I love Funky Winkerbean and think the handling of cancer and the death was extremely well done. It was sad, meaningful as well as educational.

The handling of Lisa's illness and death was very true to life. I recently lost my best friend to cancer, after being one of his two primary caretakers. Everything I went through was reflected in the strip, and I could point to it to help others understand what it was all like, when I couldn't necessarily voice it myself.

Funky Winkerbean has always addressed the serious life issues with an edge of the melancholy reality that travels with life on life's terms... it is true to itself.

I'd never heard of Funky Winterbean until recently. The only comic I read anymore is Dilbert. I used to love Calvin & Hobbes and the Far Side, but most of the rest don't do it for me.

It would seem that the same arguments must be rehashed over and over again in regards to comics, be they comic books, comic strips, or animated films. The statement, "Readers of the comic tell NPR on air that they are split between appreciating the storyline and insisting that the comics are supposed to be funny, not sad" I think reveals how little gains have been made in regards to our understanding of comics as an artform. Why is it that we insist that comics are supposed to be funny?

The answer to the question may simply be that we are culturally trained to think this by the prevelent use of comics and cartoons as exclusively children's media. This is something completely of our own creation, as anyone familiar with Japan's diverse comic market could attest. Any genre can be drawn, often quite eloquently. Much as there is an understandable reason that Americans keep getting caught up in their own pre-concieved notions of comics, it is a pity as there is so much more for the drawn and animated form can offer.

Been there, done that: in 1990 a gay character in "Doonesbury," Andy Lippincott, died from AIDS. I don't remember any reaction to it similar to what happened in "Funky Winkerbean." For that matter, there was probably a louder outcry in 1993 when a member of the "For Better Or For Worse" cast, Lawrence, came out as a gay teenager.

As someone who grew up with the comics and has watched them evolve over the past half century, I've seen those moments where real life intrudes on a sphere supposedly not associated with it. But then again, anyone who thinks that real life has no place on the comics page hasn't been paying attention. Issues of war, poverty, politics and race have long been present in comic strips, even if that presentation was somewhat sideways. From "Krazy Kat" through "Pogo" to the strips of today, the comics have had to deal with our world, whether to try to explain that world or merely to comment upon it. It seems that it's only when something cuts too close to the bone for a lot of people that we even hear about newspaper comics anymore. If comics do generate discussion, more than likely it's because they've managed to tap into our fears and prejudices.

The Winkerbean strip has had a history of handling difficult, adult situations with tact. Lisa Moore gave up a child for adoption, which led to a reunion in her waning days. And Funky battled alcholism and divorce. In my opinion, the best comic strips offer a window to reality with enough character development and humor to keep us coming back. Personally, I'm bored by seeing how big a sandwich Dagwood Bumstead can eat at this point.

When I think of comic strips, I think of laughter and humor. After all, the word comic comes from the root komos which means intentionally funny. Maybe it should be called something other than a comic strip...maybe a story strip or drama strip...I don't know. For me, I want to giggle when I read the comic strips.

Dave S. - in fairness, they are called comics not tragedies. Frankly, I didn't know anyone even read them anymore. I'm stuck in the land of Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes. A better topic would be the new studies on stressed out tweens.

I haven't read Funky Winkerbean, but the part of the strip I did see (dealing with her death) was sensitive and beautiful, at least I saw it that way. There seems to be a basic division in tastes that might have something to do with personality type; on the one hand you have the action oriented and fast moving comedy loving types, and on the other side those who prefer dramas and quieter, more reflective works, be they movies, tv shows or comic strips.

I don't get Funky Winkerbean in Minneapolis, but I do get For Better or Worse. I have no issues with either. I DO, however, have a major problem with "Pearls before Swine". FBOW, I agree, gives people a chance to think and talk about life events. Jim's stroke keeps me very thoughtful and Farley's death was something I talked about with my children, who were small at the time.

"Pearls" though--What is the idea behind a bunch of crocodiles who speak with Spanish accents and poor grammar, and who plot to canibalize their neighbors?

What's to talk about? What's the intent?

Who other than adults reads For Better or For Worse?!

Emilie:

The point of "pearls" is to be funny. And, to a lot of folks, myself included, it is.

Because humor is individual and subjective, not everybody likes the same stuff. That's why I'm glad the Post has such a big comic section. I don't have to read the same fat-lasagna-Monday jokes again and again in Garfield, and you don't have to read the croc jokes in Pearls.

Emilie,

The crocidiles, being crocidiles, speak with a stereotypical black african accent. The running joke with them is their single minded obsession with killing Zebra. I admit, it is one of the weaker parts of the comic. The strip's heart is the differences and interaction between Rat and Pig. The strip is an exploration of different human faults personified in animals. It's not that complicated. It is sometimes really funny.

Can't a good comic strip be both funny and relevant? That's what good comedy does in other media.

If you only want to giggle at the comics, then just read the ones that make you giggle. I like those, as well as the ones that take the reader into more serious areas as well. It's what makes the best of the comics a true art form. And yes, what IS the point of Pearls Before Swine? I've tried, but it escapes me.

