Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for May 15, 2015

Okay, still seems like a lot of “something for nothing” . So much “to do” from Quill, and Gunther keeps saying it’s "to don’t “, almost like a cliffhanger… but it’s not even Saturday…. – Gunther probably just doesn’t like to admit when he’s….”aware"….of things- like feelings, for instance… or to maybe even admit he actually… (gasp!) likes Tiffany!! – And the whole reason Quill is pressing, is because it was Gunther who came in late. Some other person would/could be out late, or out studying late. But not ol’ Gunther. It’s “out of character” for him to be out this late (For example, New Years’ dance of 2014)….without a “reason” , that is….

Can’t it wait until the morning, Quill?! (Unless Gunther still doesn’t want to talk about it then.)

“Sitting On Defense”“A Wrecked Angle”“A River Of Denial”“Somtething For Nothing” (Part Two)“Large Print For A Fine Line”

“Deep Waters Run, Still”“Clam Up And Diver Down”“Showing A Lot Of Classified”“I’m Not In Love” (♫)“Feelings…Nothing More Than Feelings….” (♫)or “1 + 1 = Shut Up! "

He really should talk about it.

Gunther: I did NOT have sexual relations with that woman…I never told anybody to lie, not a single time. Never. These allegations are false! And I need to go back to work on these salamanders.</Bill Clinton>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiIP_KDQmXs

I’m seeing the ‘new’ Gunther here. The Gunther who snaps at his mother for daring to call him ‘Gunthie’, and who questions why she would get involved with a man. The Gunther who can’t figure out what he wants to do with his life, but, instead of admitting that and looking for professional counseling, just yells at everyone around him.-People complain that Gunther is too passive, but I don’t care for this aggressive Gunther, myself. -And no, I don’t think he and Tiff did anything more than daydream about sex. But since Gunther still doesn’t know what he wants out of his life, even that makes him mad.

Gunther seems to be “in denial”—perhaps lying even to himself.

Gunther is aware of attraction but can’t respond to it. A woman will have to hit him over the head with a club and drag him into the cave. I hope it happens soon as Gunth is suffering.

Quill is much too alarmed about whether Gunther was “pressured” into anything. Being concerned about your friend is one thing, but this is way over the top.

Kinda surprised Quill is acting so concerned.

Should be a nudge and wink, say no more say no more, eh?

If I’m remembering correctly, Bernice only came to Tiff’s suite when she had a drunk friend of Dez’s sleeping on the floor of her dorm room. I’m not seeing a Bernice – Tiffany friendship strong enough for Bernice to just walk into Tiffany’s suite without a really strong justification…

Here’s a unique idea. Everyone should just leave Gunther alone for awhile, and quit asking him why he’s unhappy, or if something happened, or what. Then, if Gunther wants to talk to someone, maybe he will. Or not. But the more people push him, the angrier he seems to get.

I suspect that something was pressurized.

As far as “Quill!” is concerned, I really still think that the reason Quill was pressing, was because Gunther’s not the type to be out that late- it “kills” him to be “outside of prompt and punctual”. He’s the “inward” type, and also the “careful” type of person. “Quill!” can see that it’s not like Gunther to be out so late…

The problem is….nothing happened. And that’s the problem.

My husband tells me that when he was Gunther’s age, he was even more shy and awkward! But he outgrew it. It is painful to watch, though.

Both Gunther and Tiffany are all bark and no bite. Neither of them has experience to do more than hold hands!So, Gunther is finding out what things may be all about, but at his pace, he will be 90! Tiff will have long moved on (I hope)

Guard your socks, Quill!

Let’s see whether Gunther starts scratching from fire ant bites.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eETRYd4Prv4

the missing panels from 2 days ago to yesterday, Panel 1 G drinks fast the coffee and Tiff eyes open wide seeing that, panel 2 Gunther goes to door and says, wow is extremely late, got to go home and rest, panel 3 Tiff leans against door as it is now closed, and goes Phew!!!!!!!!!!!! and looks relieved that G did not told her “how cute you look”

Tiffany Gunther , TiffanyGunther , Tiffanunther , Tiffanther , Tiffther , Tifher !

Is that it? Nothing happened but he realizes that something “should” have happened.

If it were anyone but Gunther, I’d say “the lad doth protest too much”; but, since it’s Gunther, it’s clear that he has not yet learned to deal with his conflicted emotions, nor with the opposite sex, and is feeling very frustrated and confused. No wonder he doesn’t want to talk about it. He does not know how to do so.

Quill is acting like a rape counselor. God, this is pitiful.

“Where did the bad girl touch you, Gunther?”

