Since the real-time Arlo & Janis is on the coast now, and since we’ve been talking about boats, I thought I’d show you this familiar but critical series that begins on July 4, 2012. By the way, if you follow the above link to A&J on GoComics (which is the only way you’re going to see this longish series), be sure and check out the “Featured Comment” below the cartoon. Those commenters; they can read me like a book.
91 responses to “The Coast Is Not Clear”
Charlie Brown and the football. I agreed with the comment that Chuck should have just kicked Lucy….
Well, Jimmy, many do say they feel like you’re peeking in their windows, so I guess it’s only logical that they can “read” you.
Well, The Dark Side. (And I know some here disagree with that appellation.)
IIRC, when Jimmy first introduced the concept of what has become The Village, he commented that one of the things he did not want to see here was “Flame Wars”. So perhaps that’s a purpose The Dark Side fulfills. To the point that I haven’t ventured over there for many years.
Gocomics had this series starting on 4 June, 2012, not 4 July.
June 4, not July!
Hi Jon. I’m Jon. Are we the only two people who know how to spell Jon?
Actually, it states on 4 June. Also a great “prequel” to a long arc that starts on 20 Aug, 2012.
Jimmy, I tried to email you for an address for someone to write to about A&J, because my original email to a Mr. Glynn went unanswered. I am not sure your new address you gave worked. To whom ought I write? Thank you! –DJG
Mmm, depends. What do you want to write?
A letter of praise about A&J!
David, OK, you can send that. Seriously, thank you, thank you, thank you. Such kind words. I do try! Mr. Glynn is no longer with Andrews McMeel. You can send an email to Reed Jackson, my long-suffering editor. He will appreciate it, I am sure, and know to whom to send it. I will email you his address. — JJ
And incase any of you are wondering, yes. I do have to “approve” my own comments. JJ
And here is what I sent February 10, but now I’d like it to go to your editor, since Mr. Glynn never replied, and I guess that you never got to see it. It is a long email, but would be way too short and disorganized for a book chapter, as I mention below:
Dear Mr. Glynn:
I wish to praise Jimmy Johnson’s “Arlo and Janis.” It is, in one sense, easy to do so, for it is one of the richest cartoon strips today–and has been for years and years.
Mr. Johnson learned his lessons on writing cartoons long ago, and he has built his storytelling on well-proved American humor traditions. He has mastered the art of incongruousness (the kind that does not need to be taken seriously) that rises out of a reality familiar to his readers. It’s real, but it’s surprising and also harmless, and so it’s funny. That’s humor.
But to master that art is exceptionally difficult. It must include a razor-sharp timing, and Mr. Johnson’s is comparable to that of Chuck Jones. Arlo and Janis’s panels always flow with exactly the right pauses and surges. It must also be tied to reality, and Mr. Johnson has chosen a husband and wife—and their marriage—as the centerpiece. His observations are deft and often uncanny. Both characters are so fully rounded, having deep hopes (Arlo and his sailing) and deep fears (Janis’s insecurity, which nevertheless has faded some degrees) as well as many times of nonchalance—and also even wild fantasy, the characters as alligators (started on April Fool’s Day, 2002) or Janis as a torch singer. Not even Charles Dickens ever mastered this, his characters chronically being too flat (good stories, though).
Mastery of cartooning includes such things as mundane as settings, for a cartoonist runs a repertoire company, stage sets, costumes, lighting, direction, script—everything, as you know. And A&J’s stock-in-trade is its minimal settings (C. Jones again, but also C. Schulz), unless Mr. Johnson finds the need for some evocative branches blown by the wind (February 10, 2021) or some evocative seascape. There is a quite professional nod to an old-time saloon on February 23, 2018 (as well as to Ogden Nash; Mr. Johnson knows our culture). Yes, his drawing is much improved from the first years, but he has solved virtually all those problems the way many cartoonists never manage to do. The characters’ eyebrows often approach the same expressive power as Snoopy’s; on April 4, 2002, we get four different mouth lines from the alligator, expressing four different and important reactions; the little breeze around Super Janis is indicated by only three but well-chosen items: her hair, her cape, and part of her skirt—with that arresting dash of coloring the one panel contrasting so importantly with the beige backgrounds in the surrounding panels (February 20, 2018).
The best cartoons deal with values truly important to us. Poorer cartoons attempt to use what is shocking or even abusive, what is shabbily goofy, or what seems to be a passing fad or meme. They rely on, at best, mediocre drawing and writing. They are tiresome and sometimes even stupid, though they might bring in some cash. Jimmy Johnson, however, is constantly seeking what Duke Ellington thought was needed in music—what is “fitting,” that is, what is truly most appropriate. And so, like Mr. Ellington and Johann Sebastian Bach did, Mr. Johnson always tries his best.
