Luann by Greg Evans and Karen Evans for February 10, 2023

Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…

Sorry, Gunther. I don’t buy it! The cord is too strong for you to cut. You could have stood up to them but you decided to hide out in your room, instead.

And until you get your act together, so you can afford your own apartment.. you won’t be able to back up anything you say. They know you can’t afford to leave, so you’re stuck with their rules.

Oh, and you may want to look into getting some curtains or blinds. A taped towel doesn’t cut it.

I don’t mean to be negative, but I’m getting sick of Bets.

Pillow Talk ? Where is the engagement ring?

Oh, won’t Irma be pleased to hear all this.

Cue the doom music…..

Vlog love! How sweet it is!

Unless Irma controls the college funding, it should be good for Bets and Gunther.

For this we have the windows covered? Woo hoo! 8^ )

You cut your mother’s control and exchange it for her control, how do you come up with those ideas?

And once again, reality rears its little head… this time in the form of Bets’ cell phone.

As Luann1212 oft times predicts… Hilarity Ensues!

Time to move out

Out of the cord and into another trap…

Is nothing sacred?!!! Lose the phone Betsy!!!

Bets you did not say that!!! A mom and son have a special connection which you are going to find out the hard way.

Snap…..and hundreds of Bets followers are in on the scene. But, I suspect that it was Bets’ “set up” for nothing more than a scene. Sorry, Gunther, you get a “rain check” for romance.

Bets is #1 to herself.

Anyone who says ‘choose between me and x’ is NOT a good bet

There goes Bets again with her stupid phone. Do GNK think ALL young adults are obsessed with their phones? Well, at least my students are. It is really annoying. Bets needs to put aside her phone and get real time with Gunther. Okay, Gunther. Big talk about a showdown with your mom. Will we see you walk over to her house and lower the boom? We’re taking bets here and betcha you know the odds.

… there’s room enough for two. But yeah this is going.. to end badly and i’m just praying for this storyline to end at this point. Especially since while Gunther’s mom isn’t exactly being fair to bets… but Bets has been shown to ignore gunther’s needs constantly and her asking him to cut the cord comes off less like “Gunther needs to stand up to his mom” which is a fair critcisim and more manipulation to make him dependant on bets instead.

Um, she just posted the fact that they were in his room that night to social media.

And cue the grown adults who daily chose to read a strip about young adults, complaining that they act like young adults. So here’s my, probably pointless, attempt to pre-empt some of that negativity.

I believe in Gunther he just needs time. They’ve all grown a lot and if Brad could do it, so could he.

No Bets is not monster for taking a selfie. And unless Gunther shows any sign of discomfort, we can safely assume he doesn’t mind that much. Different strokes for different folks, and also, taking a pic ≠ posting it.

Is that all? hopefully.

Bets needs to cut the USB cord.

What do you want to bet that Irma is one of her followers.

Bets would demand the focus be all on her regardless of their living/financial/or otherwise situation.It’s not quite a TOXIC relationship,but I think Bets is not a great individual.That said maybe she is a match for Gunther,because what the heck does Gunther think or believe in anyway?The character has basically just hung around for years being surprised at others everyday behavioral habits,and really doing very little of any relevance.

A little less talkA lot more actionLet’s get on down to the main attraction….

Where Gunther finally stands up to mommy and step daddy. Yeah, that’ll happen…….

Is Gunther going to cut the cord with Tiffany?

So we have one more toon for Saturday – then likely a new arc. G & K could give us one shot of Gun & Bets under the covers – that shouldn’t be too much to ask. This has not been a story about appropriate respect for parents. Gunthie has been smothered by mommost of his life – it takes a doer like Bets to yank him out of the nest.

“Snip”

“Snap”

And that’s a wrap.

Next week, Nancy catches Frank trying on her silky underwear.

.

Yes, I know there is still Saturday left…

Snip and snap, what is the meaning of Gunther’s declaration of independence from mom, and Bets snap of her phone, after she snaps. I don’t know whether she is just taking a selfie, not meant to be sent anywhere, just a picture she keeps,, or not, and I know it is an aggravation to some, but I think it’s just a diversionary tactic anyway. The issue is twofold, what is the basis of Irma’s scorning of Bets, how will it play out if he indeed snip, will he? Will the can pic be shown to mom? How will it turn out? What does it mean? We don’t really know beyond that up to now. I’m waiting for tomorrow to get a better read, or maybe not yet. Will character development happen? Will hilarity ensue? What about Tiffany? Loose end theater (lol).

I agree. It won’t be easy since his mom was all he really knew growing up and has been his best friend, but it’s clear how important Bets is to him. He may be willing to cut the cord, but it doesn’t mean SHE will. (I’m also calling it now: He’s getting kicked out and Tiff is taking his room as a result of this).

