The Riff: Stuck for a Halloween Costume? Try This Character at Home

Stumped for Halloween? For many grownups, the "what to go as?" question is particularly vexing this year. Sarah Palin and Barack Obama both seem way played-out as costume ideas, as does dressing as "the Economy."

So as a reader service, let Comic Riffs suggest a few cartoon characters who are ready-made for applauding through apparel -- or mocking with your frocks. To wit:

The Quickie Halloween Guide to Comic Costume Suggestions

Eco-friendly costumes only, please. (NAS) Enlarge Comic

1. MARK TRAIL
Occupation: Cloying eco-photojournalist.
Eye color: Khaki.
Hair color: Dark khaki (*when not colored a bizarre Aqua Velva blue).
Age: A "cartoon cryogenic" 32.
Defining characteristic: Sweet, enviro-purity that neither time nor flirtatious woman can deflower or corrupt.
Would-be catchphrase: I live at the foot of Cherry Trail.
Personal philosophy: Lost Forest is more than mere place -- it's a state of mind.

For Halloween, try Bucky "Kit"-Katt. (UPS) Enlarge Comic

2. BUCKY KATT
Occupation: Saber-tongued rabble-rouser ("Get Fuzzy").
Hair: Matted fur that smells of ripe misanthropy.
Eye color: Crazy.
Age: Crazy knows no calendar.
Favorite drink: A toxic cocktail of two parts narcissism with one part contempt.
Would-be catchphrase: Satchel wouldn't know a clue if it bit him on his accordioned butt!
Personal philosophy: Hey! You need permission to try my patience!

Ted's geekdom is laid near-bare. (KFS) Enlarge Comic

3. TED FORTH
Occupation: Professional manchild.
Hairstyle: Blond fop.
Eye color: "Yoda" green.
Emotional age: Stuck in the '80s.
Favorite drink: Whatever they're serving at the "Star Wars" cantina.
Defining characteristic: Manicured hands that smell of Palmolive and neutered masculinity.
Would-be catchphrase: A sci-fi geek, I am!
Personal philosophy: "You may have thought it was a game, but it was also a test. A-ha, a test! Sent out across the galaxy to find those with the potential to be Starfighters!"

Have a cartoon costume of your own in mind. Like Odie and the grating Jar-Jar Binks, 'Riffs is all ears.

UPDATE: Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive has altered its policy: Readers must now be registered with washingtonpost.com to post comments.

By Michael Cavna |  October 28, 2008; 11:00 AM ET  | Category:  The Riffs
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Posted by: politixpoet | October 28, 2008 11:37 AM

Posted by: seismic-2 | October 28, 2008 4:05 PM

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