Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for July 16, 2021

Conversation? Or another way to say “get lost”

A what kind of exploration? (Yeah, Luann, you’re being your friends’ nuisance; am-scray.)

Aesthetic Exploration.

Is that what they call it nowadays?

Así fué como Yoko Ono conquistó a John Lennon. Espero que esto no separe a Luann y Bernice.

If Bernice had said “We’re just talking” that would have been it, but saying they were have an aesthetic exploration" that just raises more questions. Also it’s rude to tell someone who accidentally runs into you to ‘get lost.’

Giving each other tonsil exams.

The blunt, direct response. Love it.

Hey—It’s “Be Rude To Luann” week!

Knowing Luann well, Bernice went on the defense and blocked her from inserting herself into sitting on the bench and yakking. She sprouted a fancy word to throw her off and closed with a goodbye. It will take Luann a while to realize that the fancy word thrown at her meant simply enjoying viewing the pretty park – or each other.

Does Luann have any real friends?

Luann will experience delayed humiliation.

It’s probably the first time for Nil to do any exploration.

Luann is having a week that she rather forget.

Bernice and Nil deserve each other. I can’t believe Luann is being rudely told to leave. Luann greeted Bernice and Nil warmly and made small talk while retrieving her dog. What did she do or say to deserve that response?

Be a friend and leave them alone, Luann. I bet she will— on Saturday.

I would love to see Luann tell Bernice to leave her house. How long has she been there? MUCH too long.

Maybe it’s time for Luann to call Quill and take him back?

Twist ending for the week…?

Puddles slips out of Luann’s hands, and as he drops he opens up Bernice’s purse, revealing her recent purchase of a box of condoms.

(Off camera, but anyone older than a third grader knows what’s what.)

…and Nil did not know that Bernice was thinking of going that far so soon.

A π in the sky prediction.

Let’s see how boring the actual strip will be.

But Puddles can stay … bye!

Is Bernice being rude, or does she simply know Luann so well as to understand whether Luann is thinking “Should I leave?” and feeling really awkward about what to do?

Luann gets doubly dismissed. But then, anyone else wouldn’t have to be told to leave.

Luann doesn’t know that Gunther has taken his relationship with Bets to a higher level. Maybe it’s time for Luann call Quill?

Get lost, Luann!!!

Ok, I get that they want to be alone, but has Bernice always been so rude, I mean wow!

I have to admit that Bern can be irritating. Here using the word aesthetic is sort of pseudo intellectual and nominally dismissive of Luann, who, all non-biased evidence indicates, came upon the couple innocently by coincidence. Nil wants her gone too. Why is Bern being so secretive? Why does Nil seem to agree? Gun and Bets have nothing on these two, one liking to share their relationship on social media—obsessively—the other being secretive—obsessively. Where does Luann and obedience training fit in? Won’t be answered this week I wager.

Wake up, Luann, you’re being asked to leave the comic strip which bears your name. Even that creepy escapee from the Addams’ Family shows his approval with one hand clapping. Really though, I’d hate to run into him after the sun goes down. He probably has a Jack the Ripper bobble head on his drawing desk…..autographed.

“…and, no, Puddles can’t stay and observe. Not after what he did last time.”

I am outraged. I have never seen such naughty language in the funnies. It’s a good thing kids don’t read this.

Luann gets the brush-off. I hope she walks off to ponder her belly button. Whom will she meet next?

Knowing Luann, she’s gonna hide behind a tree and eavesdrop.

They didn’t say you had to take the dog!

I am obviously not a Bernice fan but I have to ask in all honesty – How is she still considered Luanns best friend? She judges her, belittles her and puts her down more often than not. She never talks to her about anything. She never truly acts like she wants to spend time with her, UNLESS Luann is spending time with someone else. And whenever Luann does manage to be her friend or just stumble upon her like this she is treated horribly.How is this really a friendship anymore? It’s a childhood leftover that needs to be altered or ended.

If Luann and Bernice do break up as besties, who gets custody of Puddles? And Monstro.

Ple-e-ease don’t let it be Shannon.

Yes Luann, you should leave, three is company… byeee!!!