I wonder if Gunther were dating TIFFANY if his mother and Al might be so welcoming of HER. Hey! Maybe that’s how we can get Tiffany out of the apartment!

From mother control to girlfriend control. Actially, I think it’s an improvement for Gunther and he and Bets are really cute together. But it will be difficult for him to really be able to maintain this intention.

Relax Gunther.

Tiffany will soon be in the next room and she just loves your sandwiches.

I dont agree with the majority of comments. yes cut the apron strings but gunther needs to get out on his own away from les and bets. he needs to mature and experience life. he isnt ready for a relationship and bets certainly isnt the right girl. she ls controlling, possessive and a media wh#$%

Apologizing to Bets instead of asking Mom why the scorn. No guts Gunther.

Few things are worse than a Mama’s boy who puts his significant other in second place. Gunther may have thrown down the gauntlet… But until he is able to support himself without living in Al’s guest-house, it’s pretty much meaningless.

Reading the negative comments about Bets being too controlling, the one in charge of the relationship, etc. makes me wonder why Toni gets a pass?

The grim reality is that it wouldn’t make a difference what he say to his parents. It’s not a battle worth fighting. Just take your girl and make nice elsewhere. Make plans to leave one day as soon as you can. Keep your perfect girl happy but not around them. They’ll never respect her in their perfect planned world for you. Never the less it will make for some fun moments as they collide in the future. A nice girl would be too boring and not even close to how things really are behind closed doors.

So, by recording a selfie, is Bets gonna use it to hold Gunther to his promise?

What a manipulative little scamp.

Of the entire cast of Luann, Gunther and Brad are among the few who have grown and changed. I think Gunther has it in him to set some limits with mom.

mom of course follows betts just to spy, I mean take an interest in gunnie and saturday will be her banging on the door

Gunther hasn’t cut the cord; he’s only temporarily let go of it. The day will soon come when he realizes that Bets is only in this relationship for the ability to share it on social media (as proven by the immediate selfie of which Gunther is currently too emotionally blinded to realize the significance!!!) Once that happens, he’ll be left with nothing but that rope to hold onto until the day (if ever) when a female worthy of him comes along.

Yes Gunther, be a “man”, get a job, move out of Mommys house and let your current girlfriend run (more like ruin) your life

I REALLY want to like Bets, but every time we see her, she’s clicking selfies or livestreaming something no one wants livestreamed.

It just occured to me, because of the timeing of her ‘selfie’ that this is how she validates herself and expresses joy. It may be because of a backstory they need to write about, that might explain this more. But I am speculating that she was ignored in her family her whole life, and finds personal validation when she posts or at the very least records images of of significant events. Also for the un-initiated, a selfie does ot automatically post to a website. You have to upload it. There is a 50/50 chance that this is just for them. There is also a 50/50 chance that they will depict somethng about that.

Before cell phones etc. there were people still acting out, to be seen, because they felt invisible. This could be why she does this. It could be a form of sef-medicating.

And it explains social media in general.

I’ve only been here for, what, 35years; and Lu, Bern, and friends have developed from young adolescents to older adolescents. One is “wealthy” but has no money and the rest are all dependent. Part time jobs, drama, and dorm life are not what it takes to cut a cord.

Both can be. Even after you marry, your Mom is still #1. So is your wife, just not the same kind of #1. And they aren’t married.

Stay tuned for mom to see the selfie.

If Gunther has a roll in the hay with Betsy he could be spending Irma’s money on something else instead of college. Selfish Bets can’t be 1/2 the mother Irma was and apparently despite her nickel and dime approach – shaking down everyone for every thing she can get, she has not provided a room or home for Gunther and herself – they’re in a tiny shack with Les listening in. And how old is this Betsy person anyway?

Cut the cord with B Gun! Snip!

No cord cutting, just a change of the leash holder.

from 1 controller to the next…an old story…

If your mom controls you get your own place

I enjoy photography and travel in Europe. However, I have never, ever taken a selfie. One thing I hate when I’m trying to take a picture of some feature, and there’s somebody standing in front of it taking a selfie of themselves.

Gunther, instead of metaphorically cutting the cord, why not take some action to show that you’re cutting it. You’ve got an attractive young woman on your bed. She seems willing, eager, to help you cut that cord. Get her to put her phone down, and, take some actual action to show your cutting the cord. (We may see them shortly afterwards, but not, of course, during.)

I guess love really isn’t a many splendored thing.

What Gunther and Bets have is beautiful and Irma can’t destroy it.

Well, we all know where this is headed. Nice knowing you, Bets.

If a woman has to tell an adult man to cut the cord to his Mom, it is already too late. He should have done that naturally between age 12 and 18. Gunther will just go from one controlling woman to another controlling woman. None of those 3 will be happy.

