Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for December 15, 2021

Oh, boy, this is tough for Gun, ain’t it?

You’re not 12, Gunther!

He needs to push past this. ✨

Yes, and I hope he does. Let him grow up Greg! Let them all grow up!

So just go skiing and book a hotel. Problem solved.

And still nothing about sharing their holiday hideaway with Leslie, which would be a larger mood-killer than knowing that Mom is looking out the window at them.

Good lord, this guy’s issues are nearly as bad as Bernice’s. Are any of the college students in this strip gonna start acting like they’re NOT recent escapees from the Duggar house?

Considering how quickly plots keep getting introduced and then wrapped up lately, I’m fairly sure he’ll tell his mom and she’ll understand and encourage Gunther.

your mom deserves the respect but she doesn’t need you to protect her from your lifestyle choice…

So the question her is; Is Irma going to be watching them (not that way!)? Or is Gunther using his mom as an excuse to chicken out?

My folks are very religious. If you weren’t married to your significant other, when you came to visit you slept in separate rooms. It is a matter of respect. As to vacation plans, Mom can’t scold you or ask about marriage if she doesn’t know about it.

Gunther still remember the pamphlet. Needs to move beyond consequences. Bets is a mature woman.

Bets will need to look elsewhere for some lovin’

Yeah, this is headed for a lights out final panel on Saturday in the dorm room. I’d like to think that Gun’s actually thinking 4 steps ahead, as a man who knows that he will be the eventual prize, but the “seperate wings” line had me face-palming.

Gun you not 7 years old and your mom probably knows you have sex with the ladies.

Guaranteed prelude to Dear Abby.

Is his mom Aunt Esther or something?

“It’s just…

My mom…”

.

“Why, what’s up with your mom?”

.

“Well, if you notice, we are not allowed to to have any curtains or blinds in the Gulag. And, it just so happens that my mom can look straight down from her bedroom window into my bedroom. Also, because I am afraid of the dark, I have to have a 100 watt nightlight on before I get in bed when she tucks me in every night…”

Bawk bawk bawk, Gunther!

Didn’t Gunther have a girlfriend Rosa, in South America at one time? And didn’t he move down there to be with her? So why would his mom be surprised about this, here?

Gunther – It’s not your MOM – It’s YOU !!! Bets is trying so hard – god bless.

The first time I visited my then-girlfriend (now wife’s) parents they assumed we would be in the same room. The first time she visited mine they put us on separate floors.

Some of the shyness is Gunther himself! Remember how embarrassed he was when Irma was talking about getting the double bed with Mr Gray?

This time the little house is drawn a little bigger, fair enough. It helps that there’s so many big windows that Mr Grays goons can sneak through in the middle of the night. They could be joined by members of Momther’s quilting bee, as well.

I’d like to see Al Gray lay down the law about what sorts of behavior will or won’t be tolerated on his property …

… by telling Les in no uncertain terms that he’d better behave like a gentleman towards his housemate’s girlfriend/guest.

Next up: the birth control discussion. Or does sex not have consequences in cartoon land?

Boy so much to unpack! I have been predicting that this is moving to an inevitable meeting with mama, Al, and the two lovers. Boy has this set off a major brohaha in the force in Luann what with all the religious arguments on morality and Bets the Jezabel “defiling” Gunther. Have a person of color wanting to have sex with a major white character brings out the moral outrage. Sort of like our country at the moment. But beyond that nonsense the story is what is really important and it’s a humdinger. Sex in the Gulag? I don’t know but I hope so. I mean if Steph and Kip can, why not Bets and Gunther? Is Steph defiling Kip? No? Hmmm why isn’t she? In the end dinner will happen. How ironic this love/sex/maturity arc occurs during the Christmas season. Please don’t let heads explode. Love it Gnk? Ain’t boring now is it?

Gunther just does not want his mom to know he is sexually active. No kid does. Bets needs to respect that and accept not doing it at the guesthouse behind his mother’s home. If she wants sex, go someplace else. Would SHE bring Gunther to her mother’s house and have sex in her old bedroom? I wonder.

It’s possible that when Al decided to build the guest house for the boys, he wasn’t just concerned about his (and Irma’s) privacy. He might have built it realizing that at some point – probably sooner rather than later – the “boys” would need more privacy, too.

