Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for April 01, 2021

and so it begins: Gunther’s life being interfered with Bets’s life (or vice-versa)

I am surprised that Leslie Knox understands those terms, maybe why he is saying words like nerd.

Hey gunther, were you born this boring or did you take lessons? Bets wants to have some fun with you and you’re just being a royal buzzkill. If you don’t lighten up, she’s gonna break up with you and find herself a more fun boyfriend.

It is probably Bet’s April Fool’s prank on Gunther. But, based on previous experience, nah…

We all have a tendency to get wrapped up in our own goals and objectives and plans, and become completely oblivious to those of others.

Too bad that Leslie Knox is icky, but Punk is cool.

Les a man of not many words.

Gunther is not the kind to be tied down by an over bearing partner. Under that meek shell is a man’s man. Me thinks we will see this relationship tested to it’s breaking point.

People who grow up like Gunther, invented stuff like spaceships, space stations and trips to moon and beyond.

You’ve got to hand it to Gunther. Despite the stereotypes about nerds, he’s got more courage than most in the strip. He won’t let anyone manipulate him into anything he doesn’t want to do.

At all last Gunther gets a temper. But will it last?

Bets….meet reality.

I’m thinking maybe look on Ebay for a couple of pirate costumes (there are thousands of them there) and let Gunther do his homework. Sewing a couple of outfits just for a dinner evening seems ridiculous. I hope Bets doesn’t turn the whole thing into a “pay per view” online event.

Pretty tame for LesI think. Gunther’s back is up now

GOOD, Gunther! Shut her down. You are busy – too busy for frivolous stuff as sewing costumes for a cosplay date. Don’t you DARE allow her to talk you into doing it. Stay firm. She WILL try to guilt you into it. Use her feminine wiles – a woman’s weapon. She has to LEARN to respect others. Tell her to sew them herself. Or buy from the store. All you will do is show up for the date. The rest is on her. She made the date all on her own without your participation and decided the theme with the expectation that YOU will make the costumes. Lord, Guther.

Leave Gunther alone Betts, Gunther has a career to prepare for.

Algebraic topology and vector calculus sound more fun than a satin brocade doublet and velvet pantaloons.

For once I’m on Team Gunther. Homework over social media.

Hmm…algebraic topology is usually a graduate level course.

There is an appropriate study/fun ratio here, Gunther.

Gunther might actually grow a pair. I didn’t think he had it in him.

Turn out the lights the party’s over……

Somebody should introduce Les to Taiwan pop music. In particular the video for “Pirates” by Jolin Tsai, in which she plays both the male and female characters.

Punk totally agrees with Les ♡. These two are extremely nerdy! What a pain must be to hear them constantly! One too serious and one too festive. Time for a serious chat between this cute couple. Letting Tiffany do all might be the solution, but I don’t think Bets will agree with it.

$300 for the dinner, $500 for the fabric and notions for the costmes— these students must be rolling in the dough.

Hey, Differential calculus over curves and surfaces is way kool, you get to understand manifolds that are isomorphic to various space toplogies!

Believe me , I took a bunch of these classes at the University of Washington!

Brocades and satins seem much too foppy for true pirates.

Good for you Gunther. You do the important things like getting a good education. If Bets wants pirate outfits, she can sew them herself.

Punk speaks! LOVE! =^;^=

Depend on Gunther to do the math. And in this case, it doesn’t add up!

Gunther and Bets are differing on the old saying “there is a time for everything.”

Bets is no slouch when it comes to academics. I don’t expect her to throw a tantrum because Gunther needs to study.

My daughter is currently taking Vector Calculus. Maxwell’s Equations are awesome.

Satin brocade and velvet? For PIRATES? Does Bets even know what a pirate looks like?

And good for Gunther for not going along with it. Hope he sticks to it or else she’s going to be pushing him around forever.

Might there be a split-up scenario between “pushy” Bete and annoyed Gunther? There will be conflict (this arc is rife with them) but I’ll stick my neck out to say it won’t be breakup time.

Just put bandanas on your heads and borrow a couple of Irma’s blouses. It doesn’t matter.

Confrontational conversation concerning calculus and costumes coming.

Reality For once this comic is making a little sense. The is the home stretch of the University Spring quarter. Calculus chews up and spits people out if they don’t do the homework.

I spent hours on Calculus, but that was an undergraduate course. I thought Topology would be cool to take. My prof told me that he’d taken it in university. Also, there was Algebraic Topology and Topological Algebra. He didn’t explain the difference but it sure sounded like a lot of work.

Gunther needs to start charging his friends everytime they keep asking him to sew something.

Uh, Les? Remember Bill Gates’ advice: Be kind to the nerds… you may end up working for one.

I was going to ask if we’ve ever seen a relationship really mature, then remembered Brad and Toni. This may be laying the foundation for another of the more typical break-ups.

Looks like Punk agrees with Les!

Really cute cat pose.

