic until I saw it with the first two panels with Arlo and Janis. It makes much more sense with that lead-in.

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

      Agree.

    2. Cozmik Cowboy Avatar
      Cozmik Cowboy

      Not sure I follow; you’re saying it works better for you if you imagine it’s Arlo leaving Janis?

      Never happen.

      1. Blinky the Wonder Wombat Avatar
        Blinky the Wonder Wombat

        No, but it wouldn’t, but the joke is Janis’ paranoia that Arlo would run off due to a mid-life crisis. (This was a common theme in the earlier strips.)

  2. Ghost Avatar
    Ghost

    Re 2-19-20 real-time cartoon: On second thought…never mind. 😉

  3. emb Avatar
    emb

    Decorah north eagle having roadkill for lunch. Ish. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.
    https://explore.org/livecams/birds/decorah-eagles-north-nest
    Peace,

  4. Sideburns Avatar

    I don’t know about anybody else, but I like your poetry. I just wonder why more cartoonists don’t try their hands at it.

  5. Nancy Kirk Avatar
    Nancy Kirk

    Enjoyed lunch today on the back patio with our view of the mountains over our big desert wash, plus goldfinches and a cardinal at our feeders. Tucson in February. Ahhh….

  6. emb Avatar
    emb

    Nancy, I’m jealous [tho thankful for much else]. E.g. [PG13], just saw the little guy on the L copulate w/ the big gal on the R. Am told this happens often when egg-laying is imminent. These 2 have, for eagles, a lovely nest nearby, but no eggs yet.
    https://explore.org/livecams/birds/decorah-eagles-north-nest
    Peace,

  7. emb Avatar
    emb

    Same site. She’s now upper L, he lower R. In this pair, he’s not only smaller, but sleeker. She often looks like she just got up, needs her morning coffee, & such. Peace,

  8. Ken from Framingham Avatar
    Ken from Framingham

    Wait, Jimmy– wasn’t this story also made into the Bruce Springsteen song, Hungry Heart?