And there’s the wind up… and the pitch….Scorn???? What scorn? The two adults were genuinely concerned over what was going on with Tiffany. You can see the self importance Betz takes upon here self. She is the center of her own little universe. It’s all about her… Let me build up Gunther before I topple his world. OH! And let’s make sure it all caught on video for my followers.

These two should be having wild, uncontrolled sex, not talking and snapping pictures.

Maybe Bets needs to cut the phone cord too.

I think a point might be getting missed here. Bets pretty much demands to be #1 in Gunther’s life. But who/what is #1 in her life? It should be obvious she has a double standard, because her social media account is the most important thing in her life….even more important than Gunther. Bets asked Gunther to “ignore his mom”, what if he asks her to “take a break from posting on social media”.

Bets wants her turn at controlling Gunther now.

The funny thing here is that the stereotype of Bets as “selfie-loving teen” is itself about a decade out-of-date. So does this mean that in 2030 or so we’ll see the characters discover TikTok dances and the actual things today’s 19-year-olds are doing? And how long until Luann finally learns that her phone is a source of knowledge and entertainment? I mean, teens glued to their phones is irritating to see, but it’s still a lot more realistic than her literally staring off into space all day:

https://www.gocomics.com/luann/2021/05/02

It’s too bad that G&K have turned this into a story where someone will have to be the villain, and it looks like it’s going to be good ol’ Irma, the mom who loves Gunther, smothers him too much for sure, but has always been there for him. They sealed her fate when they made her behave so badly at dinner. Bets’ “her or me” ultimatum is not a healthy course of action for any of them, but it’s easy for Bets to expect Gunther to estrange his family because that’s what she’s done to hers, and she needs validation. Just like with Bernice – there has never been any evidence at all that their families were bad. There is, however, lots of evidence showing these girls being callous and cruel to the women who raised them. I hope Gunther doesn’t fall for her trap.

Bets is very similar to Irma in her controlling ways….

Genesis 2:24, KJV: Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

We are adrift in a sea of arrested development with all these characters.

Ugh. Never been a fan of Bets. I think she’s controlling, manipulative, and intrusive and I dislike all the social media stuff she does. Gunther can do so much better!

I think Gunther made a very mature decision right there.

He may not get any “action” tonight, but he acted well.

Does that mean you’re moving out on your own?

Gun really needs to get his own place.

Trading one controller for another

In this case Irma is right to be cautious of Bets. But its time for Gunther to get a job and show some independence.

Shame on Gunther’s mom. She would deserve it if Bets were to send the pic to her.

Tomorrow, someone is going to be very upset! Will it be Bets or Gunther’s mom?

Sneaking a girl in your room is not cutting the cord. Its reinforcing the cord.

You guys remember Rosa? That was a long time ago. Gunther is certainly old enough by now to have cut the cord. His behavior often leaves me very disapointed.

Bets runs in where fools dare to tread.

Its going to take more than scissors to cut that cord

Has anyone been reading Luann Again this week? Very good and interesting.

Did you notice the seating arrangement at dinner?Both adults cut Bets off even when she was thanking them for dinner. I can see why she’d be upset. It’s a mess. Gunther has his hands full.

Dinner redo….. Sept. 9-10, 2019

Nothin like a snip, snap for snoop!

…and his mother is happy for him, all growed up. Al is wondering how soon he will be able to rent the house/shed to paying renters. Leslie is hoping for some Tiffany time.

tomorrow: Tiffany returns? =:-O

snip…….Gunther metaphorically cuts off Irma’s controlling self; it’s easy to assert himself in her absence. But when he confronts her in person he may melt and back off will have trouble standing up for his positions.

I don’t like how Irma treats Bets one bit, but I don’t think Bets acts like she prefers amicable conflict resolution, something a good partner should WANT for her guy. Think about it: This is Gunther’s MOM who was a devoted single-parent to him. They’ve been through a lot together. If anything, Bets should talk to Irma with sincerity letting her know she wants to be on the same page. I’d find Bets much more endearing if she did that since so far she seems very myopic when it comes to other people’s problems. And I WANT to like Bets, so I’d prefer that she makes good choices.

Bets stoking division by calling Irma annoying to Gunther’s face and yesterday shouting suggestive “Oh Gunny!” exclamations loud enough for Irma to hear and now posting pics online… it’s going out of the way to be instigating! Why would you do that if you want your boyfriend’s mom to accept you? It shows Irma that Bets doesn’t respect her.

[Al looks out the front window] “Irma, isn’t that Bets’ car?”

Cue the Barry White music now Bets and keep live streaming!

That’s a start Gunth, but it’s going to take more than that.

Just wait until Luann, Bernice and Tiff see the selfie of Bets and “Gun” in the bed together. Their heads gonna explode.

