The Morning Line: Opening the Christmas Riffys

It's the day after Christmas and I'm still recovering from indecipherable toy instructions and one relative's wicked "back-door" eggnog, so: Let's get right to it, Cartoon Nation.

This week's Riffys go to today's cartoons that are so deft, they cut right through our day-after fog.

First up, "DOONESBURY":

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Got to applaud the quick turnaround in the wake of the Bush Shoe-Throwing International Incident in Iraq. Garry Trudeau appropriates it nicely, so it gets the FAVE TIMELINESS Riffy. Elsewhere...

"POOCH CAFE":

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Ye olde dog/mailman antagonism is a timeworn comedy standby, but today, Pancho plays it to unexpected effect. Well-played, Mr. Gilligan. Well-played.

"BABY BLUES":

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This is the type of strip that plays well to both its tyke and knowing grownup audiences. Plus, I'm just a sucker -- as you know -- for any strip that overtly or subliminally reminds folks that someone is still actually reading the newspaper. Team Kirkman&Scott deserves this week's Christmas bonus. Huzzahs, gents. And happy holidays.