It not only makes a difference, it makes a fine accomplishment.
Cartoons no longer sell newspapers the way they did in the first third of the 20th century, as you well know. Despite that, I learned to read in the early 1960s by reading Charle M. Schulz’s “Peanuts,” and newspaper cartoons have stayed in business till now. Via “Peanuts” I came to value other great comic strips—two that were important to Mr. Schulz were “Skippy” (such movement!) and “Popeye”; he called the latter a “perfect” strip, and it is: Every day is an important day in “Popeye.”
A&J is one of those great strips, though the audiences for newspaper cartoons are now drawn off to lots of other things, including cute cat videos (there’s a truly fine cat photo bombing on Feb. 12, 2018). Audiences say such things as “You were peeking in our windows” and “I liked it,” but the artistry must go much deeper than that to elicit such surface reactions as those.
I recently acquired my only Johnson original, from February 13, 1997. Ruth’s reaction to Gene’s gift of a rose is poignant, earnest, touching, and funny, all in one. It’s wonderful. I am so happy to at last have a Johnson original. I never tire of looking at it. It is a marvel that something so ephemeral should have such permanence, but that is a tribute to the fine artistry in what is ostensibly a simple art.
Once, in writing to Mr. Johnson, I compared his cartooning to Red Skelton’s art, and Mr. Johnson took that as the high praise that I meant. Writing this little (compared to a chapter in a book, it is quite little) email I find as challenging as the blind men describing that elephant. I am only scratching the surface, and in such a disorganized way.
This little evidence I bring here, though, may begin to show how A&J is in fact superlative, as you also probably know. It is one of the world’s treasures in the same way that Walt Kelly’s “Pogo” is, or Pat Brady’s own cartoons for “Rose Is Rose.” A&J plays lightly but so deftly with our human depth. That lightness is essential, but it is the depth that gives it its excellence.
In teaching music and music education (I am retired a year now) I really was teaching culture, and thus often widened my teaching to include things besides music, including, on occasion, cartooning.
I miss Pat Brady’s own drawing fresh each day. I miss Walt Kelly’s.
But every morning I get to read “Arlo and Janis,” among others. Light and deep at the same time! How does he do it? Well, that’s the question Mr. Schulz asked about Andrew Wyeth, and I am content to marvel and not really know.
That’s why I’ll keep reading, and that is some of why A&J is so very important in our culture.
It is easy, in one sense, to praise A&J—but to really praise it well—that is so difficult! It is that fine.
Thank you for publishing it!
(I hope he gets a raise.)
Sincerely yours,
David J. Gonzol, PhD
Professor emeritus of music
Founder, Shepherd Youth Chorus
School of Music
Shepherd University
“When you dance to music . . . or when you play it, then you own it.”
—Ben Ratliff, The New York Times (January 11, 2009)
Dr. Gonzol:
You are a superb writer and not only because I agree with word that you typed.
Holy Moly! Jimmy, you should get Professor Gonzol to write your obituary. (For use in the distant future, of course.) Unless Arlo has already written it for you.
Bravo! Bravo!
All for Jimmy.
https://www.gocomics.com/arloandjanis/2010/09/02 This one really made me feel you were looking in the window. This happened to me and my ex when we were living in Nashville.
Dear DJJG: Thank you for saying so well what so many of us here in The Village feel!! And most of all, of course, thank you, Jimmy!
De rien! You’re right, most of all, Jimmy.
Happy 4th everyone!
Discovery: Last evening, faced with a recalcitrant peanut butter jar which would not open, I placed a wide [1/4 inch] rubber band around the metal top and found that it provided enough extra “grip” so the top unscrewed easily. I imagine that a second rubber band around the jar itself would have made the opening even easier.
This should be widely applicable to screw-top containers, using different sizes of rubber bands.
Did Janis ever get that 50% tip she sought last week?
Of course!
best suited content
Missing the friendly banter
11 days and counting. “Is there anybody in there?, Just nod if you can hear me, is anyone home?”.
The best comic in our newspaper and yes I still get an actual paper. The 7/12 cartoon is so clever. Poor Arlo worried that his coffee brewing days are over!
It’s appropriate time to make a few plans for the future and it’s time to be happy.
I’ve learn this post and if I could I desire to suggest you some interesting issues or suggestions.
Perhaps you can write next articles regarding this article.
I wish to learn even more things about it!
My spouse and I stumbled over here from a different web address and thought I might as well check things out.
I like what I see so i am just following you.