The “Gunth” doth protest too much, methinks. Hey Gunth – if you want somebody to buy your BS, modulate thy tone and reason coldly and calmly. Thou hast shown thy hand most plainly, I fear. tsk tsk

Yes – methinks he did FHRITP.

Not a long time reader. Historically, do we have any reason to believe that Tiff has done anything more than Luann and Quill? My guess is the pressure resulted in Gunth doing all the assignment. This is a family strip.

Evans should have quit when he was ahead and written Gunther right out of the strip after sending him off to Peru. Did anyone actually ask for him back?

Evans should have quit when he was ahead and written Gunther right out of the strip after sending him off to Peru. Did anyone actually ask for him back?

Evans should have quit when he was ahead and written Gunther right out of the strip after sending him off to Peru. Did anyone actually ask for him back?

Clearly what happened is Gunther made a move and Tiff shot him down. Because she really is clueless sometimes to all the signals she’s giving off.

Well If Mr. Evans Didn’t See FIT to Illustrate What “Allegedly”Happened in Tiff’s Room, Then I See NO Point in Discussing it Further, Mr. Nosy Foreigner, Who SHOULD Deported.

…..Except, Maybe, In Court…,

Much ado about “Nothing”.

Is he upset that he got further in one afternoon with Tiffany than he did following Rosa all the way to Peru?

“The Thrill is gone…..”

BB King passed, last night at 89.So Sorry…

pressured him into something?? These are first year College Students for petes sake…….

That’s it, Quill – waterboard him! (I hope this is not going to end with some lame anticlimactic gag, like Gunther’s flustered simply because Tiffany’s hand accidentally brushed against his while pouring coffee…)

Surely not his first. What about Rosa?

I don’t know what didn’t happen, just don’t drop the story for another 2 months.

Sheesh, get a grip.

“Ok, my friend, nothing happened. What was it that didn’t happen?”

I want to hear from Tiff.

I think she shot him down, which wouldn’t go over well with any guy.

“…sorry about your robe, Tiffany…”

More speculation here than in the offices of “Weekly World News.” Well done, Greg.

Aye.

So after this strip we know nothing more about what happened than we did yesterday, except that if they did have sex it didn’t seem to be too relaxing for Gunther. Quill asking about being “pressured” makes me wonder if he did something with Tiffany that he regrets.

Gotta agree with you there. If he runs to the shower and scrubs and scrubs, then that would be an understatement.

I keep hearing about how some things are inappropriate for a “family” strip but there sure seems to be a lot of wiggle room in the world of newspaper published comics. Anyone that might disapprove of anything resembling overt sexuality in Luann must feel like their heads will explode when they see a typical 9 Chickweed Lane strip. There has been little expectation of such overtness in Luann until the last couple of years but it’s edging in that direction, at a glacial pace for sure, but it’s noticeable. Glacial is probably the maximum speed the creators feel “family” readers will tolerate.

Gunther is clearly upset about something. Quill is being a good friend by showing concern for him. I think Gunther got sexually aroused by a woman and it scared him and he feels ashamed for having these feelings. He has deep mommy issues that prevent him from having a normal sexual relationship.

“Naturally, the take on this inevitable cliffhanger is not good over at the Comics Curmudgeon”*RB – I’, for one am traumatized that the Curmudgeon is disappointed. His opinion means all the world to me.I’m disappoionted too, but I knows Team Evans’ writing well enough that they are purposefully teasing us, to put us in the role of Quill and others who have to depend on Gunther’s recollection.*My guess is that this is good— if frustrating— writing. Like Gunther’s experience— good but frustrating. He seems to live more in memory than in the moment, and that is how the writers are forcing us to see things as well.*That is, what a wretched life G-man must be living.

So, either:(1) Tiffany made a pass at Gunther, and he rebuffed it, or(2) Gunther made a pass at Tiffany, and she rebuffed it, or(3) No one made a pass at any one, and now Gunther kind of wishes one or the other one of them had at least tried, or(4) Gunther was so flustered that he dropped a salamander down Tiffany’s bathrobe, which she of course opened up, and Gunther fainted.

