Cul de Sac by Richard Thompson for March 30, 2018

Perhaps Petey should tie his shoes a little more tighter.

Panel three – Dill and Alice looking up – we don’t yet know at what. Wonderful.

The whole setting is perfect. Petey trying to kick any sort of ball for the first time ever. But in the relative safety of their own back yard, and only with his father, who he trusts not to embarrass him. But naturally his little sister Alice, sensing that this is a big deal, wants to bear witness. And as her best friend Dill happens to be visiting, he and Alice get front row seats. Perfect.

Prediction: while Petey’s soccer career is a mercifully short one, Dill goes on to be a Major League center fielder.

The details of Petey’s hands in the first panel are a great reflection of his uncertainty/anxiety.

Petey’s name starts out the same as soccer star Pelé’s. That’s where the similarity ends…

“Ok, Petey”, says Dad, “Let’s get your shoes tied more securely, this time. Ok?”. “And”, Dad yells, “Stop chewing on your arm, for God’s sake!”.

This is such wonderful art!

Richard was a true genius and a most gifted artist, but sometimes, as here, he surpasses even his own limits! What a wonderful story of soccer ineptitude and disinterest….

…and not a hint of sarcasm in Alice’s voice! She simply is amazed by big brother’s ball play!

panel 3 is one of my all-time favs