Look forward to looking at your web page for a second time.
I am sure this article has touched all the internet users, its
really really good article on building up new website.
Also visit my web page; Oracle Leaf CBD Reviews
always i used to read smaller posts that also clear their motive, and that is also happening with this post which I am reading at this time.
Also visit my web site :: Mermber XXL Review [http://www.mbrdev.com/viewtopic.php?id=623060]
Wow! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a completely different subject but it has pretty much the same
layout and design. Superb choice of colors!
Enjoyed reading through this, very good stuff, appreciate it.
my page – Pure Keto Burn Review
You made various fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found
a good number of people will go along with with your blog.
Take a look at my webpage :: ecs300.net
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Nowadays bloggers publish just about gossips and net
and this is really annoying. A good site with exciting content, this is what I need.
Thank you for keeping this web-site, I’ll be visiting it.
Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.
Also visit my web page … Ultra Cut Keto Reviews
Incredible! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It’s on a completely
different subject but it has pretty much the same
layout and design. Excellent choice of colors!
my homepage Cryogen Air Cooler
I like this web site it’s a master piece! Glad I found
this on google.
Feel free to visit my web-site … IQ SuperCharger Reviews
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem with your website in internet explorer, could check
this? IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader
and a huge element of folks will leave out your magnificent writing because
of this problem.
my web blog :: http://www.mediationtrainings.org
I really like it when people get together and share ideas.
Great site, stick with it!
my web-site – Keto BHB Plus
I’ve been browsing online more than 4 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like
yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. In my view,
if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more
useful than ever before.
Also visit my web site: OracleLeaf CBD
As I website owner I conceive the subject material here is real great, regards for your efforts.
My web-site forum.mkovalcik.cz
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would be okay.
I’m absolutely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Feel free to visit my homepage; Green Earth CBD Gummies Reviews
I think other website proprietors should take this internet
site as an model, very clean and superb user friendly style.
Look into my web page: Solvolt
Howdy! I could have sworn I?ve visited this website before but after going through some of the posts I realized it?s new to
me. Nonetheless, I?m definitely happy I stumbled upon it and I?ll be
book-marking it and checking back regularly!
My blog :: Erorectin Male Enhancement Review
This post is invaluable. How can I find out
more?
Very good blog you have here but I was curious about if you knew of any forums that cover the same topics talked about here?
I’d really like to be a part of community where
I can get opinions from other knowledgeable people
that share the same interest. If you have any suggestions, please
let me know. Bless you!
Also visit my website; Erorectin Review
This is very fascinating, You are an excessively skilled blogger.
I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in the hunt for extra of your fantastic post.
Additionally, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!
my website: IQ SuperCharged Supplement
Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is excellent,
let alone the content!
my homepage; Puri Royal Derma
I have read so many posts about the blogger lovers however this article
is genuinely a fastidious piece of writing, keep it up.
Have a look at my web page Solvolt Solar Charger
hello!,I like your writing very so much! percentage we communicate extra about your post on AOL?
I require a specialist in this area to unravel my problem.
May be that’s you! Taking a look ahead to look you.
Feel free to visit my homepage – forum.charmanders-underground.com
I think this is one of the most significant information for me.
And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The website style is great, the articles is really excellent :
D. Good job, cheers
Here is my site: Libido Boost Male Enhancement Ingredients
I’m extremely impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your
blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself?
Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one
these days.
My web blog; Syner Sooth CBD Reviews
Thanks for any other informative web site. The place else may just I am
getting that kind of information written in such a
perfect way? I have a project that I’m simply now working
on, and I’ve been at the look out for such information.
Feel free to visit my site Libido Boost Male Enhancement Review
hi!,I like your writing so a lot! percentage we keep up a
correspondence more approximately your post on AOL? I require an expert on this area to resolve my
problem. Maybe that is you! Looking ahead to peer you.
Here is my website – Alpha Extracts CBD Review
Do you have a spam issue on this website; I
also am a blogger, and I was wanting to know your situation; many of us have developed some nice methods and we are looking
to swap methods with others, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
Here is my blog http://163.30.42.16
Yeah bookmaking this wasn’t a speculative decision great post!
Also visit my site :: ViagRx
You made some good points there. I looked on the net to learn more
about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this
site.
Feel free to surf to my website Paramore Cream
First of all I want to say great blog! I had a quick question in which I’d like to ask if you do not mind.
I was curious to find out how you center yourself and
clear your mind prior to writing. I have had a tough time clearing my mind in getting
my ideas out there. I do take pleasure in writing but it just seems
like the first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any ideas or hints?
Kudos!
My homepage Erorectin
You should be a part of a contest for one of the best sites on the net.