Gosh and golly, you are really stretching for subjects to write about now. These are fictitious characters. Why not debate which is sexier -- Wilma Flintstone or Betty Rubble. Don't you people have anything better to discuss?

"Why not debate which is sexier -- Wilma Flintstone or Betty Rubble. "

Betty Rubble by far

Posted by Moxiemom @ October 17, 2007 10:15 AM:

"Dave S. - in fairness, they are called comics not tragedies. Frankly, I didn't know anyone even read them anymore. I'm stuck in the land of Far Side and Calvin and Hobbes. A better topic would be the new studies on stressed out tweens."

Clearly we have labeled them based on what we invision them to be. People who are called "Black" are not actually black in color. The imperfection of language is an ancient problem, so I do not find it surprising that we differ on this issue.

Will Eisner, probably the godfather of serious comics perfered the term "Sequential Art." I am also fond of the term "graphic novel," though it really does not work well for the short strips that appear in newspapers. No doubt "comic" will continue to be used, if for no other reason than cultural constructs are difficult things to change.

The Japanese use the term Manga, which if I remember correctly also means, litterally, "silly pictures," but they don't seem to have the cultural hang up we do.

And, since you brought it up, I would also like to see Stacey cover the studies on stressed out tweens you mentioned. The results were not really surprising, but I think it is definately worth discussing. Perhaps tomorrow or later this week.

I don't believe that Batuik focused much on the 'motherhood' aspect of Lisa's ordeal. I also feel that the portrayal was extremely unrealistic. The character is an attorney, and when it was found that the hospital had mixed up her charts with another's, her reaction, in a nutshell, was "ohh...bummer." What kind of attorney would let that one slip by (what kind of human being, for that matter)? Lisa decided to forgo treatment and just go ahead and die. What kind of mother elects to not fight, if there is a chance of survival? Lisa decided to spend her last weeks traveling to Washington to testify before Congress ("Hi, I have cancer. Give money to research" is not a persuasive argument). It seems to me that if I had a husband, child, and friends, I'd want to spend my last weeks with them, although testifying before Congress is a noble--yet probably ineffectual--endeavor.

Also, the story jumps ten years into the future, not showing much of the grieving process, the effects of Lisa's death on her daughter--who is a minor character anyway; how many of us can name her?--or whether her testimony to Congress had any effect. To me, this is a cop-out.

I don't think the portrayal was realistic, thought-provoking, or heart-warming. I thought it was contrived, sarcastic, and ham-handed. I will admit, however, that I was sad when she died, even if the death was anti-climactic after all the hype.

Tom Batiuk did a great public service by telling the story of Lisa's illness and death. Isn't death after a heroic struggle nearly always anti-climactic, Mona? Those left behind carry on in their lives as best they can while the world goes on as if the tragedy had never happened.

Hey ... The Soap Opera strip, "Mary Worth" has been around 70 years! Began as "Apple Mary", the street vendor, and her crippled son,Denny. You can still find the Big Little Book versions on eBay.

Lisa decided to forgo treatment and just go ahead and die. What kind of mother elects to not fight, if there is a chance of survival?
Posted by: Mona | October 17, 2007 01:03 PM

Umm. My mother. She was an RN, was diagnosed with a rare (in the US) form of cancer that does not respond well to chemo, radiation or other therapy. She accepted the diagnosis and did her best to live out her remaining days with dignity. My brother was still a teenager. I was 20. I can only hope to be as brave when my time comes.

I think it becomes as someone said "are they true to their characters?"

Cartoons are characters, and they can become very multi-faceted ones, rather than just caricatures. Even Calvin & Hobbes had sad, difficult strips.

I think if a strip stopped being true to itself and its audience, it would lose appeal. But some strips mix serious issues with humor, and some strip away the humor and just head for the real stuff in their characters sometimes.

I'd much prefer to see Elizabeth in FBOW go through her difficult shifting priorities growing as a real person rather than hearing Cathy once again feel bad about trying on the latest season's clothes.

Just as not all cartoons are for kids [Simpsons, King of the Hill, etc], not all comics have to be funny.

I for one have been reading FBOFW for as long as I can remember. I can't tell you why it appeals to me, especially since my other big faves are Zippy the Pinhead, Tom the Dancing Bug, and This Modern World...

FBOFW is the only one I seek out on WaPo on a regular basis.

I came into Funky Winkerbean during Lisa's decline in health. I wish I'd been reading earlier, and I wish I had a week-long subscription, because apparantly I missed her death. I'm all for the strip!

The comics offer a diversity of styles. Some appeal to my 10 year old, and not to me. There are ones that I follow and he does not, I am sure. I have trained my eyes to skip over the 40% or so of the strips in the daily list, as experience has taught me that I will not enjoy them if I read them.

I followed Lisa's plight, and was glad that it was there for me.

Betty Rubble of course!

Now what do you say, Ginger or Mary Ann?

Any medium which provolks thought, cheers, tears, laughter, understanding, identification and comprehension among any size spectrum of viewers; should be cherished.

