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WOOOOOO— I’m back in action, Z&F readers! Good to be back. I quite enjoyed my time off and reflecting on 8 (almost 9) years of writing and drawing this comic. I feel rejuvenated. I feel fresher, more receptive to ideas and storylines. I watched TV shows & movies that inspired me and re-read some favorite comics. I have made decisions. I have news to reveal. But that comes on Friday, my scheduled “Blog Post Day” where I will post any announcements or convention appearances. Until then, welcome back, and enjoy some new comics…. now on MONDAYS and WEDNESDAYS!
Today Z&F study the basics of the sitcom formula. I’ve found that sitcoms are a polarizing entity. There’s equal love and also hatred out there for them, especially the formulaic predictable ones that follow patterns and don’t push too many boundaries. As I see it, comic strips (the traditional ones) are the sitcoms of the sequential art world. The characters rarely break out of their mold (even if it’s a relatively complex mold), and instead of it being boring, this quality is intended to be comforting. The characters are there for you, easing you into your day; you know what to expect and it’ll bring a smile to your face to see them each day, like a reliable best friend. Zorphbert will always be grouchy and analytical, and Fred will always be sweet and a bit naive. Mind you, I try to add depth by discussing topics out of the norm, picking on humanity as a whole, and adding a quirkier humor that’s not familiar to the “safe” newspaper strips. But I would imagine those who criticize sitcoms for being stale, predictable, over-done entertainment for the simple-minded, would probably think the same of Z&F. That’s not a slight against them, it’s simply not their cup of tea. Long-form comics with complex stories, plot twists and comprehensive character development would probably be more their preference– akin to all the edgy hour-long TV series that are ever so addicting (I like quite a few of those too). Regardless, there’s room in this world for both and I write and draw the “sitcom” comic better… that’s all there is to it! I am curious, however.. if my theory is correct. Do the bulk of Z&F readers also enjoy sitcoms? Where do you stand on this debate?
Well… I have a varied list of both comics, tv shows and music that appeals to me. They range from “The Big Bang Theory” to “Gotham”, and double back around Grimm (with a lot of differing examples in between). Course, my list of media that I don’t like is just as varied. I guess I’m just more complicated than I want to be…
I’m the same way. I enjoy Walking Dead and Breaking Bad but I’ll also be up for Goldbergs or BBT, it just depends on my mood. Now reality TV or those awful Bravo shows…. yeah, I’d rather watch paint dry!
There Isn’t an edgy hour long drama I’ve ever watched that I found continuously entertaining. Then again, I prefer to laugh, than to get bogged down in a fabricated drama. Don’t we get enough fabricated drama from our family during the holidays? No? Just me? [smirk]
Humor, to me, is the best thing there is to deliver the dysfunctions of our world to us, in whatever form it comes in. So, when two alien dogs from a distant planet observe the lunacy of human life in a funny way, I’m there, reading, laughing. If you wrapped in the guise of a Gil Thorpe, or a Brenda Starr, or that pretentious Doonesbury guy who loves to preach [cough], then you’ve lost my attention.
Some day, I’ll learn brevity when I comment. Just not today.
funny that you praise sitcoms and strips… and BREVITY is your downfall! That’s a key component of each medium, go figure LOL
This strip would go perfect with a laugh track! Welcome back, Dawn! Nice to see you back in the game!
ahhh another thing people hate about sitcoms– laugh tracks!
I think Fred is learning
he grasped it quicker than zorphie thinks he did, LOL… sitcoms can be just that bad sometimes.