Guys should be smart and not get in any deeper with a young lady like Bets. They can save themselves a lot of unhappiness and turmoil. Bets is apparently not ready for a committed, serious relationship.

Gunther, you need to grow a set, and fast!!

Uh, yeah, Bets you do need permission when it’s not your house or apartment. Gunther doesn’t own his place of residence. plus he has a roommate. Irma might be OK with it but he should at least ask first.

Gunther is worrying too much. Irma will surely understand the young couple, she will give them full freedom and she will want to be close to them, for show her support… I hope Al will be able to calm her down.

It’s the dumbest looking guest house I’ve ever seen.…

This week, we are going to see Mrs. Berger get angry for the first time ever! She will not call Gunther, Gunthie!

Cut the cord already. The thing is getting old and dried out.

The way Gunth is saying it, it sounds like mom is in the guest house with them, at this time.

Hey! You’re just doing what your mother is doing.

I’m convinced Gunther’s real concern is that his mom will be all for it and start suggesting things they can try.

I don’t think it’s anything that wrong with him wanting to run it by his mother. I don’t like how Bets has such a big problem with that. That’s usually how someone up to no good would respond. She basically invited herself over and now she’s trying to control his relationship with his mom, just like she did with his friends.

Hate to agree with Bets, but she’s right. Man up, Gunther.

Seems to me a lot of you are being too harsh on Gunther. He’s not hiding or anything he’s going and being open and honest. He believes that it’ll be a difficult conversation, which it probably won’t be, for comedic reasons I’m sure his mom will be throwing condoms at them or something, but he’s taking the challenge on head first. “Being a man” doesn’t mean doing whatever you want and no caring what anyone you care about thinks or feels.

They both are OLD SCHOOL! Mama and son, that is…

If you’re bringing your girlfriend to live with you on your mother’s property, you let your mother know. That’s just manners.

It’s time to cut the cord, Gunther!!

His mother did not grow up in River City, Iowa in the 1930’s. If she is 50, then she would have been born around 1970 and in high school in 1980s likely in Southern Calif, so the idea of co-habitation should not be a shock. In fact it would be more of a shock if she knew her 21 year old son is still cherry.

I think Gunther comes from a very strict household, where premarital sex is strictly forbidden.

How is this the same Gun that flew to South America for his GF without mommy’s permission?

I don’t like Bets at all.

Actually, Bets, the place belongs to Gunther’s mom so yeah, you DO need permission. I’ve known landlords not related to tenants who require notification for guests who will be staying an extended amount of time. This is because a one-nighter is no biggie, but two-three weeks is another tenant (if only for that one month).

Many familys work like a wolf pack in that the alpha pair get to breed and the rest don’t until they leave the pack (move away from parental property). Seeing as he’s living at home in the guest house (does he pay rent? I forget) he absolutely needs permission from his mom, and from roommate Les too, to have a house guest for a few weeks.Or he could stay in the dorm with Bets if all the other roommates are going home for the holidays.

Did he not live with Rosa in Peru?

What about Les? No one ever enjoyed a roommate’s live in house guest, especially a romantic partner.

Just say no Gunther, if you’re not ready you’re not ready. BTW, how old is Gunther anyway?

Good lord man – book something ! She just straddled your lap! Book a testicular transplant !

Well DAMN, “Gunthie”… you ain’t ever gonna cut them apron strings, are you, boy? smdh I bet your V-Card has been fully laminated by now, right?

They were doing it months ago. Doesn’t anyone remember that?

I don’t know what she sees in this nitwit

Tiffany’s next business venture: renting out the mansion as a no-tell-motel.

Sure! It’s all hot and steamy… until you have to tell MAMA!!

P.S. Be sure to knock upon entering their bedroom. 8^ )

So, lets have a bit of respect here, both for Gunther’s Mom and Mr. Grey, whose property is is anyway. Instead of all that snarky, sneaky advice Bets loves to spit out, she and Gunther should, instead of sneaking around should be as adult as they think they are, and go and face Mom and Mr. Grey.

It is interesting that Gunther seems to be the only one without a job. Come to think of it. Bernie’s only job was as an RA.