I see a few things here that are worthy of weighing in on in this installment. But since the vast majority here are more often than not far more enthralled with such detail in this strip than I am (and as such feel compelled to counter with minutiae that never even crossed my mind in the first place), I’ll simply defer to them to comment as they see fit. I will say one thing: as a hardcore record collector who weighs in daily on other sites with the overabundance of minutiae that I have at my disposal on that subject, it is becoming increasingly apparent to me that in those settings that I in turn most likely generate similar reactions in the others there. Lesson learned, folks. Enjoy your day. In great detail.

I guess it takes a dweeb to love one.

Punk agrees with Les. It’s all getting a little freaky on the relationship front.

Dear G-man. Just explain to Bets that the divergence of her curl is zero; in all instances.

How’s that for Nerd-speak?

And once again Bets treats Gunther as her personal go-fer. Given the current (apparent) direction of this arc involving Tiffany, the Fuse denizens and “Tiffany’s Table for Two,” I don’t see how this little spat will escalate into a major breakup. It doesn’t follow. But then who knows?

Perhaps this will all lead to a shift in Bets’ relationship attitude and show some growth!?!?

Algebraic topology is real math, graduate school level for math and physics majors. Vector calculus not so much.

Co-chains and homology theory.

looks like Bet’s Gun has a hair trigger.

I thought he was going to engineering school? Vector calculus, yep, and hard work, algebraic topology, which is even more abstract, is a math major course. Yesterday I thought maybe he had a thermodynamics test coming up, but this is plenty challenging too.

♬St. Patrick was and engineer, he was, he was!♬

♬St. Patrick was and engineer, he was, he was!♬

♬He invented the Calculus so all the students would learn to cuss♬

♬and St. Patrick was and damn good engineer, a hell of an engineer!♬

Sung to the tune of “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” There are other verses. Some unprintable. ;o)

Side note — I really like how Greg Evans renders the sweet lil’ kitty cat . . . it has a very nice life-like yet liquid feel.

Bets is using Gunther until he smartens up, then she will dump him. Bets uses everybody.

I love Punk!!!

What on earth is he majoring in???

Honeymoon’s over.

Punk has the best line today. :-/

I fear that all of this talk about Brocade Coats and Vector Calculus is making Gunther somewhat Tensor……

YAY! Go Gunther! I’m so proud of him for standing up for himself!! And I have to say, Les and his kitty are adorable. :)

Vector calculus is an early undergrad math course taken by all math majors, and most science majors, economics majors, and engineering majors. Algebraic topology is a grad level math course taken only by math PhD students, or perhaps late undergrad but only by math majors. And vector calculus is probably a prerequisite to a prerequisite to a prerequisite to algebraic topology. It makes no sense for a person to take them both in the same semester, and likely isn’t even allowed.

Punk gotten bigger. :)

I just love the way Greg draws Punk!! Looks like many here like it too. He draws him simply but captures the nuance of a cat perfectly!! LOVE PUNK! Gunther on the other hand might as well get out his sewing machine because he will be making pirate costumes this evening.

Bets, stop making plans without talking to Gunther! A surprise dinner is nice; a custom tailoring job for two isn’t. The man has a life and his own priorities. Also, glad to see Les loves his cat.

topology AND vector calculus?? Gunth must have a death wish or something…

So weird to see people defending Bets as if volun-telling your partner to sew pirate costumes you already bought the patterns for is a totally normal thing to do.

I was honestly hoping Tiff and Bets were gonna team up on a business project considering Bets has the know-how but little ambition beyond being a cosplay celebrity while Tiff has ideas but little actual business acumen.

You and me, Punk. You and me.

Where’s the fun in that Gun?

Yah, I’d say it’s nervy to pre-emptively assume that Gunther has the time— or interest— in doing the costume work. Could have at least ASKED him, or checked with him, vs. dropping it in his lap.

I like the side comments from Les’ peanut gallery. And I like that Gunther reminded Bets that she interrupted his serious studying for pirate outfits (inferring frivolous?)Now I’m wondering if he may be bored with studying and will agree to the costumes, slowly cave or stick with studying. Somehow these two will show up at Tiff’s elegant dinner in costume, my guess.

It’s about time Gunther stood up for himself. Bets never asked Gunther if he was available or willing to sew. She just told him what she wanted and expected that he would jump to it. But, maybe Gunther brought this on himself by always bowing to her wants in the past. I hate women that assume you will go along with whatever they have in mind. (BTW, Bets must be really insecure to have her life all wrapped up in social media and her fans.) Time for them to have a real discussion about if this relationship can be saved. Brad and Toni had problems initially, but it ended up well. Maybe this is the beginning of something great with Gunther and Bets? BTW, Tiffany did the same thing when she announced to her friends at the Fuse that they were going to help her put on an event. What’s with all these women assuming their every desire will be met by those around them without even asking?

“Pantaloons”

How much is this romantic vegetable dinner going to cost? They’re going to sew costumes for every customer? I don’t see this as a viable business. Unless it costs a LOT. And even then, the customers are going to hate it.

Bets is being very selfish and inconsiderate of Gunther. Careful, Bets! You “Meghan Markle” is showing. Now will Gunther stand up for himself or will he pull a “Prince Harry” and cave?