“Hey, y’all, whazzup?”

And Nil quickly fold his hands over his

OK, all you folks who think this strip is oh so predictable. What happens tomorrow?

1) Instead of politely going on her way with Puddles and leaving Bern and Nil alone, Luann starts an argument with Bernice?

2) Jack suddenly shows up and starts talking at Nil?

3) Tara shows up and asks what’s going on?

4) Ben shows up with his kids, who say “Ant Beneez! What are you doing here?” and “Who’s your friend?”?

5) Shannon shows up and starts painting the bench with Bernice and Nil still on it?

6) We skip forward to evening and see Bernice returning to the DeGroot’s house, where Luann greets her with pointed questions about how her (cough) studying went at the (cough) library?

7) Luann politely leaves Bern and Nil to their “aesthetic exploration” on the bench and takes Puddles to a pet supply store where she buys him a new collar? (On Saturday, she inquires about local dog obedience trainers and the clerk tells her about one that just moved into the area from Hawaii: “He’s is name is Hill. Adam Hill, I think. Or maybe Allan Hill. Something like that.” On Monday, it turns out to be some guy who could be junk-dealer Ed’s twin brother.)

8) The view from pans around to a previously unshown section of lawn that’s strewn about with bookshelves and study carrels, revealing the setting to be the new open-air branch of the Pitts Municipal Library?

9) …?

So does sitting on a bench with Bernice at the park qualify and 2nd Best day of Nil’s life??

Luann looks very surprised, speckles. I wonder if what surprised her is finding out that Bernice and Nil are together or she just can’t believe her best friend is putting her out of her life and doesn’t want to explain or confide in her. This must be a real shock to her, poor Luann. This situation can lead to depression and Bernice should know this. I hope Puddles stay with her ♡. Luann need a faithful friend by her side right now and to call Jack, Dez, Prudence, talk with Nancy, talk with someone!

Luann just realized..maybe..that Bernice and Nil are a couple. She should be glad, since she’s the one who got them together.

Luann & Bern might be next in line for an “intervention by Tiff” in the pagoda of peace …lol (^¿^)

Scram, Luann!

I think what people are forgetting is that Luann along with Jack played a role in getting these two together. Ok, so it worked. Can’t she now give them some space to develop the relationship? or does that entitle her to the lowdown on play-by-play basis from day 1?

Bernice use big words because she have big smart brain. I sure hope this doesn’t turn into a story where Luann tries to trail them in secret. Ditch those losers and do anything else that doesn’t involve Bets, Gunther, or Tiff.

They’re not having an intellectual conversation, Luann. They’re doing something more…private.

yup

I am sick of Bernice! Bring Bets back next week!

Tomorrow, will we see Luann throw a fit? ….. “You LIED to me, Bern! You said you were going to the library! But I find you here in the park with Nil!” ….. “Yeah, well, so what Luann?” …… “Bernice, you’re supposed to be my BFF! my best friend forever! What gives??” …… “Luann…’forever’ was a long time ago…”

I think I like Bernice and Nil together :-))

Luann, make like a tree and leaf!

The writers just can’t get the characters out of junior high; there’s no reason why it should be a secret that Bernice and Nil are seeing each other. Nor can the writers come up with anything better than an idiot plot; there’s no reason for these two to meet up at the one spot Bernice knows Luann goes.

I do not see these two together!

Sounds like fun

OK. So Nil and Bern are together (for the moment, at least), and Bets and Gunth are back together. So that leaves Lu lacking “companionship” at present (I don’t put Tiff in the same category as the others). I wonder if G & K will explore that (ie. Lu’s “angst” over not having someone at present. Are they gearing up for Lu and maybe “Jack?”

We shall see.

I hope Luann gets a new best friend. She doesn’t deserve this.

Both Gunther and Bernice are making pretty poor romantic decisions.

Although I agree that Burrniece and Nil are being chilly, it is not much different than when Luann was trying to keep her goings on with Tara on the down-low. Bernice had a much stronger and more intrusive response. Remember?

Remember…Puddles is the DeGroot family’s dog.

“Aesthetic Exploration.” I like it!