Well, since Gunther doesn’t own the place, yes, he does need permission from the landlord to have extended-stay overnight guests. ;-)

What would the comments be if it was Bets that wasn’t sure if she was ready to send the night with Gunther?

Grow up, Gun. Jeez.

When I was his age, we all carried condoms in our wallets, now I carry a face mask…

That “house” is one of those magic houses. Looks TINY on the outside, but when you walk in, it’s HUGE.

Again, what is wrong with holding off on sex until marriage? It does not make you a prude, just prudent.

Who would have thought Gunter gets the first serious “sleepover” storyline?

She has to have it!

Good Mom

As several folks mentioned yesterday, it’s about respect in letting Mom know he has a guest. However, if he is shy or embarrassed, then he’s not ready for this relationship moving forward.I doubt he could afford a ski trip; we don’t know Bets’ financial situation.It’s amazing that over the last couple weeks she hasn’t tried to video anything.

Gunther doesn’t really want to shack up with Bets and he is trying to blame it on his mom. If he really wanted to spend 2 weeks living with her, he would.

“this place” kind of a rude way to refer to a property that people went to a lot of trouble to build and is a home to Gunther, Punk and Les. Bets’ cavalier attitude about other peoples property is weird.

She walks in, see Les, then storms out. Storyline ended.

Once again, she’s talking him into something he’s not sure about. I really don’t like that part of this relationship.

July 7, 2014 and March 2012. Rosa arcs.

I think Gunther is waaaay underestimating his mother. I don’t think Irma will be all that upset.

I think Gunther is nervous about talking to his mom about this, but once he brings it up it will be fine. Bets is right that he shouldn’t need his mom’s permission. But, Gunther has been a mama’s boy all his life, so he has to man up and talk to his mom. It sounds like he doesn’t think that his mom knows he’s having sex. I’m sure she’s aware.

He’s just a little mama’s boy.

Mom’s may not even want to know.

I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that Bets is already pregnant.

He’s not mature enough to be in an adult relationship.

Bets just better forget it! Ain’t gonna happen.

Maybe Gunther doesn’t want to be chained to Bets during the break. She just commandeered the whole situation without giving him a chance to object. He needs to object now (if he doesn’t want what she is commanding!).

So does this mean the whole Peru trip has been officially Memory Holed out of existence? Because Gunther’s mom was completely supportive of that (and more importantly, Gunther knew that), yet you’d never be able to tell from looking at today’s strip.

Maybe Gunther hasn’t had THAT conversation with his Mom, but she did give her blessing for him to run off to Peru with Rosa.I’ve got to think that she assumed (as did every other reader) that “something” happened with Rosa and considering his familiarity with Bets thginks things are going on now.I picture Gunther asking timidly “Can Bets spend a few nights over?”Mrs B. “I thought she was already spending nights over?”

It think it’s time to discuss this preposterous guest house. Any feng shui practitioner would advise immediate dynamiting of the place: It’s a grotesquely designed box of unspeakable horror and misery from someone’s (Mr. Gray’s?) worst nightmare. After the demolition, they should rebuild the place, this time with a pitched roof that sheds water rather than one where moisture rolls toward that center crease and stays there. Nowhere in the world is there a dwelling designed like this one. But by all means go in there and have a ball with Guns and Les, Bets-my-dear. We’ll wait for you out here.

Shes the normal/good one out of all the others.

A woman goes to her sons for the Thanksgiving and is introduced to the housekeeper. Mom will stay in house keepers bedroom and the housekeeper will take the couch. Mom leaves. 2 weeks later the son has a pre Christmas party and they cant find the gravy boat. House keeper says she remembers his mother cleaned it. Son called mom to find out where it got misplaced. Mom knew right where it was.. Its under the housekeepers pillow in HER bedroom!Moms know EVERYTHING!

So the guest house itself has a guest bedroom, in a separate wing? That makes it bigger than the “real” house, doesn’t it? Anyway, what are the odds that this is the first time Gunther has mentioned to Bets that they wouldn’t be rooming together? I suspect she has been assuming that they would be in quite a different situation, but clearly bedrooms in separate wings of the house is Gunther’s idea of a “sleep-over”. And Gunther is likely using his Mom as an excuse more than as an actual reason. Even if they did go away on a ski trip together, it would be the same result when he books the hotel lodgings.