Ok…. well…. (pipe in hand, quietly ruminating about what to say):++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++1. Gunther’s angry outburst (again) is rather annoying and rude.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++2. That Gunther is so riled up suggests that either a) he did not go to ANY base (1,2,3, or 4) with Tiffany, or b) if he did go to any of the four bases with her…. then his anger is even more psychologically disturbing.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++3. The repeated use of “sudden, angry outbursts” from Gunther, especially the several times where they were quite an over-the-top reaction compared to what else was going on in the strip… is IMHO the major factor in why “Gunthie” is becoming a less and less appealing, less and less interesting character. If “Gunthie” is to remain a major focus, I very sincerely hope that team Evans will greatly reduce (or better yet, eliminate) these sorts of reactions for his character. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++4. I realize his “outbursts” are designed to indicate his “conflict” but geez… they really ARE NOT entertaining. The story arc IS good one in so many different ways at the moment that today’s conniption fit by Gunther sullies it in my opinion. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++5. It really seems to me that team Evans could much more effectively focus on other aspects of this interaction between Gunthie and bland Quill rather than having the “fit” be the front-and-center, in-your-face focus. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++6. This is not a Marvel Superhero Comic where there is meant to be a loud-mouthed, obnoxious villian. Gunthie is drifting over to that realm in my opinion.

Well, I AM reminded here of an episode of “The Wonder Years”: Beth wanted some “help” with her marine biology notes. As near as I can figure, Paul was seduced into a kind of hypnotic sleep. And then when he came to, it was too late; it was all over and done with. Beth was gone, and Paul would never be the same again.

Did Tiffany pressure him? Seriously? He’s supposed to step up and be a man and now he can’t be trusted to make a decision on his own?

All righty then, nothing happened.

But the whole “Did she pressure you” was a ridiculous question at best. The implications were bad.

Kind of like writing Quill out.

High five! That was actually my first thought when I read that.

Sheesh Gunther! It’s a simple biological urge. Get over it.

Hmmm, is “salamander” a code word for something else?

look if nothing happened its a no fault situation. wasn’t she voted most likely? :P

All I’m saying is Gunther has been seen doing more with a partner than Tiffany.

Me thinks that the interest in Gunther possibly losing his virginity (or something) is getting to be quite a bit more than a little creepy…

Usually but not entirely. There are two occasions where couples have been shown, in silhouette, rather obviously making love in bed. That has been very artful as well but it’s a significant step up from the hands and pushed hard against the limits of what is permissible in a newspaper strip.

“Pero algo paso….Pero algo paso….Pero algo paso.”!!!Quill should as Gunther this repeatedly in Spanish! He’ll crack and finally talk!!!

If Gunther can’t talk about this with Quill then he can’t talk with anyone we’ve been shown. I am coming to think that is more serious than anyone has said. He is conflicted and repressed to the point of self-hatred, it seems, and I think we all know that that can lead to self-destruction. I just hope he doesn’t take anyone with him. I don’t think either Gunther or Quill is gay—repressed or not that way; there has been no homo-eroticism displayed, in any case. Gunther has liked Luann, and clearly loved Rosa. Both Rosa and Tiffany are clearly the wrong women for him, but he is a slow learner. Years ago he saw Bernice as “his type” and he was right. And she likes him now. Either Gunther gets with Bernice, finds a good shrink, or exercises the final solution to all his problems which I reluctantly suggested. I am rooting for Bernice; a few of her zingers might shape him up.

Funny, two weeks ago the thought of G-man and Tiff together made me ill.But in this short time frame, Team Evans has so changed my outlook that now it makes me ill to think they might NOT get together, after they’ve been vulnerable with each other.Good writing.

Well done, but Gunther’s Story needs an epilog, which many of us hope will be:--Make it so, Mr. Evans

Good point!

“I had a good time. Let’s leave it at that.”

Gunther seems to be in the same kind of fix that old Ed Crankshaft is in. Ed is being courted by an age-appropriate female, and they go on “not a date” dates. Ed would die before admitting that he likes Mary.

“Gunther? Did Tiffany…did she…did she try to hold your hand? Don’t be ashamed, man. It could happen to anyone. I’ll call the police for you, okay? After all, she must not be allowed to touch another hand.”

Tiff was available and completely willing; he wanted to make a move but was so shy and totally inhibited, he just couldn’t. Not a good feeling at all…

It seems that Gunther failed in coitus…

oh no don’t tell me it has anything to do with those commercials they show on TV during golf as if golfers have the biggest problems – just saying with ALL the GUESSING – i might as well too.

(Pipe in hand, with further ruminations:)“And I’m not discussing this!!!!!” is really a petulant, obnoxious, little-toddler sort of reaction. I cannot believe the annoying transformation that has occurred in Gunthie. Gunther was a nice guy and was an interesting character up through the moment Luis deposited him on the bus with the Peruvian grandmothers. Ever since that damn bus ride, Gunthie has been mostly intolerable. Besides making the above two comments, I wanted to show off my new “skill”… I finally learned how to make paragraph breaks or statement breaks WITHOUT using my “+++++” line. I am pretty darn proud of myself (humorous grin).

