Time-traveling caveman Alley Oop will get a new lease on life with a new creative team. Writer Joey Alison Sayers and artist Jonathan Lemon will continue the classic strip six times a week, Monday through Saturday, beginning in January. On Sundays, they will focus on Li'l Oop, a pre-teen version of Alley Oop.

Sayers, creator of the offbeat Joey Alison Sayers Comics, told The New York Times that she wants to add more humor to the 80-year-old Alley Oop.  "I want to make it a little zanier and just have a little more fun and draw the readers in," she said.

Lemon is the creator of Rabbits Against Magic, which has been a daily feature on GoComics since 2008. He described taking over drawing duties for Alley Oop as "a daunting task."

"I hope we can capture the caveman spirit and blow Alley Oop back to the stone age where he belongs," Lemon quipped. "In fact, in order to ensure the authenticity of the strip, we'll be chiseling each cartoon in stone tablet."

Andrews McMeel Syndication President John Glynn said he has always admired the work of both Sayers and Lemon, saying they are the right fit to continue the adventures of the beloved (and well-chiseled) caveman. 

"I'm really excited to have two such talented creators on the team," Glynn said. "The great thing about time-travel strips is that they are full of surprises, and Joey and Lemon are just the duo to take us to new worlds ... and old worlds. LOL."

Originally the creation of V.T. Hamlin, Alley Oop debuted in newspapers in 1938 and even inspired a No. 1 hit song: "Alley Oop," by the Hollywood Argyles. Longtime Alley Oop creators Jack and Carole Bender retired in September, signing off with the strip below.

To follow Alley Oop's adventures all the way back to 1977, click on the strip's page here on GoComics.