And there’s is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Just do it behind closed doors and wash your hands afterwards.

I think the story can be summed up quite easily. Nancy loaned Bernice some romance novels, which stirred her hormones, and instilled some fancy words that she used to describe herself after first kissing Nil. That experience caused her to want, and explore more, which was difficult, given that she lives with her BFF, Luann. Difficult to achieve privacy with that living arrangement, which resulted in some necessary, but mild rudeness. Nothing that would break up a friendship that has been in place since they were little girls. Bernice is not the only girl to make out with her boyfriend in a park. I see this every day. No need to dump on either one of them.

You go Bern…she won’t catch hints

Well it looks like Bernice and Nil are just perfect for each other! They are both perfectly rude. His little dismissive “bye” proves he is quite the catch doesn’t it? They act like Luann just walked into their private bedroom instead of the very public place they decided to go do their making out in. If you go and make out in public you shouldn’t be surprised if someone talks to you. Be an adult – get a room.

Bern is just sounding a little like Zebo.

For all who keep referencing Bernice’s spying on Luann back in the Tara arc … so your sense of right and wrong depends on the other person having not done wrong? Situational ethics?

I hear that mumbo jumbo from politicians all the time … " well, the previous guy did bad things too , sometimes worse, so MY guy doing it isn’t all that bad".Ridiculous.

Well, the Luann defenders and the Bernice haters are having a heyday today. And you know who you are! 8^ )

Luann as clueless little sister. “Whatcha doin?”

Yep. Perfect for each other.

Tomorrow, Luann is going to be shown sending a copy of Queens 1976 single (Find Me) Somebody To Love to Greg and Karen.

That explanation threw Luann for a loop?

Character prejudices aside, today’s strip could easily be seen as a slightly embarrassing encounter among friends. Hilarity should be prevailing right now. Not all this bitterness!

I think Bernice is seeing Nil for the big words.

Seems the “intermission” segment between romantic dramas has evolved into another romantic drama. I mentioned yesterday that I hope Luann collects Puddles, says bye and leaves. Looks like Bernice and Nil have the same idea. Now all we need is for Jack to show up. Feel like I’m on a roller coaster ride with these two and don’t know where the next turn is! ;-))

Leave Luann. Trust me, you don’t want to be here. Leave Berniece behind and don’t look back!

I think that Bernice is discovering the problems of living somewhere with no privacy (and needing to go to a park to be “alone” with someone). While I’m not as rough on her her as most people on this board I think she should consider moving out of Luann’s, preferably across town, either alone or with friends she has less past with and who are fine with her keeping her personal life personal.

Nil was exploring her “aesthetics” all right! And vice-a-versa, probably!

Luann, listen to Bernice. Grab Puddles and go. Maybe go talk to Tiffany and see if there is a pavilion for pals. Get Tiff to play the windchimes and sip some iced tea. I am sure it is confusing to figure out that your BFF lied to your face and when caught in that lie told you to get lost. It will take time to process. Luann will grieve for the loss. Yes, Bern might still be your friend, but she isn’t the friend you thought she was. I still say that Luann is BFF with a memory, the girl that Bern was in school and not the woman she became … and there is nothing wrong with that. Are the two still friends, probably yes. Are they as close as they once were, definitely not. Go hang out with other friends Luann, make some new ones. In my opinion, leave this friendship right there on that concrete bench with Bern and Nil. You deserve better.

Bernice and Nil are in a public place. Luann is just greeting them as she gets Puddles. If they want privacy they should go someplace else. It would seem rude if Luann just picked up Puddles and walked off without saying anything to them. Luann is being normal, Bernice and Nil are rude.

Mrs. Degroot must have given Bernice some good advice because she seems to have done an about face with regards to snogging Nil. But why not be proud of your relationship, and why wouldn’t she tell her supposed best friend. Makes you wonder if Bernice considers Luanne her BF.

hmmm….libraries have changed a lot over the last year

Bernice is exploring the aesthetic complexities of Dil’s tonsils?

While Luann’s question would be appropriate when coming up to a group of friends hanging out,it is never appropriate to ask of two people sitting together on a park bench.