“Cut the cord, so I can tie you up in mine.” -Bets

OBVIOUS manipulation to separate Gunther from others in his life, because Bets can’t handle any sort of competing attention.

Cut the cord? Really it should be cut the apron strings.

Wow, all those replies….it is a soap opera cartoon!

Save water—-shower with a friend.

So he is choosing a controlling girlfriend over a controlling mother…. You guys must see all the controlling women in these GO-Comics!!!

Okay,the rehearsal went well.

When’s the actual performance?

I don’t believe a single word of it

Will there be coitus?

Guenther’s mom: “Why Guenther, I cut the cord long ago. I always thought that it was you who wanted to stay close…”

He could start by, I don’t know, renting his own place to live.

Bets never gives anyone a chance to get ready for the picture – and why didn’t Irma ever take Gunther to the dentist for that over-bite??

Gunther needs to take steps into adulthood and snipping the cord without a girl making him do it. It’s a theme for him that he only separates his identity from his mom’s identity when a girl encourages it. And then after the girl is gone, he makes his way right back into his Mom’s influence.

It’s not as easy as a simple declaration in a room with just 2 people neither who is the problem. I suspect that both Al and Irma have hopes that Tiffany will end up with either of their children. This is going to be messy

Gonna take more than “finger scissors” to cut the cords, Gunnie,baby! Moms have beaucoup years of working guilt!

You’re jumping from the pan into the fire, nimrod.

Wow! 318 comments today. Mine will be 319 and so low on the list probably seldom if ever read. I guess I have to stay up later and log in at night to post something. Anyway, I posted yesterday that Bets and Gunther haven’t done it yet. I still agree with that. Mama’s boy won’t be “cutting the chord” anytime soon, but I hope he has a discussion with Al and Irma about the way they treated Bets. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that the first thing Bets does is get out her phone and take a selfie. Maybe Gunther has been dominated for so long by his mom that he only feels comfortable in a relationship where he’s submissive. Yesterday I predicted “hilarity” or a disaster would ensue. So far neither one and the week is coming to an end. Looks like this arc will continue until next week. Will we see Tiffany tomorrow?

In bed and just holding hands…..

Birds of a feather should flock together…

I have dated guys who wanted someone to run their lives for them. Actually, I dated quite a few of them, because they are drawn to strong women. If you can’t figure out how to get dressed in the morning or how to feed yourself when you’re hungry, you’re not the guy for me! However, we have friends who are quite happy with the wife setting out clothes every single day for their husbands (down to socks and underoos, even), and telling them to come in out of the rain. It works for them and that’s fine. I can see Gunther going this route, which is why Luann would have not been a good choice for him, as she also needs someone on the stronger side to keep her on track and challenge her, like Quinn did.

An interesting ongoing debate about whether Bets is good for Gunther. I believe Gunther is moderately autistic and needs a strong woman to push him into good things that life has to offer. And Bets looks pretty hot (it’s the hair).

9thCapricorn said, “We’re taking bets here and betcha you know the odds.” -- Clever. Clever.

He’s always going to be, and I quote, “a Mama’s Boy”, unquote.

It’s a great first step, Gunther. One of many we all take in life.

My, how romantic!

Bets’ comment in Panel 2 points to a truism as old as time. It is firmly chiseled in the old saying: “A daughter is your daughter for the rest of your life, but a son is your son until he takes a wife.”

A wife will jealously guard her status as the matriarch of her family. Peace will ensue only where the mother accepts that position.

I know some readers will point to examples they believe do not conform to this; but the exception proves the rule!

Is Gunther aware that Bets’s phone is just as much an obstacle as his mom?

“Quick Sand” solution?

Send the selfie to Irma’s smartphone?

I’m not sure how far Gunther is going to go to assert his independence but if he caves in to his mother now I’m sure Bets will walk.

Cut the cord to the smartphone.

TO ALL OF YOU who thought I was disparaging Social Security and Medicare, I was responding to THIS: an apparent dig at the programs as ‘handouts’.For the record, I am on both.

“mgl179 about 14 hours agoThe comments the past couple of days have been enlightening as well as disturbing, but so perfectly highlight everything wrong with this country.”One side demanding everything for free. Every whim and desire to be taken care immediately, then ridicule those who provide for you. Maybe those who do the providing/enabling do need to be ridiculed for continuing to support those leeches.

I was saying that his idiot is probably on these programs as well.

looks like about a dozen comments have been removed ….. :-/

Does anyone remember Gunther being on that trip, grew facial hair, and “something” happened between the two of them? I wonder what ever happened to her???

Didn’t he try that with the girl he left in Central America?

Uhhh…well, I wonder how that will work out.

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

Hope springs eternal for Gunther to man up, and in some ways one sympathizes with Bets, who (whatever else) is no dummy. But then she has to go and spoil a promising moment with her social media disease….

Everything

so Gunther is going to move out