Mom might take away your sewing kit

What about Les, who also lives there?

I always suspect others might do what I might do.

Gunther is certainly the most annoying character in this strip

Gunther might be an adult by age but mentally he is still maturing. Bets is a short term learning experience.

“she MIGHT know”? Of course she will know! I didn’t see it until someone mentioned, but there are no drapes or blinds on that house! Couldn’t Greg have done something with some little tie back curtains or a bamboo shade?

This comic strip is set in 2021, right? Just minus the rampant viral contagion? And they are either in or nearing to their 20s? First Bernice and now Gunther. Was the birds and bees chat just left out of all their upbringings?

She is WAY too pushy. Easy to see why she has such bad track record.

Irma to G…“you are an adult Gunthie; why do you need my permission to have a ‘girlfriend’?”

Benjamin: Mrs. Robinson, you’re trying to seduce me!

Mrs. Robinson: [laughs] Huh?

Benjamin: Aren’t you?

Bets: “Separate wings? Gunther, I meant for us to be sharing a bed!”

Gunther: “You what???” [faints]

That girl is not for Gunther, unless he wants to be led around by the nose for the rest of his life. I know this is just a comic, but these things happen in real life, too.

Oh, pleeeeeeze!

I think what Gunther means when he says “explaining it right” (re: the ski trip) would be him saying that they booked separate rooms. But I predict Irma has a much more modern view of relationships than Gunther. It may be that she and Al slept together prior to getting married; it would be great if she would say that.

To the one who commented "if you pay the fee, your free (up to the terms of the lease.); We are not sure EXACTLY what kind of arrangements, rent, etc., Les’s uncle made with him and Gunther, about the space he had built for them.

I’m getting really uncomfortable with the chastity-shaming going on here. I’ve come to accept that people who don’t have a religious motive for chastity aren’t going to practice it, but I don’t like that those of us who do are getting labeled as defective.

Climbing Mt. Molehill is always easier than it seems when you’re at the bottom.

Let us all remember that back in Jan. 19, 2021 we were told that Luann and Bernice (by association) had not Done IT. https://www.gocomics.com/luann/2020/01/19 because they weren’t sure how to DO it.

This was dead in the middle of the arc where our intrepid BFFs were showing an interest in Gunther and Bets extracurricular activities. That arc ran from January 4th all the way thru the 25th. The arc included Irma’s admonishment to Be Safe! Whatever she meant by that, since she was providing a 5th grade pamphlet for boys.

Interesting to note, Gunther and Bets repartee doesn’t seem to include and nuance that they don’t know how to DO it.

Seems that Greg is once again aiming at the Cartoonist of the Year Award, as he received for dealing with Luann’s first period.

Easier to ask forgiveness than permission. Go for it Gunner.

How norms have changed

I wonder how much of this is Gunther putting concerns in his mom’s head? She’s probably a lot more laid back than we’ve been led to believe, especially since she got remarried. The bigger question is how patient Bets is willing to be with all this. Maybe it will lead to Gunther moving in with her?

I think Gunther is going to find out that his mom is a lot more understanding than he thinks.

Even if Mom feels it’s OK for Bets to share Gunther’s bedroom, does Gunther think it’s a good idea? (I suspect he does not.)

Gunth, grow a pair

And mom can visit anytime and make demands that stick.

One person. One word. Les. I’m sure those plans will change in an instant.

Momma’s boy

Everyone is going to have a lovely, memorable, loving time.

Geeze, all the Gunther hate here !!!!!

Mom is a firm believer in the 100 Yards of Separation Rule.

My mom was a firm believer in the “If I didn’t SEE it, It Didn’t Happen” rule.

Honestly, I think Les is the bigger problem.

Oh for chrissakes, Gun, tell her to grow up.

Man up, Gunther!

You’re not a teeny-bopper Mama’s Boy anymore.

Oh. Wait….

Gunther, the ultimate mama’s boy.

Unless I’ve missed something, I believe this is day 3 of no comments by Mordock. I remember that in the past he has periodically taken some “time off” and not commented for a couple of weeks or so. I just hope he’s okay. (I know, I’m a worrywart, lol).

Separate wings? How many wings are there?

What about when Gunther went to live with Rosa in Peru in 2014? This is not the first time he’s been around the block.