Okay, bad writing aside, this is awkward for all of them—even Puddles. I’m cutting them all some slack.

I looked it up. Aesthetic Exploration.

Through words, images, sounds, and built environments, literature and the arts explore complex human feeling and thought in a search to discover, create, and express meaning.

Bern is finally direct and to the point. A much needed step in the right direction.

allez-vous-en Luann!

It’s time for the third wheel to roll on. Questions will follow.

My girl friend in high school had a 10 year old sister who couldn’t take a hint. It was extremely annoying.

When B returns to the DeGroot house she finds Nancy standing at the doorway of the empty room that used to be Luann’s. Nancy explains that the principal of ‘Kidz First’ had arrived to tell Luann she had been accepted for a scholarship to a special program training teaching assistants in arts education for developmentally challenged kids, but Luann had to live on campus and leave immediately. ‘But don’t worry,’ Nancy tells B. ‘Puddles is still here, and we are looking forward to you training him’. Frank arrives and tells B ‘And I’m looking forward to all the great breakfasts you’re going to make for us!’

I always kind of liked Bernice. But in these arcs anymore she’s not really funny or observant, just snarky. This week has been mean-spirited. When Luann was sneaking around helping Tara it was because she probably knew she could get in trouble and because she knew Bernice hated Tara. She’s not spying on Bernice here. B said she was going to the library. She took her dog where she always goes, and is probably just a little shocked that someone she considered a friend lied to her. If B didn’t want Luann to know what she was doing it was pretty stupid to do it at one of Lynn’s haunts.

Bernice brushes her friend off using an obscure phrase that Luann doesn’t understand just to make her feel stupid and uncomfortable. Nice.

These are all of Bernice’s words during this arc.

“You need obedience training. No, YOU do. Dog misbehavior is usually the fault of the owner. YOU need to be trained to be consistent and conscientious. Impressive! Right! I’m talking to Pud. I’m off to the library. Sorry. Luann. We’re engaging in aesthetic exploration. You should leave, yes.”

Those are not the words of a “best friend forever.” All she’s been doing for at least the past year is putting Luann down at every opportunity. She also lied. She knew she wasn’t going to the library when she said it. Not a good friend.

I am proud of Bernice and Nil. Just because someone asks a question doesn’t mean you have to answer it.

Did it just get a little chilly in here?

I think I missed something….I thought B was all hot for Jack?

Time to dump Bernice and move on.

Yikes! Take a hint and don’t be a dullard, Luann. Let the highway be your way, no stalling…..

Luann will let it go. It’s a first relationship for Bernice and maybe for Nil, and it’s awkward and embarrassing at least for Bernice, and this is part of growing up. Later she will be comfortable with something like this.

I find it very upsetting how miserably Bern is treating Luann.

If you are snogging in a park, you have no right to expect privacy. Luann didn’t even know it was Bern and Nil – she was retrieving Puddles. What was Luann supposed to do upon seeing them? Not acknowledge them? And Nil did NOT have to be so rude. I have no idea why G&K are so sadistic when it comes to Luann. And Bern is no friend.

I hope Jack does come by tomorrow, and he and Luann (and Puddles) leave together. Then Bernice jumps up and yells: “I knew it! I knew she was seeing Jack! The dirty sneak! The big liar!!”

While Nil sits on the bench thinking: “WTF??? I thought Bernice and I had something going.”

I remember growing up in a small town, nice but with a sometimes aggressive culture. One could only get away with disrespecting people, especially friends, for so long. If they ignored the warnings and continued being unnecessarily rude, they may have landed themselves on the receiving end of some well-placed punches. Never experienced it myself, as I’m pretty easy to get along with, nor do I condone it, but B’s persistent snark and brusqueness brought me back to old times.

I’m more and more convinced that Bernice don’t deserve a friend like Luann. Instead of being offended by all the lies and rudeness, Luann looks happy for Bernice and Nil and smiles at them as she leaves. It’s a sad smile, but it’s still a smile! On the other hand, it’s nice to see Nil and Bernice so in love and passionate ♡. Luann and Bernice may need to talk later, but now Luann needs to seriously find an obedience training for her and Puddles. Jack might be the answer.