It could be worse. Lincoln Pierce from Big Nate could be writing this and Bets would grab Gunther and say, “You will sew these outfits by tomorrow!”

And the man takes a stand…

I agree with Punk. :P :P :D

those who don’t always dis those who do

Wow! Gunther is standing up for himself AND not showing any anger. Love it!

I’m not sure Tiff and Bets resolved their conflict. Judging by the orders Tiff gave to the people at the Fuse, she’s still going with classy and elegant. Bets still wants a virtual pirate cosplay for her fans.

And wasn’t this supposed to be Bets helping Tiff with her homework? To make up a presentation for a fake business for her class? And what about Bets? Shouldn’t she be studying as well? Business majors have finals too, you know.

Yes, yes, I know. It’s a comic strip, reality is not involved, and G&K (at least) find it hysterically funny to make their characters behave like five year olds.

And yes, I also know I don’t have to read it. I continue to do so in the hopes that someday a miracle will occur and it will change for the better.

Gunther is showing responsibility. Betts, give him respect and compromise. Dinner while wearing regular clothes in a decorated room.

This just struck me as an interesting way to invite someone to dinner. “I just spent $300 on a dinner for us now I want you to go get some velvet and brocade and make us some costumers to wear” (I don’t even know where one would go to buy brocade}. Not a very attractive invite, unless of course they earn an income from these videos and Gunther gets half of the money?

I love Punk, and how he’s helped soften Les. But cats don’t meow when they’re happily sitting on your lap being petted, they purr. Just sayin’.

I used to tell my slacker students to be nice to the hard workers because someday that nerd could be their boss.

4

So, what is up with Bets “poking” at everyone (first Tiffany for her assignment, and now Gunther)?

I realize that Bets is into social media and cos-play, but she is being rather pushy here and not really looking at the bigger picture. I didn’t think she would be like this. It is not really pleasant.

I’m thinking we’re having “lack of humanity” crisis from gunther here. I’m pretty certain he’s been close enough to Bets for long enough to know it doesn’t have to be RIGHT now… A more appropriate answer is “that sounds great, but I have to get this classwork done first”

Two days ago, I predicted little profit for Tiff’s venture, about $70 given a few assumptions. I forgot about the pirate theme. So, unless someone donates items for help Tiff with the pirate theme – or her father is secretly a part of Ye Mistic Krewe of Gasparilla – Tiff will have spend another $25-$50 on pirate items. That means she will generate as little as $20 profit from the $300 Bets will pay her. Her profit margin could go from 23.3% in my original estimate to as little as 6.67%. I bet the final numbers won’t be as good as my revised estimate.

Neither Gunther nor Bets show up for the dinner.

Dressed as pirates, they both get picked up by the police for carrying illegal weapons.

As it’s a pirate-themed dinner, Tiff could save some money by serving only dried meats, pickled vegetables, stale biscuits, and grog (alcohol-free, of course).

If Gunther needs to write a paper on “Analytic and Algebraic Topology of Local Euclidian Metrization of Infinitely Differentiable Riemannian Manifold”, he should take a cue from Professor Lobachevsky! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXlfXirQF3A)

“Nerds To You”

“What’s Your Vector Calculus, Victor?”

“Doublet Trouble”

“Go For Brocade”

“Owing A Topology”

“Pantaloon-ey Tunes”

Vector calculus and algebraic topology. Those sound like junior or senior level math courses.

I’m thinking trouble. Bets might take Gunther’s feelings and schedule into account instead of bulldozing.

On the other hand, one of the nerds might be Les’s boss in the future, kind of like on the first Back to the Future movie.

Vector calculus is an intro course (part of the intro sequence, at any rate), whereas topology is a course for upperclassmen. It is very unlikely a student would be taking them both at the same time.

Seems to me Gunther is snapping at Bets for her harmless suggestion. Actually she is also giving him an implied complement about his sewing skills. Careful Gunther….

If Les keeps this up, he’s not going to get in on the gig.

There is a difference between asking him to go on a date and telling him he needs to sew these costumes for a date. She is just a tad pushy.

Without nerds you would still be living in caves.

Bets was likable at first. It was cute to see Gunth with a girl that appreciated his sewing skills. But, this has gone sour. I am not sure what her feelings for Gunth are, actually. He is more of a sidekick for her online exploits than a boyfriend. Gunth, stand your ground. How do you really feel about being an influencer’s sidekick?

Aww, Guns — you’re about to screw up again…

Yay, Gunther! Showing some spine, actually saying no to Bets—or pretty nearly so. Now, stand your ground, and we shall see how she reacts and how much she really does (or doesn’t) care for you….

Hello there!! how are you doing on this terrible day? <3

Cross purposes.

tomorrow: Punk gets the last word again!

Got to respect Gunther priorities! There a time to play and time to work. It could be near middle of course studies or close to finals. He wants to have fun, but he a bigger picture type.

Les comment is straight to the point. But the green eye beast is present.