I’m going to highly recommend this site!
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog
that’s both equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you,
you have hit the nail on the head. The issue is an issue
that not enough folks are speaking intelligently about. I’m very
happy I found this in my hunt for something relating to this.
Nice weblog right here! Additionally your website quite a
bit up very fast! What host are you using? Can I am getting your associate link to your
host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as
yours lol
Here is my webpage forum.datarou.com
It’s wonderful that you are getting thoughts from this piece of writing as well as from our dialogue made at this time.
Also visit my web page ViroMax Reviews
My family every time say that I am wasting my time here at net,
except I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading thes pleasant content.
Here is my website: Danny
What’s up, always i used to check webpage posts here in the
early hours in the daylight, since i love to gain knowledge of more and more.
I want to to thank you for this fantastic read!!
I absolutely enjoyed every little bit of it.
I have you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you post?
Here is my web blog: Green Earth CBD Gummies Reviews
Oh my goodness! Impressive article dude! Thank you so much, However I am
encountering issues with your RSS. I don’t know
why I am unable to subscribe to it. Is there anybody having the same RSS
issues? Anybody who knows the solution will you kindly respond?
Thanx!!
Also visit my web-site :: http://163.30.42.16/~health2017/userinfo.php?uid=4768130
Utterly indited content material, appreciate it for entropy.
Feel free to visit my webpage :: Alpha Extracts Reviews
Next time I read a blog, Hopefully it won’t fail me as much as this particular
one. I mean, Yes, it was my choice to read through,
however I really thought you’d have something helpful to talk about.
All I hear is a bunch of whining about something you
could possibly fix if you were not too busy searching for attention.
my blog post – Erorectin Male Enhancement
Spot on with this write-up, I seriously feel this site needs a great deal more attention. I?ll probably be returning to
read through more, thanks for the information!
My website – True Keto
Hi are using WordPress for your site platform?
I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started
and create my own. Do you need any html coding knowledge to make
your own blog? Any help would be really appreciated!
This piece of writing will assist the internet
visitors for setting up new website or even a blog from start
to end.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and the rest of the website is really good.
Howdy! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly?
My site looks weird when viewing from my iphone 4. I’m trying to
find a template or plugin that might be able to correct this problem.
If you have any suggestions, please share. Thanks!
obviously like your web-site but you need to test the spelling on quite a few
of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to
tell the reality nevertheless I will surely come again again.
Very descriptive post, I liked that bit.
Will there be a part 2?
I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!!
I absolutely loved every bit of it. I’ve got you saved as a favorite to look at new stuff you post?
My page Xoth CBD Gummies
When someone writes an article he/she maintains the image of
a user in his/her brain that how a user can know it.
Thus that’s why this article is amazing. Thanks!
If you are going for best contents like me, just pay a quick visit this site everyday as it
presents feature contents, thanks
It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be
happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish
to suggest you few interesting things or advice. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.
I desire to read more things about it!
Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I find It truly useful & it helped me out a lot.
I’m hoping to offer one thing again and help others such as
you helped me.
My homepage Keto Incinerate Advanced Weight Loss
Hello There. I discovered your weblog using msn. That is an extremely
smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more of your helpful info.
Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.
I have been browsing online more than 4 hours today,
yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if
all website owners and bloggers made good content as you
did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever
before.
Check out my web page … GrownMD Review
I could not resist commenting. Perfectly written!
My site – Pure CBD Softgels Ingredients
Very good info. Lucky me I recently found your website by accident (stumbleupon).
I’ve book marked it for later! asmr https://app.gumroad.com/asmr2021/p/best-asmr-online asmr
Hi everyone, it’s my first visit at this website, and post is truly fruitful in favor of me, keep up posting these content.
scoliosis surgery https://0401mm.tumblr.com/ scoliosis surgery
Hello, I read your new stuff regularly. Your humoristic style is awesome, keep doing what you’re doing!
quest bars http://j.mp/3jZgEA2 quest bars
Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed!
Extremely useful info specially the last part 🙂 I care for
such info much. I was looking for this particular info for a very long time.
Thank you and good luck. cheap flights http://1704milesapart.tumblr.com/ cheap flights
This article is genuinely a pleasant one it helps new the web viewers, who are wishing for blogging.
quest bars https://www.iherb.com/search?kw=quest%20bars quest bars
Very good post. I’m dealing with a few of these issues as well..
scoliosis surgery https://coub.com/stories/962966-scoliosis-surgery scoliosis surgery
Hello.This article was really remarkable, especially since
I was looking for thoughts on this subject last Sunday.
My blog post – best low carb diet