“Ok, Gunther, on this doll point out where Tiffany touched you…”

I’ve never read JK Powling’s series of novels, but from what I’ve heard about them, the protagonist is rather younger than a university freshman like Gunther.

Just remember one thing, everyone – Tiffany is the one who gave Gunther his first kiss. It wasn’t a real kiss – Tiffany was just being Tiffany – but our man Gunther has the feels.

Considering that he got to give Tiffany a legrub and got to see her without her makeup on – and in a bathrobe – maybe them chemicals are doing something.

Give Gunther a break. He’s human. And he’s growing.

And the way I look at it, he deserves his own strip.

This is better than Coronation Street, any day….

Gunther gets some before Brad!

Dave53…. I never found myself to be able to “get into” any Harry Potter book even though I tried a few times, and even after that failed, I tried to watch the films…. but quickly fell asleep.I think Rowling is a great author, and the films are wildly popular. No doubt about it.I just personally find my mind is not able to sustain any sort of long-term interest in a story that mostly revolves around defying the natural laws of physics. So, unfortunately, my mind drifts anytime there is a book or film about fantasy such as wizards, magical wands, etc. I find I am the same in regards to anything associated with the Lord of the Rings and associated literature as well. So to answer your question, unfortunately I cannot debate those finer points as I am fairly clueless to the details of Harry Potter.

Like in Independence Day where they manage to escape the fireball going down the tunnel in an open door closet?

He’s really matured.

I wouldn’t call it hate, he makes good points but again we go back to if you dare say anything negative about the strip you’re nothing but a hater who’s opinions should not be taken into consideration.

Some of the plots in this strip have been questionable at best, and the hypocrisy is something that should not be ignored.

Heck, Quill and Luann were getting close to shagging before “I have to move ASAP Luann” call happened and that’s fine. Tiffany shows interest in a male and suddenly she’s a whore.

Gunther gets so defensive so easily its unbearable at this point

The whole idea of allowing the cast to age and (finally!!!) graduate was to break up the old gang and allow them to meet new people. So far, that idea seems largely to have been abandoned. The much-too-long “Bernice’s roommate doesn’t actually appear!” storyline that was used to introduce the Moony Uni crowd made them all annoying rather than interesting, About the only new character who seems especially promising is Mr. Jock, but he’s treated just as a punchline for “How dumb can you get!” jokes, so unless Evans choose to explore more aspects of that character, he will remain someone who can’t serve much of a role for supporting new stories, So we’re back to the old gang, and this is in effect just another year of high school (thankfully, minus Mr. Fogarty!).

Too “Much ado about nothing”

Okay maybe ‘something DID happen… so what? They are both adults and above the age of consent. All I want to add to that issue is the ’something that might have happened should have been protected, so that ’nothing’ will result from the something that might have happened.

Gunther acts like his little soldier couldn’t make it to the firing line, but that would be too heavy a topic for this cartoon strip. Besides, despite her flirting, Tiffany would not indulge in casual sex. So, whatever has Gunther upset probably has nothing to do with sex.

I agree, Dave.

That’s not nice, but it was funny.

“You see, Quill, sometimes the male salamander finishes undulating his tail before the female is ready to stop dancing, and…”

@ReallyBad2Toni? But seriously, Rosa is a direct copy of Toni, just a bit shorter with dark hair..That’s a silly statement.Toni looks better in uniform.Toni is rooted in the here and now.Rosa is still looking to the future but understands her life and Gunther’s happiness lie apart at least for now, maybe tomorrow will be different..Meanwhile, I’m glad my beloved Tiffany is reaching out to be better.

If nothing happened between Tiffany and Gunther, then this story arc has passed from humor over Gunther’s quirks into something painful, pathetic, and repulsive. That plot twist would make Gunther a social cripple and Gunther’s mother a complete failure at raising her only child. Completely out of character for Gunther’s mother.

“Please Gunther, sit down. Show me on this doll what she did to you. It’s okay, I’m here for you.”.By the way THAT was very funny.

Say what?

“guess the poster was referring more to 9CWL than Glibporn”

Indeed. Pib’s not for newspapers and PC is nowhere to be seen. The quaveringly sensitive should avert their gaze. For “the children” it ain’t.

Seems like lots of folks watching this strip.

Ulysses:…“and, where did he touch you, my child?”“Why, on the canal bank, Father!”

Nobody really expected anything to actually happen between Tiffany and Gunther, did they? That’s not now the Luann story arcs work. They’re all build-up and no payoff. Still this arc is particularly blatant, with its contrived plot and all the innuendo leading nowhere.

Well, Gunther’s not under pressure now…

“That was a great story. I believe it’s a published book now.”.’Twould be good.