Hey, let's not bash any of the comics. Enjoy the ones you like. Don't let anyone else tell you what is funny.

"humor is in the eye of the beholder"...:)

I've been a big fan for years and appreciate the "real life intrusions" that the writers have injected into the strip. Cancer and death happen to people, and this is a strip you "get into" by relating to the characters -- it's not like other strips. So it's not for everyone.

I think Lisa's death was handled with grace & respect,as all issues in "Funky Winkerbean" are - it has always been a favorite of mine. Also "For Better or for Worse" has handled tough subjects for quite a few years - and done it beautifully!! Everyone is entitled to their own opinion - Frankly my day just wouldn't be the same without my "Pearls Before Swine"!! It can be just wickedly funny!!

Lisa decided to forgo treatment and just go ahead and die. What kind of mother elects to not fight, if there is a chance of survival?
Posted by: Mona | October 17, 2007 01:03 PM

Umm. My mother. She was an RN, was diagnosed with a rare (in the US) form of cancer that does not respond well to chemo, radiation or other therapy. She accepted the diagnosis and did her best to live out her remaining days with dignity. My brother was still a teenager. I was 20. I can only hope to be as brave when my time comes.

Posted by: anne. | October 17, 2007 01:59 PM

Anne:
I beg to differ with you. Your mother did fight. She didn't just lay down and give up in spite of the grim diagnosis. It sounds as if your mother was nothing like this fictitious character, Lisa Moore. Your mother woke up everyday and decided to hang on a little while longer. It took strength for your Mom to wake up and choose dignity over pity. God rest her soul.

Um, anybody out there leading a real life? C'mon people, you are sitting there typing serious pensees about COMIC STRIPS? GAL (Get A L---).

Yes, modern motherhood has turned into a big martyrdom contest, but to say that because a woman is a mother, she is obliged to prolong her physical suffering by enduring medical treatments that she has been told will not result in a cure or significant prolongation of life or improvement in quality of life? That's sick.

Di, it's pretty obvious to me that you have no kids (or if you do, well ... not going there). It's not "about you" anymore. You fight when you're a mother. You fight like a big ole momma bear when you're a mother. You fight because you have hope, because you want to be there to dance with your son on his wedding day, because you want to be there for your daughter when she has her first child and needs advice. You fight because you would fight for your kids, and you would want your kids to fight if they were in your position. You fight because your life isn't just about you anymore - it includes something so much bigger and more powerful: your love for your kids.

Motherhood is not martyrdom - it's a privilege. It's not self-sacrifice, because your sense of self has been expanded beyond a narcissistic view and now includes your loved ones.

I hope you can learn this one day.

Well, you know what they say about when we ass-u-me, don't we. You went there, too late. I have three kids, all under ten.

I stand by what I said. If anyone, mother or not, is told with certainty that they have a very short time with or without treatment, then it's not selfish to forgo it--or to try it, either, for that matter.

"Um, anybody out there leading a real life? C'mon people, you are sitting there typing serious pensees about COMIC STRIPS? GAL (Get A L---)."

Hahahaha...ah, Dorothy from Columbus...what's worse, people posting about comics, or someone who takes the time to post about them posting? The irony in your post is friggin awesome.

That's not what you said. You went on a rant about a martyrdom contest. So you're not "standing by what you said" - you are backtracking to a more reasonable position because you realize you didn't have a leg to stand on.

Nothin' wrong with it, but at least be honest :)

Obviously there is a misunderstanding here.

The martyrdom comment was referring to the general atmosphere many moms find ourselves in--no matter what you are doing, it's not enough for your kids, and if you do something for yourself you are selfish. Of course we give a lot to our kids, we can't have everything we might want, but the expectations are getting out of hand.

An early post questioned what kind of mom would "lay down and die" and it seemed to be just an extreme version of this attitude. Prolonging suffering to show your children you love them is pretty extreme.

The character was clearly told her condition was incurable and she chose to have less time, but at home with hospice care. That's not giving up, it's facing mortality with dignity and an attempt at peace, which is a gift to one's children.

"Um, he's in kindergarten -- did you expect Algebra?"

Ditto this. Plus, one has to wonder why a kindergartner is even "bringing work home" in the first place. Is she talking about what they've done in class, or homework? If it's the latter what I would be wondering about is why the school is wasting precious family time with silly little homework projects for 5 year olds.

Also, we're less than 2 months into the school year. Most of what goes on in that time, especially in the early grades, is assessment of the children. I wouldn't be getting too worked up over my 5 year old not being challenged until later in the year - then if he's still doing work far beneath his capabilities, have a talk with the teacher about it. But also remember that the teacher is teaching 20-25 kids with abilities ranging from not knowing any of the letters to reading chapter books, and that it's very difficult to fully accomodate every single child, and that just because your child is in school doesn't mean that you're personally off the hook for making sure your child is being challenged and enriched.

I haven't kept up with Funky, sadly, but when Farley saved April I cried. If comics can make political statements, why can't they address other features of being alive?